AppleScripting the Finder
By Ben Waldie

Automate your Mac!

eBook: PDF, 107 pages, ISBN 0-9744344-3-4

The Finder is the heart of the Mac OS. When driven by AppleScripts, the Finder can be a powerful desktop assistant, replacing tedious tasks with a single mouse click or keystroke. Put your Mac to work with Ben Waldie's expert, time-saving AppleScript techniques that will streamline your daily workflow.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction Goals of this Book AppleScript Scriptable Applications What You Need to Get Started Chapter 2: Finder Scripting Overview What is Finder Scripting? Benefits of Finder Scripting Why Finder Scripting is Necessary What Can You Do with Finder Scripting? Chapter 3: Recording Scripts in the Finder Getting Started with Recording Benefits of Recording Limitations of Recording Improving Recorded Scripts Chapter 4: Finder Dictionary Introduction to Application Dictionaries Accessing the Finder Dictionary Navigating the Finder Dictionary Classes, Objects , Properties, and Commands Finder Object Model Chapter 5: Working with the Finder Application Application Object Finder Application Properties Finder Application Commands Chapter 6: Referring to Objects Object References AppleScript Paths POSIX Paths Chapter 7: Working with Processes About Processes Types of Process Objects Process Properties Interacting with Processes

Chapter 8: Working with Items Item Object Types Item Properties Item Commands Shared Commands Chapter 9: Working with Containers Types of Container Objects Container Object Properties Interacting with Container Objects Chapter 10: Working with Files Types of File Objects File Object Properties Interacting with File Objects Chapter 11: Working with Windows Types of Window Objects Window Object Properties Interacting with Window Objects Chapter 12: Putting It All Together Example Script 1 - Archiving Files Example Script 2 - Copying Selected Paths to the Clipboard Example Script 3 - Listing Folder Contents Example Script 4 - Switching Window Views Example Script 5 - File Type/Creator Type Assignment Example Script 6 - Locking and Unlocking Finder Items Example Script 7 - Ejecting Disks Chapter 13: In Conclusion Finder Scripting Resources

About the Author

Ben Waldie is president of Automated Workflows, LLC, specializing in custom AppleScript solutions and workflow automation consulting for clients such as Adobe Systems, Apple Computer, NASA, PC World, and TV Guide Magazine. Ben has taught AppleScript training classes and has presented at Macworld, Seybold, and other events. Author of Mac OS X Technology Guide to Automator and AppleScripting the Finder, Ben also writes regular AppleScript columns for MacTech Magazine and X-Ray Magazine, is a contributing editor on MacScripter.net, and is president of The Philadelphia Area AppleScript Users Group.

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