Add script to Finder’s Quick Actions menu

Tech Support
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1

I want to add my AppleScript script in the Quick Actions menu in the Finder toolbar:

Screenshot 2025-05-09 at 10.42.33 PM
Screenshot 2025-05-09 at 10.42.33 PM1174×492 61.3 KB

The important thing to say is that I want the script to be available even if no files or folders are selected.

Here is what I’ve tried:

  1. Open Automator and createa a new Quick Action
  2. Set Workflow receives to “no input” and in to "Finder
  3. Drag Run AppleScript in the working area and paste my script there
  4. Save it
  5. Make sure it is saved in ~/Library/Services (just in case)
  6. Relaunch Finder (just in case).

But this doesn’t seem to work. Maybe I did something wrong?

2

Use Shortcuts to create a shortcut that runs your script.

In the Shortcut Details menu, in the right sidebar, set the shortcut to be executable from the Finder Quick Actions menu.

CleanShot 20250509 at 16.09.55@2x
CleanShot 20250509 at 16.09.55@2x556×766 45 KB

In the Quick Actions menu, you might have to access “Customize” to make sure the shortcut you created, above, is activated for the Quick Actions menu.

FWIW, running a shortcut from the menubar Shortcuts menu is just as effective as running it in a quick action if the shortcut / script does not accept input from Finder.

Katie

4 Likes
3

Hello, Katie. I tried exactly as you told, but if no files or folders are selected, the script doesn’t appear in the menu (and if files or folders are selected, the script does appear). Does a test script like display dialog "test" appear for you there if no files or folders are selected?

4

I’m confused. Finder Quick Actions are meant to operate on selected files or folders. What does your script do, and why does it need to be attached to the Quick Action menu?

There is a method to get a shortcut into the Finder sidebar. In the Shortcuts app, control-click the shortcut and choose “Add to Dock”. Next, open Finder and command-drag the shortcut from the Dock into the Finder sidebar. You can then remove the shortcut from the Dock. (Don’t delete it, remove it.)

This only works effectively if the shortcut (which macOS has converted to an .app) does not need to operate on something selected in finder or selected in some document, etc.

Katie

2 Likes
5

Nevermind, I solved the issue in a somewhat different way. Maybe I messed up something in my understanding.

1 Like
6

In case anyone wants to know the solution:

https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/479912/add-script-to-finder-s-quick-actions-menu

1 Like