Apple Shortcuts

FlowDown provides App Intents so you can automate common tasks from the Shortcuts app, Spotlight, widgets, or Siri. Install FlowDown on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS to make these actions available everywhere.

Heads-up: Apple’s Shortcuts runtime enforces a strict execution time limit (about 30 seconds). Use a lighter model or lower the reasoning budget when chaining longer flows.

Getting Started

  1. Open Shortcuts and tap + to create a new shortcut.
  2. Search for "FlowDown." All available intents appear under the FlowDown heading.
  3. Choose an intent, set its parameters (model, message, files, audio, candidates), and chain it with other actions such as Calendar, Reminders, or Files.
  4. Add the shortcut to the Home Screen or assign a Siri phrase for quick access.

Generation & Media Intents

IntentDescriptionKey Parameters
Generate Model ResponseSends a prompt, can save the exchange as a new conversation, and can enable memory tools when supported.Model (optional), Message, Save to Conversation, Enable Memory Tools
Generate Model Response (Can Send Image) (iOS/iPadOS 18+, macOS 15+)Sends a prompt with an optional image; requires a vision-capable model.Model, Message, Image (optional), Save to Conversation, Enable Memory Tools
Transcribe Audio (iOS/iPadOS 18+, macOS 15+)Converts an audio file to text with an audio-capable model and can store the transcript.Model, Audio, Language Hint (optional), Save to Conversation

Classification Intents

IntentDescriptionKey Parameters
Classify ContentPicks the best candidate label for the provided text; if unsure, returns the first candidate.Model, Content, Candidate A-D
Classify Image (iOS/iPadOS 18+, macOS 15+)Classifies an image against the provided candidates; requires a vision-capable model.Model, Image, Candidate A-D

Writing Utilities

IntentOutput
Summarize TextReturns a concise paragraph summarizing the provided content.
Summarize Text as ListReturns bullet points that capture the main ideas.
Improve Writing - ProfessionalRewrites text with a confident, professional tone.
Improve Writing - FriendlyRewrites text with a warm, approachable tone.
Improve Writing - ConciseTrims the text to its essentials while preserving intent.

All writing intents accept a Model parameter so you can route shortcuts to local MLX models, Pollinations endpoints, or other cloud profiles.

Conversation & Navigation Intents

IntentDescriptionKey Parameters
Create Conversation LinkBuilds a flowdown://new/<message> deep link for launching a new chat via Open URL.Initial Message
Fetch Last ConversationReturns the full transcript (including reasoning) of the most recent conversation; requires device unlock.-
Search ConversationsSearches saved chats by keyword (or recent when empty) and returns formatted summaries; limit 1-50 results.Keyword, Result Limit
Create New ConversationCreates an empty conversation and can immediately switch to it.Switch to Conversation
Fill Conversation MessageStages text, images, and audio in the selected conversation editor; pair with Show/Show & Send.Conversation, Text, Images, Audio
Show ConversationOpens FlowDown to the specified conversation without sending.Conversation
Show and Send ConversationOpens FlowDown and sends the staged message.Conversation
Open FlowDownLaunches the app without additional actions.-

Model Management Intents

IntentDescription
Set Conversation ModelSets the default model for new conversations and as the fallback when other intents do not specify one.

Tips

  • Toggle Save to Conversation when you want history; FlowDown creates a "Quick Reply" chat with attachments and reasoning.
  • Turn on Enable Memory Tools to inject proactive memory context and let the model write updates when tools are available.
  • Pick vision- or audio-capable models for image or audio shortcuts; remove attachments if the chosen model lacks support.
  • Chain Fill Conversation Message -> Show and Send Conversation to deliver staged prompts; add Create New Conversation first when you need a fresh thread.
  • Combine Create Conversation Link with Open URL, and check Shortcuts logs for issues such as missing models or empty messages.

For MCP automation, see MCP Tools.