simulator-utils

Automate iOS Simulator screenshots and image resizing with xcrun and sips.

299|16|Updated Feb 19, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/vabole/apple-skills --skill simulator-utils
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: simulator-utils
Source: https://github.com/vabole/apple-skills/tree/main/skills/simulator-utils
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/vabole/apple-skills --skill simulator-utils

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

iOS simulator workflows are repetitive and error-prone; this skill consolidates common tasks like taking screenshots and resizing images into a repeatable pattern that saves time and reduces drift.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Capture screenshots from booted simulators with optional automatic resizing to meet API/image size limits.
  • Resize existing screenshots in batch using macOS tools (sips) for consistent dimensions.
  • Manage simulator lifecycle (boot, shutdown, erase) to streamline QA, documentation, and CI workflows.

Quick Start

Boot the simulator, capture a screenshot, and resize it to the required dimensions in one repeatable workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions about simulator-utils

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I take automated screenshots from an iOS simulator?

To take automated iOS simulator screenshots, you use xcrun to capture the screen of a booted device. This skill orchestrates the capture process and includes error handling to manage cases where no simulator is currently booted.

Can I resize iOS simulator screenshots in batch using macOS tools?

Yes, you can batch resize iOS simulator screenshots using the macOS sips tool. This skill leverages sips to process multiple images, ensuring consistent dimensions across all outputs for documentation or API compliance.

How do I manage the iOS simulator lifecycle for CI pipelines?

You manage the iOS simulator lifecycle for CI pipelines by automating boot, shutdown, and erase commands. This skill wraps these xcrun commands into repeatable workflows, ensuring a clean and predictable simulator state before test execution.

Do I need a booted iOS simulator to capture screenshots for QA?

Yes, a booted iOS simulator is required to capture screenshots for QA. This skill includes specific error handling to detect when devices are unavailable, preventing silent failures in your documentation or CI workflows.

What is the best way to automate resizing existing screenshots on macOS?

The best way to automate resizing existing screenshots on macOS is using the native sips command-line tool. This skill integrates sips to batch process images, enforcing consistent dimensions without requiring external image processing libraries.

Why does my iOS simulator screenshot automation fail when no devices are running?

iOS simulator screenshot automation fails when no devices are running because xcrun requires an active booted simulator to capture the screen. This skill handles these errors gracefully, allowing your pipeline to avoid unhandled crashes.