KeyRoutines

Automator for Windows: chain actions and watch folders

Automator is built into macOS and doesn't exist on Windows. KeyRoutines does the same kind of job on a Windows PC: you chain actions into a routine, and run it yourself, on a hotkey or schedule, or when files land in a folder. It's especially close for file jobs like moving, renaming, sorting and zipping; it doesn't have Automator's image and PDF actions or its Watch Me Do recorder.

Automator → KeyRoutines

In AutomatorIn KeyRoutines
WorkflowRoutine: steps that run in order, with conditions, repeats and branches.
Folder ActionFolder changed and Download finished triggers.Folder changedDownload finished
Application workflow you double-clickA routine you run from the tray favourites, the Run-by-name palette, a hotkey or a Stream Deck key.Run manuallyHotkey
Calendar AlarmAt a time and Every … schedules. There are no calendar triggers in 1.0.At a timeEvery …
Get Specified Finder Items and Filter Finder ItemsList files with a name pattern, Get file info, File or folder exists.List filesGet file infoFile or folder exists
Rename Finder ItemsRename file, with Replace text, Change case and Format date for the new name.Rename fileReplace textChange caseFormat date
Move and Copy Finder ItemsMove or copy file; Organize folder sorts files into subfolders by type, date or your own rules.Move or copy fileOrganize folderCreate folder
Create ArchiveZip files and Unzip file.Zip filesUnzip file
Move Finder Items to TrashDelete to Recycle Bin, with an undo journal for a routine's file changes.Delete to Recycle Bin
Ask for Text and Ask for ConfirmationAsk for input and Ask Yes or No.Ask for inputAsk Yes or No
Run Shell Script and Run AppleScriptRun PowerShell, Run command and Run JavaScript (Pro).Run PowerShellRun commandRun JavaScript
Watch Me DoNo recorder in 1.0. Press keys, Type text and Mouse steps cover recorded input.Press keysType textMouse

What's different

  • Automator has image actions (scale, convert, rotate) and PDF actions. KeyRoutines 1.0 has no image or PDF steps.
  • Automator's Quick Actions appear in Finder's right-click menu. In KeyRoutines you start a routine from a hotkey, the tray or a watched folder instead.
  • Automator passes files from one action to the next automatically. In KeyRoutines you pick earlier steps' outputs as chips, which is more explicit but takes an extra click.
  • Automator is free and included with macOS. KeyRoutines is a free download, with scripts and other extras in the optional one-time Pro upgrade.

Moving over

  1. 1

    Start with Folder Actions

    Create a routine with a Folder changed trigger on the same kind of folder, and set a file pattern like *.pdf so it only reacts to what you care about.

  2. 2

    Rebuild the file steps

    Add Move or copy file, Rename file or Zip files. For sorting a whole folder, Organize folder does it in one step.

  3. 3

    Replace Ask actions

    Use Ask for input or Ask Yes or No where the workflow needed you, and an If container to act on the answer.

  4. 4

    Try it safely

    Deletes go to the Recycle Bin, and Preview run shows what a routine would do before it touches anything.

Questions

Does Windows have something like Automator?
Windows includes Task Scheduler and Power Automate Desktop, which are more technical. KeyRoutines is a free app from the Microsoft Store that's closer to Automator's chain-the-actions approach.
Can KeyRoutines watch a folder like a Folder Action?
Yes. Folder changed fires when files appear, change, are renamed or deleted, and waits until a file has finished being written.
Can it resize or convert images?
Not in 1.0.
Can I import Automator workflows?
No. You rebuild them as routines.

Automator and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc.; KeyRoutines is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple.

Coming from somewhere else?

Try KeyRoutines instead of Automator

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

Get KeyRoutines freeFree vs Pro