Get started with automation

How does automation work?

The proof app has a universal schema link you can use to automate or trigger timers from other apps (virtually any link you can think of). The schema links will only work on your phone. The easiest way to create a schema link for your automation is with this little tool I made:

Use Apple Shortcuts to automate

Now, that you have your schema link ready (and maybe tried it already), let's setup the automation.

Automate with Siri

Using voice as a trigger for your automation in convenient and flexible at the same time.

• Open the Apple Shortcuts app.
• Inside the My Shortcuts tab add a shortcut with the plus icon in the top right corner.
• Add an action. You are looking for the Open URL action that Safari offers.
• Add the URL you created with the tool above.
• Tap on Next in the top right corner to go to the next step.
• Add a name to your shortcut. This is the text you tell Siri, like "start working on Masterpiece".
• Test your automation by telling Siri "start working on Masterpiece".

Good to know: You can create more complex shortcuts with list of projects that Siri lets you choose from.

Automate using your geo location

When you have fixed work place for a customer/project, you might want to use geo location services to start or stop timers.

Good to know: The smallest diameter for geolocation areas is about 100 meters (~330 feet).

• Open the Apple Shortcuts app.
• Navigate to the Automation tab.
• This tab is usually empty, when you have not done this before. There should be a big box that says something like Create personal automation. Tap it.
• Choose Arrival or Departure from the list of triggers.
• In the next screen of this workflow you will be asked to select a location. Tap select and set the location and radius you desire.
• Tap on Next in the top right corner to go to the next step.
• Add an action. You are looking for the Open URL action that Safari offers.
• Add the URL you created with the tool above.
• Test your automation by leaving/entering the location you chose.

Automate with NFC tags

NFC tags are those little stickers you can put anywhere. They contain a little bit of electronic hardware, that can communicate with your phone. If you want to hold your phone somewhere to do something, this is the way to go.

• Open the Apple Shortcuts app.
• Navigate to the Automation tab.
• This tab is usually empty, when you have not done this before. There should be a big box that says something like Create personal automation. Tap it.
• Choose NFC from the list of triggers.
• In the next screen of this workflow you will be asked to scan the NFC tag. Tap scan and hold you phone close to the tag.
• Your phone will ask you to name the tag. Do it.
• Tap on Next in the top right corner to go to the next step.
• Add an action. You are looking for the Open URL action that Safari offers.
• Add the URL you created with the tool above.
• Test you automation by holding your phone near the NFC tag like before.

Automate with other triggers

The Apple Shortcuts app offers you many other triggers, that may suit you better. Think entering/leaving a WiFi network, time of day, connecting to a car with CarPlay, Messages and so much more.