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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" or the "+" icon in the top right corner
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 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 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 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
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 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

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.

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