Process files with Mac Shortcuts and Yuzu Drag

Mac Shortcuts: Process Files

To process files with Mac Shortcuts, connect image files to Yuzu Drag’s Process Files action and pass its output to the next action. Use Process Files for JPEG, PNG, WebP or resizing. Use Run Preset for a compatible saved local transform or image chain. Neither action opens the wheel.

Supply the input deliberately. Launching a shortcut from the Dock or menu bar does not automatically capture the current Finder selection.

Try the built-in Shortcuts actions first

Apple's Shortcuts app can already assemble image workflows using its own image actions. For a simple conversion or resize, start there: receive images, add the relevant built-in action, and save or pass on the result. If that meets your requirements, you do not need Yuzu in the middle.

Yuzu's actions are useful when you want a shortcut to use Yuzu's local processing or a preset you also maintain in the app. Shortcuts remains responsible for the surrounding workflow: selecting files, receiving Finder input, choosing a final destination, and handing results to another app.

Keep the first shortcut small. Prove that one selected file reaches the processing action and that its returned output reaches the save step before adding filters, multiple branches, or a large selection.

Process Files parameters

The action is named Process Files. It accepts Files and provides an Operation choice with these labels:

• Convert to JPEG
• Convert to PNG
• Convert to WebP
• Resize image

The default operation is Convert to PNG. Quality defaults to 0.85 and accepts values from 0.0 to 1.0. Quality is a processing setting, not a percentage reduction or a promised output size. Its effect depends on the output format and file contents.

The resize parameters are Width (0 = automatic), Height (0 = automatic), Keep aspect ratio, and Do not enlarge. Width defaults to 1024, height to 0, and both switches default to enabled. These parameters belong to resizing; selecting an image conversion does not turn them into a separate resize step.

Process Files returns a list of output files for subsequent actions. Add an explicit save or file-consuming step if you want a durable result at a known location. Do not treat an intermediate Shortcuts result as your permanent archive.

Make a Finder Quick Action

1. Open Shortcuts and create a shortcut.
2. In Details, turn on Use as Quick Action and enable Finder.
3. Configure it to receive Files and Folders from Quick Actions.
4. Add Yuzu Drag's Process Files action.
5. Connect Shortcut Input to Files.
6. Choose the operation and its settings.
7. Add the save or other file-consuming action that should receive Yuzu's output.
8. Name and save the shortcut.
9. In Finder, select a suitable file, right-click, and choose your shortcut under Quick Actions.

Receiving Files and Folders is the Quick Action's input setup, not a promise that an image conversion operates on a folder. Pass compatible actual image files to the transform.

If the shortcut does not appear in Finder, use Customize to enable it in the system's Extensions settings. On the first run, macOS or Shortcuts may ask for file or automation access. Approve only the intended inputs and destination.

Run a saved preset

Use Run Preset when the configuration belongs in Yuzu's preset library. The action has Files and Preset parameters and returns output files. Choose a compatible saved preset rather than entering a guessed operation name.

For example, a saved resize-and-compress image chain can represent the same preparation rule you use for repeated manual batches. The presets and chains reference explains its limits; the batch workflow guide focuses on choosing useful resize and compression settings.

Presets that need an interactive editor, sharing, mutation, or clipboard access are not supported by this headless action. A preset existing in the desktop library does not establish that it can appear in Run Preset. Saved destinations must also remain available; an automated run does not open a destination picker to repair access.

Deleting and recreating a preset can leave a shortcut referring to the old saved identity. If Shortcuts says the preset no longer exists, choose the current preset again in the action.

Manual wheel use is a separate entry point

For an occasional manual job, begin dragging an image, tap ⇧ for Convert or ⌘ for Tools, and drop on the intended wedge. Another tap of ⌘ opens Actions. Those taps are the wheel workflow, not steps you must simulate inside a shortcut.

Conversions create output files while keeping the source files. Use a small test selection and inspect the resulting images before connecting the shortcut to a larger handoff. Native format availability can depend on the Mac and the input file; a supported operation name does not make an unreadable input valid.

If Yuzu cannot finish starting for an action, open the app and rerun the shortcut. If the result is missing, check the input connection and the final save step before changing processing options. The image tools hub provides the capability overview.

Related links

• Browse the tools hub
• Automation and reference documentation
• Download Yuzu Drag