Where Are Mac Automator Services Stored?
Automator workflows saved as Services live in a Services folder in Library, feeding the right click menu.
Last updated
Automator Services are folders disguised as files. Each .workflow bundle in the Services directory adds an entry to the right click Services menu across apps.
The user folder holds personal workflows while system ones stay protected elsewhere. Shortcuts app workflows live apart in their own database, a frequent source of confusion. Deleting a bundle removes its menu entry immediately.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
~/Library/Services
One .workflow bundle per Service. System workflows stay in /System out of reach; Shortcuts app workflows live elsewhere entirely.
Frequently asked questions
My workflow does not appear in the menu. Why?
Save the workflow as a Service targeting the right input type, then check Services preferences for conflicts. Workflows appear under the Services submenu, sometimes nested, and need input types matching the selection.
How do I move workflows to a new Mac?
Copy the .workflow bundles to the same folder on the new Mac with Automator closed. System workflows in /System stay behind by design. Third party actions travel inside the bundle usually.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.