How To Automatically Launch And Close An App On Mac At Scheduled Times

by
Do you have an app that you want to use at specific times of the day? Do you find yourself forgetting to open or close the app manually? If so, you can save time and automate the process by using the built-in tools on your Mac. Here’s how to automatically launch and close an app on Mac at scheduled times.
Contents show

Step 1: Open the Automator App

The first step is to open the Automator app on your Mac. You can do this by searching for “Automator” in Spotlight or by finding it in your Applications folder. Once you open the app, you will see a list of actions that you can use to create workflows.

Step 2: Create a New Workflow

To create a new workflow, click on “New Document” or press “Command + N”. Next, select “Workflow” as the type of document you want to create. You can also choose a template if you want to use a pre-made workflow.

Step 3: Add the “Launch Application” Action

In the left sidebar, you will see a list of actions that you can use to build your workflow. Scroll down until you find the “Launch Application” action and drag it into the main workflow area.

Step 4: Choose the App to Launch

Once you have added the “Launch Application” action, click on the drop-down menu and select the app that you want to launch. You can also use the search bar to find the app if it’s not listed.

Step 5: Add the “Quit Application” Action

To close the app at a specific time, you will need to add the “Quit Application” action to your workflow. You can find this action in the same sidebar as the “Launch Application” action.

Step 6: Choose the App to Quit

Just like with the “Launch Application” action, you will need to select the app that you want to quit from the drop-down menu.

Step 7: Set the Schedule

Now that you have added the actions to your workflow, it’s time to set the schedule. Click on the “iCal Alarm” action in the sidebar and drag it into the workflow area. You can then set the time and date that you want the workflow to run.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use this method to launch and close multiple apps?

    Yes, you can add multiple “Launch Application” and “Quit Application” actions to your workflow to automate multiple apps.

  • Will the workflow run if my Mac is asleep?

    No, the workflow will only run if your Mac is awake at the scheduled time. If your Mac is asleep, the workflow will run the next time your Mac wakes up.

  • Can I edit or delete a scheduled workflow?

    Yes, you can edit or delete a scheduled workflow by opening the Calendar app and finding the event associated with the workflow. You can then make changes to the event or delete it entirely.

Leave a Comment