How to Schedule Emails in Apple Mail with Automator on Mac

Oct. 30, 2020

WhileApple Mailhas got the bases covered to be a reliable email app, it lacks many pro features. One of the important features that it lacks is “Scheduling”. Considering how essential this feature is, I have been waiting for its inclusion for a long time. And I guess I’m not alone who is asking for it. Thankfully, there is a workaround to schedule emails in the Apple Mail app on Mac. In this hands-on guide, I’m going to show how you can schedule an email in the Mac Mail app.

Schedule Emails in Apple Mail with Automator on macOS

First and foremost, let’s get to know how this workaround works! Well, we are going to first create an Automator application. And then, set it up to send the composed email at the specific date and time using theCalendar app.

Yes, it involves a bit of workaround. However, once you have perfectly set the application, it works reliably. What’s more, you can also reuse the Automator application to schedule emails, which saves you from going through the entire process again.

2. Now, click onNew Documentand chooseApplication.

3. Next, ensure that theActionsoption is selected in the left-hand sidebar. After that, chooseMailunder theLibraryoption.

4. Next up, selectNew Mail Messageand then drag it to the workflow space. After that, write the message in theNew Mail Message box. Be sure to enter the email address of the recipient and subject. Then, choose an account, if required.

Do note that you can repeat the same steps to add more messages which you want to schedule for the same time.

5. SelectSend Outgoing Messagesfrom the list and then drag it to the workflow window located under the New Mail Message box.

Then, click onFileand chooseSave. Make sure to give a suitable name to your application. Then, select thepreferred destinationand click onSave.

Once you have created the application, you can schedule the email using the Calendar app.

2. After that, create an event on thatdate and choose the preferred time. Depending on your needs, you can also add invites, notes, URLs, and even attachments.

3. Now, click onthe time.

4. Next, chooseCustomlocated underAlertdrop-down.

5. In the drop-down box, selectOpenFile.

6. Now, choose the application you have just created. Click onOtherand then head over to the location where the file has been saved and then select the application.

7. Be sure to selectAt Time of Eventfor the alert timing.

8. Finally, click onOK to finish.

That’s pretty much it! The scheduled email will be sent at the stipulated date and time. Do note that the app may ask for your confirmation for the first time it runs. So, make sure to allow it.

Note:

If you don’t want to go through this rigamarole, you will be better off using a third-party email client for Mac, to take control of your emails. If you want to have a fast and highly efficient email client with a number of helpful features like scheduling, batch archiving and pinning, I suggest you go with Spark Mail (free).

If your need warrants a feature-rich email client with features like read receipts, send later, and more, you should try out Newton Mail ($49.99/year). Just in case you wish to have a simple, reliable, and highly productive email client, look no further thanGmail.

If you want to see the features, pros, and cons of the apps mentioned above along with other top notchApple Mail alternatives, click on the link to read the article.

So, that’s the way you can schedule an email in the Mail app on macOS. Though the workaround seems a bit tedious, it works as expected. Notably, the process becomes a little easy-going once you have set it up thanks to the reuse feature.

Just in case you find the process inconvenient or wish to make the process of scheduling straightforward, try out the above-mentioned third-party email clients as they are fully equipped to let you manage emails with ease. Have any feedback? Be sure to share it in the comments section below.

An old school bibliophile who turned a tech nerd out of obsession. When he is not digging into hacks and tracking down stories that are breaking the internet, you may find him reciting poems.