Shortcut: Open Document file on Apple Watch

I had created a set of detailed instructions in iOS 15 on how to create a shortcut to a document that I wanted to open on my iPhone. I just tried them in iOS16 only to find that Apple has made a few changes in their Shortcut sub-menus and my instructions no longer work.

After hours of experimentation, I think I have a new set of how-to instructions that work but would be greatly beholden to anyone who has time to look at them and point anything I have wrong or to suggest any changes to them.

Making a shortcut to view a document:

• First move the document to which you want to make a shortcut into your iCloud Drive’s Shortcuts folder, noting the exact and complete name of this document. E.g. To-Do List.txt

• On iPhone, go to the Shortcuts app > All Shortcuts.

• Tap the <Plus> button (top right) to create a new shortcut.

• Tap <Add an Action>.

• In the Search box enter the word “file” (w/o quotes) then tap on <Search>

• Scroll down to [Get file from folder]

• Next screen will show [Shortcuts at path] & where you see [example.txt], paste in the name of the file you want to access.

• Go to [Next Action Suggestions]

• See [Documents] at bottom of screen, pull up and go to

• Files category and click on [Open File] and click [Done]

• Then hit Done at top

• Hit [Done] and finished shortcut shows up in Shortcuts app

• Tap on horizontal ellipses and name it.

To add the shortcut to the Apple Watch

• Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone

Tap the ellipses icon in the top-right corner of a shortcut,

• Tap [Details]

• Set slider to [Show on Apple Watch]