Each of us wants to have more free time. One way to achieve this goal is to set your computer to automatically perform repetitive tasks, such as changing the file name and image size, and starting and stopping certain applications. With the necessary software at hand, you can free yourself from routine tasks.
In addition to the applications that we will discuss below, there are a number of programs whose functions can be automated by default. This can be one or a whole combination of options that will be applied to new files – whether it's rotating a photo or saving a text document in PDF format. It is worth digging into the functionality of the software that you use yourself to understand whether it is possible to automate certain default options.
For example, in Microsoft Word, open the tab "View" in the top menu, select an option "Macros" and click on the "Record Macro" button. This way, you can automate a specific process. In Adobe Photoshop, find the option "Create a new action" (small plus icon) at the bottom of the dialog box "Actions". This will also give you the option to set up a specific action to be performed automatically.
Windows
Windows does not have its own Macro Recorder (a program for recording macros). However, Microsoft has developed a free Power Automate Desktop tool for all those who want to automate certain tasks on the system. This is a multi-functional software that you will have to tinker with for some time to fully understand its operation. However, it can automate the execution of a number of tasks on your operating system.
The good news is that you don't need to enter different commands - open the tool and start creating automated processes. To do this, click on the "Create a stream". After that, you can go to the thread designer screen. Here you can drag and drop processes from the list on the left, as well as record your actions performed using the mouse and keyboard.
View the entire list of actions available in the panel on the left to see how versatile Power Automate Desktopis. You can manage files, folders, email, clipboard contents, system processes, input devices, and more. It's not the easiest tool to use, but once you understand its functions, you can automate almost any process.
Other options available on the market include RoboTask. It is one of the most sophisticated tools for automating the execution of processes in Windows. For$ 150 a year ($60 for each subscription renewal for the next year), you will get incredible functionality and the ability to automate almost all processes. In addition, you can use RoboTask for free for 30 days to fully test its capabilities. It should be noted that there is also an older, stripped-down, but free version of RoboTask on the market, which is suitable for those who can't sign up for a paid subscription.
Once the program is running, click on the "Create a new task" in the upper-left corner to start creating macros. Triggers can be anything from a keyboard shortcut to pasting information to the clipboard. Automated actions include manipulating files and folders, editing the registry, and disabling and enabling system functions. Examples of automation processes are provided here.
Macro Recorder is another tool that deserves your attention. It is simpler and easier to use than the previous two options. Although you will have to pay a one-time fee of$ 50 to use this software, you can also test its free version. Macro Recorderuses a slightly different approach to building macros: it records the actions that the user performed using the mouse and keyboard, and reproduces them.
Click on the "Record new Macro" button to record the execution of certain processes using the mouse and keyboard and play them back. The actions themselves can be edited after they are recorded. You can configure the order of execution of processes as you need them.
Another program worth paying attention to is Free Macro Recorder. As the name of the tool already implies, it is absolutely free. It works in much the same way as Macro Recorder: you start recording, perform all the necessary actions using the keyboard and mouse, and then they are automated by the program.
The free version doesn't have the ability to edit recorded macros, but it's perfect for creating quick and easy automated processes. The program allows you to choose how often to repeat the created macros. You can also automatically launch multiple appsif you need them to perform a specific task.
macOS
If we talk about similar built-in tools on Mac OS, Automator will help you make sure that a certain process is automatically executed several times. The program can automate various operations: starting with editing files and ending with changing photo parameters. The tool is not easy to use, but it has a rich functionality.
After you start Automator, you will be prompted to create a new automated task called a workflow. You have several different types of processes to choose from:
In general, Automator is suitable for automating many tasks: renaming file packages, extracting text from PDF files, closing all running applications, resizing entire groups of images, and turning the clipboard contents into a text file. You will have to spend enough time to understand the program's capabilities, but it's worth it.
Keyboard Maestro is one of the most popular third-party programs for automating processes. It will cost you$ 36, but you can test the features of the tool in its free trial version. Keyboard Maestro is more easy to use. The tool also has a manual macro recording option, so if you want, you can simply perform the actions you need, and the program will record your every step.
New automated processes can be created using the small "+" (plus) icon in the panel at the bottom of the interface. After recording, you will be asked to name a new macro. Use the option "New Trigger" to select how and when to run the macro (for example, using a keyboard shortcut or at a specific time of day), and then click "New action" to decide which actions to perform.
Open the trigger and action lists to get an idea of what processes can be automated using Keyboard Maestro. You can manage files, images, applications, and the system clipboard; enter text, play music, view system notifications, and use the Safari web browser. You probably won't find a process that you can't automate.
The Macro Recorder tool, which we discussed earlier in the Windows programs section, can also be used on macOS. You can test the program for free to decide if you want to purchase the full version of the program for$50. It is easier to use than Automator and Keyboard Maestro. You can still use it to create some fairly complex macros for your convenience and to save time.
