KeyRoutines
TriggerFreetrigger.routine

Make a helper routine that other routines can start

Started by another routine is the trigger for helper routines. It shows that this routine is meant to be called by Run routine or Call routine, and lets it see which routine called it.

How it works

  • It has no settings and watches nothing.
  • The routine starts whenever another routine runs it.
  • It receives the calling routine and run, so it can tell who asked.
  • It costs nothing while waiting.

Routines that use it

One sound setup

A helper sets the default audio device and volume, and gaming, meeting and music routines all run it.

Shared file naming

A helper builds a name with Format date and returns it with Finish routine to each backup routine.

Common clean-up

Several routines end by calling a helper that closes chat apps with Close app.

Questions

What is a helper routine in KeyRoutines?
A routine with the Started by another routine trigger. Others run it with Run routine and can pass inputs and get outputs back.
Can a helper routine also have a hotkey?
Yes, a routine can have several triggers, and Started by trigger tells them apart.

Pairs well with

Step · Flow and routinesFree

Run routine

Run routine starts another routine from inside the current one. You can hand it inputs, wait for it to finish and use its outputs, or just start it and keep going.

Step · Flow and routinesFree

Finish routine

Finish routine ends the whole routine successfully on the spot and hands back the outputs you fill in. It's the way a small helper routine returns an answer to the routine that started it.

Condition · Flow and routinesFree

Started by trigger

Started by trigger checks which of a routine's own triggers began this run. That lets one routine react a little differently to a hotkey, a schedule or an app opening without keeping separate copies.

Step · AudioFree

Set default audio device

Set default audio device makes a playback or recording device the one Windows uses. People run it to move sound to a headset when gaming or a call starts, and back to speakers afterwards.

Step · Data and variablesFree

Format date

Format date writes a date as text in the layout you choose. It's the step behind dated file names, readable times in messages and timestamps in log files.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

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

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