How to keep all of your shortcuts in one spot with Launch Center Pro
If you are interested in one app to hold all of your shortcuts, then Launch Center Pro is a great option. It is really easy to set up and use and lets you access apps and actions using photos, bookmarks, email, text, and more. After you install Launch Center Pro you can use some of the built-in functions or customize your own actions.
What kinds of things can you do with Launch Center Pro? Here are just a few examples:
- Post a selfie to Facebook
- Tweet your last photo
- Send a group text message
- Add a new calendar event
- Open your favorite app
- Go directly to a bookmark in Safari
- Dial a number or contact
- Email a contact or create a new message
- Create a new Tumblr post
Here is a preview of some action samples you can set up. Just click here if you cannot view the video:
Setting up actions is simple. After clicking the edit icon on the main screen, you just navigate to the category such as search, bookmarks, photos, apps, or contacts. Select the one you need and then either edit a built-in function or create your own by selecting the plus sign.
By creating your own function, you will be presented with the Action screen. Here you add a name, URL, icon, schedule, and other customization option you want. You can also use the Action Composer to create the function. There are six available including system actions, featured apps, installed apps, and featured actions. Each one has different sets of functions for you to choose from with details for each.
For example, let’s say you would like a shortcut that sends an email to your boss with a specific subject and body text. In the Action Composer you would select System Actions and then Mail. You would then pick Email with Body & Subject from the list. Simply enter all details of the email, give the action a name, and click Done. Now your email is ready as a shortcut the next time you want to send it.
Usage
To use Launch Center Pro for launching an app, photo action, search, or other function, just hold down the appropriate icon and you will see the available options under that category. Then just slide your finger to the desired action and release. The app takes care of the rest.
Launch Center Pro currently works with certain apps and hopefully more will be on the way. When you select Installed Apps from the Action Composer you will see which of those you have installed already can be accessed with a shortcut. Featured Apps and Recently Added will both show you others that you can download from the App Store.
The app settings are basic and include a light or dark theme, Dropbox and manual backup, and location options with associated actions.
Launch Center Pro is just a handy way to keep all of your shortcuts in one place for easy access. The app is available for $4.99 on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