In addition to the applications that we will discuss below, there are a number of programs whose functions can be automated by default. This can be one or a whole combination of options that will be applied to new files – whether it's rotating a photo or saving a text document in PDF format. It is worth digging into the functionality of the software that you use yourself to understand whether it is possible to automate certain default options.
For example, in Microsoft Word, open the tab "View" in the top menu, select an option "Macros" and click on the "Record Macro" button. This way, you can automate a specific process. In Adobe Photoshop, find the option "Create a new action" (small plus icon) at the bottom of the dialog box "Actions". This will also give you the option to set up a specific action to be performed automatically.
Windows
Windows does not have its own Macro Recorder (a program for recording macros). However, Microsoft has developed a free Power Automate Desktop tool for all those who want to automate certain tasks on the system. This is a multi-functional software that you will have to tinker with for some time to fully understand its operation. However, it can automate the execution of a number of tasks on your operating system.
The good news is that you don't need to enter different commands - open the tool and start creating automated processes. To do this, click on the "Create a stream". After that, you can go to the thread designer screen. Here you can drag and drop processes from the list on the left, as well as record your actions performed using the mouse and keyboard.
View the entire list of actions available in the panel on the left to see how versatile Power Automate Desktopis. You can manage files, folders, email, clipboard contents, system processes, input devices, and more. It's not the easiest tool to use, but once you understand its functions, you can automate almost any process.
Other options available on the market include RoboTask. It is one of the most sophisticated tools for automating the execution of processes in Windows. For$ 150 a year ($60 for each subscription renewal for the next year), you will get incredible functionality and the ability to automate almost all processes. In addition, you can use RoboTask for free for 30 days to fully test its capabilities. It should be noted that there is also an older, stripped-down, but free version of RoboTask on the market, which is suitable for those who can't sign up for a paid subscription.
Once the program is running, click on the "Create a new task" in the upper-left corner to start creating macros. Triggers can be anything from a keyboard shortcut to pasting information to the clipboard. Automated actions include manipulating files and folders, editing the registry, and disabling and enabling system functions. Examples of automation processes are provided here.
Macro Recorder is another tool that deserves your attention. It is simpler and easier to use than the previous two options. Although you will have to pay a one-time fee of$ 50 to use this software, you can also test its free version. Macro Recorderuses a slightly different approach to building macros: it records the actions that the user performed using the mouse and keyboard, and reproduces them.
Click on the "Record new Macro" button to record the execution of certain processes using the mouse and keyboard and play them back. The actions themselves can be edited after they are recorded. You can configure the order of execution of processes as you need them.
Another program worth paying attention to is Free Macro Recorder. As the name of the tool already implies, it is absolutely free. It works in much the same way as Macro Recorder: you start recording, perform all the necessary actions using the keyboard and mouse, and then they are automated by the program.
The free version doesn't have the ability to edit recorded macros, but it's perfect for creating quick and easy automated processes. The program allows you to choose how often to repeat the created macros. You can also automatically launch multiple appsif you need them to perform a specific task.
macOS
If we talk about similar built-in tools on Mac OS, Automator will help you make sure that a certain process is automatically executed several times. The program can automate various operations: starting with editing files and ending with changing photo parameters. The tool is not easy to use, but it has a rich functionality.
After you start Automator, you will be prompted to create a new automated task called a workflow. You have several different types of processes to choose from:
- working (macros that are already available in the program by default);
- application (macros that will be created offline);
- actions with folders (macros that are activated after moving a file to a specific folder);
- calendar (macros that are activated on a scheduled basis).
In general, Automator is suitable for automating many tasks: renaming file packages, extracting text from PDF files, closing all running applications, resizing entire groups of images, and turning the clipboard contents into a text file. You will have to spend enough time to understand the program's capabilities, but it's worth it.
Keyboard Maestro is one of the most popular third-party programs for automating processes. It will cost you$ 36, but you can test the features of the tool in its free trial version. Keyboard Maestro is more easy to use. The tool also has a manual macro recording option, so if you want, you can simply perform the actions you need, and the program will record your every step.
New automated processes can be created using the small "+" (plus) icon in the panel at the bottom of the interface. After recording, you will be asked to name a new macro. Use the option "New Trigger" to select how and when to run the macro (for example, using a keyboard shortcut or at a specific time of day), and then click "New action" to decide which actions to perform.
Open the trigger and action lists to get an idea of what processes can be automated using Keyboard Maestro. You can manage files, images, applications, and the system clipboard; enter text, play music, view system notifications, and use the Safari web browser. You probably won't find a process that you can't automate.
The Macro Recorder tool, which we discussed earlier in the Windows programs section, can also be used on macOS. You can test the program for free to decide if you want to purchase the full version of the program for$50. It is easier to use than Automator and Keyboard Maestro. You can still use it to create some fairly complex macros for your convenience and to save time.
