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5+ Ways to use Opal with shortcuts

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 Automations Tab
  • Select New Automation
  • Scroll down and tap Do Not Disturb
  • Keep When Turning On enabled and switch to Run Immediately, then tap Next
  • Tap New Blank Automation
  • Tap Add Action
  • Search for Opal and select Start Session
  • Tap on the App Group and select the App Group from Opal 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

Professionals around the world rely on Opal to stay focused and do their best work. What if Opal could turn on as soon as you arrived at work? Here's how to make that happen:

  • Open Shortcuts App
  • Select the Automations Tab
  • Select New Automation
  • Scroll down and tap Arrive
  • Tap Choose
  • Select your desired location
  • Tap New Blank Automation
  • Tap Add Action
  • Search for Opal and select Start Session
  • Tap on the App Group and select the App Group from Opal you'd like to use for this Session
  • You can also 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.ย Here's how to do it:

  • Open Shortcuts App
  • Select the Automations Tab
  • Select New Automation
  • Select App
  • Tap Choose and select your app
  • Keep Is Opened toggled and switch to Run Immediately, then tap Next
  • Tap New Blank Automation
  • Tap Add Action
  • Search for Opal and select Start Session
  • Tap on the App Group and select the App Group from Opal you'd like to use for this Session
  • You can also customize Session parameters if you tap on the blue arrow
  • Tap Done when finished

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

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).ย You can set it up immediately on your device using our shortcut here. You can also set this shortcut up manually by taking the following steps:

  • Open Shortcuts App
  • Select the My Shortcuts tab
  • Tap the + in the top right
  • Name your shortcut
  • Tap Add Action
  • Search for Opal
  • Select Start Session
  • Choose Mode
  • Add another action
  • Search Apple Music

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. You can also set this shortcut up manually by taking the following steps:

  • Open Shortcuts App
  • Select the My Shortcuts tab
  • Tap the + in the top right
  • Name your shortcut
  • Tap Add Action
  • Search for Opal
  • Select Start Session
  • Choose Mode
  • Add another action
  • Search and select Send Message
  • Select the contact you want to send a message to
  • Type the message you want to send

That's it! If something is going wrong with your Shortcuts after following every single step listed above, send us a report in the app!

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