[Skip to Content]

Apple Shortcuts for Your Screen Dimmer

Communicate with Turn Off the Lights for Desktop from the Shortcuts app

Apple Shortcuts is the automation app built into macOS. Turn Off the Lights for Desktop on Mac exposes its dimmer controls as Shortcuts actions, so you can dim your screen, turn the lights off and on, and adjust the dark layer from a shortcut, a Siri command, or a scheduled automation.

How it works

The desktop app registers its actions with the Shortcuts app on your Mac. Build a shortcut from those actions, then run it wherever Shortcuts run: the Shortcuts app itself, the menu bar, a keyboard shortcut, or a Home screen-style automation. The shortcut communicates straight to the app, no extra setup or account needed.

Trigger it with Siri

Every shortcut has a name, and saying that name to Siri runs it. Create a "Lights Off" shortcut and your Mac dims on voice command. It is the fastest way to control the dimmer when your hands are busy, or when the lamp button is out of reach.

Automate it on a schedule

The Automation tab in Shortcuts can run your shortcut at a set time, at sunset, or when another event fires. Pair it with the app's own Eye Protection schedule and your screen adapts to the evening completely hands-free.

How to use Apple Shortcuts with the app

  1. Install Turn Off the Lights for Desktop on your Mac from the Mac App Store.
  2. Open the Shortcuts app and create a new shortcut with the Turn Off the Lights actions, such as dimming the screen or setting the opacity.
  3. Run it from the Shortcuts app, the menu bar, a keyboard shortcut, Siri, or a scheduled automation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I control Turn Off the Lights for Desktop with Apple Shortcuts?

Yes. The desktop app exposes actions to the Shortcuts app on your Mac, so you can dim your screen, turn the lights off and on, and adjust the dark layer from a shortcut.

Can I trigger the dimmer with Siri?

Yes. Any shortcut you build can be run by Siri. Say the shortcut's name, for example "lights off", and Siri runs it and dims your screen.

Can I dim the screen automatically at night?

Yes. Use the Automation tab in the Shortcuts app to run your shortcut on a schedule, at sunset, or when another event happens, so the dimmer turns on by itself.

Does it work on iPhone and iPad too?

The Shortcuts actions communicate with the Turn Off the Lights for Desktop app on your Mac. Build the shortcut on the Mac where the app is installed.

Is Shortcuts support free?

Yes. It is included in Turn Off the Lights for Desktop on macOS at no extra cost, and the Shortcuts app itself is built into macOS.

Shortcuts turns your screen dimmer into part of your Mac automations, and it is one of many features in the desktop app. Get Turn Off the Lights for Desktop on macOS or on Windows, and put your dimmer on autopilot.