Shortcut to open a file
How do I create a shortcut to open a pdf file (in files). The answer given does not work any more!
iPhone 13
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The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
How do I create a shortcut to open a pdf file (in files). The answer given does not work any more!
iPhone 13
I figured out something that works on IOS 17.4.1:
Create a Shortcut
• Go to the Shortcuts app > All Shortcuts.
• Tap the <Plus> button (top right) to create a new shortcut.
• Tap <Add an Action>.
• In the Search box enter the word “open” (w/o quotes) then scroll down to Documents and select <open file>
• Now the search bar will say open <file> in <default app>
• Select <file> and locate and select the pdf file you want to open
• Select <default app>. Scroll down and select files.
• Tap on <Done>
• Now, tap on <Next>, upper right, and name your shortcut and, if you’d like, assign it an icon. (To assign an icon, tap on the Shortcut icon next to the name you just gave your document then tap on <Glyph> and pick an icon that makes sense and then, if you’d like assign a color in the next window then click Done, at the top right..)
• To add the shortcut to the Home Screen, in the Shortcut.app:
• Tap on your new shortcut,
• Tap on the ellipsis (three dots in a circle) icon
• Tap on <Add to Home Screen>
• Tap on <Add>
• Tap on <Done>
I figured out something that works on IOS 17.4.1:
Create a Shortcut
• Go to the Shortcuts app > All Shortcuts.
• Tap the <Plus> button (top right) to create a new shortcut.
• Tap <Add an Action>.
• In the Search box enter the word “open” (w/o quotes) then scroll down to Documents and select <open file>
• Now the search bar will say open <file> in <default app>
• Select <file> and locate and select the pdf file you want to open
• Select <default app>. Scroll down and select files.
• Tap on <Done>
• Now, tap on <Next>, upper right, and name your shortcut and, if you’d like, assign it an icon. (To assign an icon, tap on the Shortcut icon next to the name you just gave your document then tap on <Glyph> and pick an icon that makes sense and then, if you’d like assign a color in the next window then click Done, at the top right..)
• To add the shortcut to the Home Screen, in the Shortcut.app:
• Tap on your new shortcut,
• Tap on the ellipsis (three dots in a circle) icon
• Tap on <Add to Home Screen>
• Tap on <Add>
• Tap on <Done>
Shortcut to open a file