Automations
Mac Space Automations: run apps, shortcuts & scripts with one click
macOS Spaces keep your projects separate, but nothing automatically sets up a Space when you arrive. SpaceJump's On Click automations (beta) close that gap: build a named group of actions once, then run the whole group from the menu bar in one click.
Updated August 2026
What an On Click automation actually is
Think of it as a "routine" for a Space. You give the routine a name — like Setup Workspace or Start Meeting — and fill it with actions. Each group can contain any mix of four action types:
When you run a group, every enabled action in it executes in order. One click can launch your editor, open the project folder, and run your dev server — instead of three separate clicks.
Why manual groups instead of automatic triggers
"Do something automatically when I enter a Space" sounds great until you switch Spaces ten times an hour. Every swipe would re-run the trigger, opening apps and executing scripts you didn't ask for. That's why SpaceJump's automations are manual: you decide exactly when a routine runs.
The trade-off disappears in practice: the menu bar is always one click away, and the play button for your current Space is right at the top. Routine starts in the same time it takes to swipe a desktop — but only when you want it to.
How to build your first automation group
Everything lives in Settings → Automations:
1. Add a group
Press "Add Group", give it a name (and optionally a description), and the group is created. Empty groups are fine — you add actions at your own pace.
2. Add actions with the +
Each group has its own + button. Pick the action type, fill in the app, folder, Shortcut or script, and save. Repeat as often as you like.
3. Run it from the menu bar
Open the SpaceJump menu, press the ▶ button next to your current Space, and click the group. Done.
Three groups worth stealing
Setup Workspace
Launch your IDE, open the project folder, and run the dev-server script. One click and your project is ready.
Start Meeting
Launch your video-call app and open today's meeting notes before the call starts.
Ship Build
Run your deploy script and open Terminal so you can watch it finish.
Frequently asked questions
Are Space automations free?
Automations are currently in beta and included in the free tier. Pricing may change when the beta ends.
Do automations work with Apple Shortcuts?
Yes. Use the "Run Shortcut" action type and pick the Shortcut you want. It runs through the Shortcuts app, so your existing Shortcuts keep working as-is.
Can I edit a group after creating it?
Yes. The pencil icon on a group lets you rename it and change its description. Each action inside can be edited, toggled on or off, or deleted individually.
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Last updated: August 2026