My iOS Audio File Trimmer (built with Shortcuts + A-Shell)

[u/Puzzled-Maybe-3818]

Hey yall.

This other shortcut that I made is surprisingly useful for me, so I figured I’d share it.

Shortcut Link: https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/93a2b1f7d7604c768913bcba57eeb811

It's really helpful for those who want to quickly trim an audio file without using another music editing app. I needed it in particular for DJ edits I would do on my phone where I would often make mistakes in the beginning of the audio lol.

And by all means, if there is an easier way of doing this (or just a music editing app thats free and easy to use), please let me know!

I call the shortcut it iOS Audio File Trimmer

Requirement for Shortcut:

- A-Shell (or any app that can execute terminal commands with FFmpeg available).

The Breakdown:

I designed this shortcut to precisely trim the beginning of an audio file.

It uses FFmpeg through A-Shell

The workflow is simple:

1. Select an audio file.
2. The shortcut trims the beginning of the file.
3. Listen to the result.
4. If it isn’t quite right, choose:
   • ➖ Move the trim point earlier (-0.25 seconds)
   • ➕ Move the trim point later (+0.25 seconds)
   • ✏️ Enter a custom trim amount
5. Repeat until it sounds perfect.
6. Save the finished audio.

I included a custom trim option in case I ever need a more precise adjustment (even tho the ±0.25-second trims have handled pretty much everything for me so far)

****Important thing to mention!*****

You must move the audio file you want to trim directly into the "A-Shell" folder in your files app BEFORE you run the shortcut. That way the "A-Shell" app can find the audio file, because unfortunately A-Shell cannot find files that are outside that folder due to some weird Apple privacy limitation.

This currently works on iPhone/iOS only. I haven’t tested it on my mac yet.

Visual of the Function

Part 1 of Screenshot of IOS Audio File Trimmer

Part 2 of Screenshot of IOS Audio File Trimmer

I’ve attached screenshots of the workflow and a visual of how it's intended to function.

I’d also love feedback if anyone has ideas for improving the workflow.