Shortcuts is a popular app used to build automatic workflows for your personal and professional life. Opal now offers Session Shortcuts, which means it is easier than ever to integrate Opal into your daily routines and block distracting apps. There are endless possibilities of what you can build with Opal Shortcuts, but here are a few examples you can implement.

Start an Opal Session automatically when you turn on "Do Not Disturb"

Combining Opal Sessions and "Do Not Disturb" has been a great combination for our Gems to achieve maximum focus. If you would like a Session to start as soon as you turn on "Do Not Disturb," follow these steps:

• Open the Shortcuts App. If you do not have it, you can download it from the App Store here
• Select the "Automation" Tab
• Select the "+" icon in the top right corner if you have existing Automations; select "New Automation" in the centre of the screen if not
• Scroll down and tap "Do Not Disturb"
• Keep "When Turning On" enabled and switch to "Run Immediately," then tap "Next"
• Tap "New Blank Automation"
• In the "Search Actions" toolbar input "Start Session" and select
• Tap on the "App List" option and select the Block List you'd like to use for this Session
• You can customize Session parameters if you tap on the blue arrow
• Tap "Done" when finished

Success! Now, when you enable "Do Not Disturb," an Opal Session will start automatically.

Start an Opal Session automatically when you arrive at work

If you'd like an Opal Session to start automatically when you arrive at work, here's how to make that happen:

• Open the Shortcuts App. If you do not have it, you can download it from the App Store here‍
• Select the "Automation" Tab
• Select the "+" icon in the top right corner if you have existing Automations; select "New Automation" in the centre of the screen if not
• Tap on "Arrive"
• Beside "Location", tap "Choose"
• Select your desired location
• Choose between "Anytime" or "Time Range"
• Choose "Run immediately"
• Tap "Next"
• Tap "New Blank Automation"
• Input "Start Session" in the "Search Actions" toolbar and tap on it
• Tap on the "App List" option and select the Block List you'd like to use for this Session
• You can customize Session parameters if you tap on the blue arrow
• Tap "Done" when finished

Please note that Opal does not have access to any location data. Shortcuts simply recognizes your location, and instructs Opal to start a Session.

Start an Opal Session automatically when you open a specific app

Opening one of your favorite apps for some quality screen-time? Whether you're going to meditate with Headspace, draw with Lake, or read with Kindle, blocking distractions with Opal will let you stay present in your activity. Here's how to do it:

• Open Shortcuts App. If you do not have it, you can download it from the App Store here‍
• Select the "Automation" Tab
• Tap the "+" icon in the top corner if you have existing Automations; select "New Automation" in the centre of the screen if not
• Select the "App" you'd like to trigger a Session with when opened
• Tap "Choose" and select your app
• Keep "Is Opened" toggled and switch to "Run Immediately," then tap "Next"
• Tap "New Blank Automation"
• On the "When "App" is opened" screen, input "Start Session" in the "Search Actions" toolbar and tap on it
• Beside "Start Blocking" tap on "App List"
• Select the Block List you'd like to use for this Session
• Tap on the blue arrow to customize the Session
• Tap "Done" when finished

Start an Opal Session and a Focus Playlist at the same time  

If you'd like to create the perfect environment for productivity by removing digital distractions and queuing up some of your favorite beats, you can start an Opal Session and a Focus playlist simultaneously (although please note that this shortcut requires Apple Music). You can set it up immediately on your device using our shortcut here.

Start an Opal Session and send a message to a loved one to let them know you'll be off the grid

Being disconnected for long periods of time, although calming for us personally, can worry our loved ones. Before starting a long Opal Session, sending a quick message to a parent, friend, or significant other can help alleviate that stress. You can set it up immediately on your device using our Shortcut here.

That's it! If the actions in your Shortcut app does not mirror the instructions above, please update your phone OS and try again. If something else is going wrong with your Shortcuts after following every single step listed above, send us a report in the app!