iOS User’s Favorite

iOS User’s Favorite

1. YAS Downloader

Goal

Prompt the user for a file URL, download that file, and save it to iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.

How to Create

  • Open Shortcuts → tap + (top-right) to create a new shortcut.
  • Add Action → search for “Ask for Input.”
    • Prompt: “Enter the URL to download”
    • Input Type: “URL”
  • Add another action: “Get Contents of URL.”
    • In the URL field, select the Provided Input (the variable from step above).
  • Add action: “Save File.”
    • File: The result from “Get Contents of URL.”
    • Destination: Choose iCloud or On My iPhone, or a specific folder.
  • (Optional) Add a notification or Show Result: “File Saved!”
  • Name it “YAS Downloader.”

How to Use It

  • Run “YAS Downloader,” paste or type the link, and it downloads and saves the file to your chosen folder.

2. RT Downloader

Goal

Similar concept, but includes extra steps for renaming the file or asking for a custom filename before saving.

How to Create

  • Open Shortcuts → +.
  • “Ask for Input” → Prompt: “Enter the URL to download” (Input Type: URL).
  • “Get Contents of URL” → Use Provided Input from above.
  • (Optional) Another “Ask for Input” if you want a custom filename (Input Type: Text).
  • “Save File” → File: output from “Get Contents of URL.”
  • Ask Where to Save: ON (if you want a prompt each time).
  • If using custom filename, set the path: /Shortcuts/[Provided Input].pdf or another extension.
  • (Optional) “Show Notification” with “File Saved as [Provided Input].pdf.”
  • Name it “RT Downloader.”

How to Use It

  • Run “RT Downloader,” paste a URL, optionally choose a file name, and it saves to your chosen folder.

3. Additional Ideas

  1. URL to PDF Converter
    Take a webpage URL, convert to PDF, then Save or Share.
    • Ask for URL → Get Contents/Make PDF → Save File or Share.
  2. Batch Downloader (Multiple URLs)
    Prompt the user to paste multiple URLs (one per line), then split text and loop “Get Contents → Save File” for each.
  3. Auto-Save Attachments from Email
    More advanced: use Mail-based automation (if supported) to grab attachments and save them automatically.

4. Using & Managing the Shortcuts

  • Add to Home Screen: In a shortcut’s edit screen, tap the Share Icon or the “…” → Add to Home Screen.
  • Ask Siri: Name the shortcut clearly and say “Hey Siri, run YAS Downloader.”
  • Automation: Shortcuts → Automation → + → Create Personal Automation (schedule or trigger under certain conditions).

5. Tips & Cautions

  • Legal/Copyright: Only download files you have rights to.
  • File Types: Prompt for the file extension if you’re unsure.
  • Network Connectivity: Large files require Wi-Fi or good data connection.
  • Service Blocks: Some streaming sites block direct downloads.
  • Renaming: Chain actions like “Rename File” or “Save File” with custom paths for more control.

6. Final Wrap-Up

YAS Downloader and RT Downloader are simple Shortcuts prompting for a URL, fetching the content, and saving it. You can enhance them by renaming files, batch-downloading multiple links, or converting websites to PDF. Add them to your Home Screen or call them via Siri for quick use—enjoy more streamlined file management on iOS!