Client Success Story – Valspar’s Image and Color Swatch Automation

valspar_logo

Automated Workflows worked closely with Valspar to develop and deliver a suite of custom software utilities that help designers quickly and accurately organize and visualize colors for the web and print.  As a result, Valspar’s designers are now able to keep up with growing partner demand, while continuing to devote time and attention to creativity and color. [Learn how Valspar uses automation...]

Send Keynote 6.2 Presenter Notes to Evernote with AppleScript

A while back, I wrote an article for TUAW that demonstrated how to send presenter notes from a Keynote presentation to Evernote. This week, Apple released Keynote 6.2, and it contains some updated terminology. Here's an updated version of the script, which works with Keynote 6.2.

NOTE: You can download an example presentation containing presenter notes here.  You can download the completed AppleScript here.

AppleScript Support Expanded in iWork Update

Apple's latest iWork update provides significant AppleScript improvements across the board. More thoughts to come on this soon. In the meantime, for lots of scripting goodness, visit iworkautomation.com.

keynote_6.2

numbers_3.2 pages_5.2

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

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

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

Screen Shot 2013-11-18 at 11.21.43 AM

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.).

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."

Screen Shot 2013-06-14 at 3.54.45 PM