AppleScript and iWork… it’s baack. Numbers 3.1 supports AppleScript again.

More thoughts to come on this soon.numbers3.1-asdictionary

Adobe Illustrator Automator Actions Released in the Mac App Store

ai_pack_icon110x110I'm pleased to announce that my AI Automator Action Pack, which includes 20 actions for interacting with Adobe Illustrator in Mac OS X, has been released in the Mac App Store. It can be found here.

Information about my other Automator action packs can be found here.

-Ben

Adobe Photoshop Automator Actions Released in the Mac App Store

PSDPack_110x110I'm pleased to announce that my PS Automator Action Pack, which includes 35 actions for interacting with Adobe Photoshop in Mac OS X, has been released in the Mac App Store. It can be found here.

Information about my other Automator action packs can be found here.

-Ben

MacVoices Interview > Ben Waldie Clarifies the Situation with AppleScript and Mavericks

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Ben Waldie helps cut through the controversy surrounding OS X Mavericks, the iWork suite and get to just the facts. There has been concern about the current lack of support in Mavericks, and also in Numbers, Pages and Keynote. Ben calms the waters a bit, explaining what is missing, what still works, and what his expectations are for scripting in both Mavericks and iOS 7 going forward.

[Listen in iTunes]

[Listen or Download Online]

AppleScript Support Returning to iWork Soon

My recent Macworld article discussed the state of AppleScript in OS X, focusing heavily on scripting changes in iWork '13.  Well, today, Apple posted a tech note discussing features and compatibility with iWork.  In it, they explain that productivity features, including AppleScript support, will begin returning soon.  For more, visit...

Apple promises to restore some iWork features within six months

About the new iWork for Mac: Features and compatibility

Macworld Article > The state of AppleScript: Let’s not panic … yet

scriptIt’s that time again. A new version of OS X is out, and with it come the recurring cries of AppleScript’s demise. But let’s try to remain calm: Recent Internet rumors that the sky is falling may be slightly exaggerated. Nobody knows for sure what the future holds, but personally, I don’t think AppleScript is going anywhere just yet.

[Read more on Macworld.com...]

MacTech Article > Workflow Quick Tips > Productivity App Pick: File Juicer

I develop custom automation solutions for lots of clients, but I don’t like reinventing the wheel. If there’s an existing tool that works well and reduces development time, I tend to use it.  File Juicer, from Echo One (http://echoone.com), is one such tool, which I’ve used with great success in numerous client projects.

[Read the full article in MacTech magazine's September 2013 issue, available in print and in the MacTech iPad Newsstand app]

Automation Changes in Mavericks – Official Tech Links

Lots of AppleScript and Automator changes were introduced with OS X 10.9 Mavericks. Here are links to official Apple technical resources that discuss some of them...

For a general overview of the automation changes in Mavericks, visit macosxautomation.com (not hosted by Apple Inc.).

The MacTech Spotlight: Ben Waldie Interview

The August 2013 issue of MacTech magazine features a MacTech Spotlight interview with Automated Workflows, LLC president, Ben Waldie. In the interview, Ben discusses how he got started with Macs, automation, and more.

[Read the interview in MacTech magazine's August 2013 issue, available in print and in the MacTech iPad Newsstand app]

AppleScript Easter Egg: Nothing to see here; move along.

In honor of AppleScript's 20th birthday (it was introduced at WWDC 1993), here's a little Easter Egg to share.

1. Create an empty text file.

2. Change the extension of the text file to .sdef (an AppleScript terminology file)

3. Drag the .sdef file onto AppleScript Editor

AppleScript Editor displays an empty dictionary window, stating "Nothing to see here; move along."

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