AppleScript
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A fix for the Procrastinatr damage
TUAW readers, please accept my deepest apologies again for this Procrastinatr fiasco. As it turns out, most of my iCal calendars are simply subscriptions to my Google Calendars, so I never saw any damage before posting this. Fortunately, however, a commenter on the Procrastinatr post by the name of ejk has put together an AppleScript that can reverse the damage. After creating my own set of local calendars with events and todos, and testing this four times, I am confident that it works. After the jump I have included the script in its entirety, as well as instructions for your inspection. I have also listed instructions for backing up your calendars as they are. If you just want a download, I have also posted a link to a script I compiled myself, after the jump.
Inform now Lineform, reaches 1.1
Lineform, formerly Inform, has reached 1.1 and added many features. This $79 graphics program now boasts AppleScriptablity, support for Core Image, media browsing and much more.This program is designed to be powerful but simple to use and seems to be focused on logo design.
AppleScripts to set startup disk between Windows and Mac OS X
If you're living in a Boot Camp world and have a need for changing your startup disk from time to time, enterprising TUAW reader David B. has written a couple of AppleScript apps with your name on them. Boot (Camp) Sargent beta 0.1 is actually two scripts: the first to set your startup disk to Windows (*shudder*), while the other resets to Mac OS X. In this fast-paced, multiple OS world we live in, little apps that save a few clicks can make all the difference.Boot (Camp) Sargent is available at the first Google Pages site that I've ever seen used to promote or offer anything like this. Extra points for the tag line, "because holding down the Option key during startup is too hard", since I've actually heard people say that on the job in the past.
Apple Remote + AppleScript = Sofa Remote
It's nice to see more developers making use of the Apple Remote that comes with so many Macs these days, and Sofa Remote is a great example. This handy app from CASE Apps (whose tagline is 'Applications that should have been in the box' - nice) uses the power of AppleScript to allow you to control your Mac with your Apple Remote, providing a Front Row-esque file browsers as well as an application switcher. However, since this is all just AppleScript, Sofa Remote is very user-extensible, and CASE Apps has provided a script download page for users to exchange their scripts, as well as an RSS feed for the ultimate in notification convenience.A demo of Sofa Remote is available that works for 30 minutes each time you start it up, while a 'lifetime license' costs $9.99 USD.
Give names to your .Mac aliases in Mail.app with a simple AppleScript
I.heart.macosxhints.com. An enterprising reader of their site submitted an AppleScript that offers you a simple dialog for each .Mac alias you have, allowing you to enter custom names to be associated with each alias in Mail.app (something Apple badly, badly needs to add themselves). It works wonderfully, but here's a tip: make sure Mail.app isn't running when you use this script, as it's doing nothing more than editing Mail.app's preference file in order to add these names to each alias.Here is a link to the AppleScript, which I recommend you simply copy into a new window in Script Editor. Enjoy!
Learning AppleScript
AppleScript is the leprechaun of OS X. If you can catch him, you'll get a pot of gold. However, as we all know, leprechauns are elusive little beasties. AppleScript can seem daunting when you first try to tackle it, especially if you are just working with the Apple provided documentation.Good thing Craig Smith is on the case. He is penning a series of AppleScript for Beginners articles on MacScripter. Soon you will have your Mac bow to your every whim.
Hack iCal to present alarms through Growl
If you're a Growl fanatic, or maybe iCal's alarms just aren't cutting it for you, a forum thread at cocoaforge might provide you with some options for getting iCal and Growl to shake hands. Discussion has included various methods of using AppleScript, hacking the innards of iCal and even replacing the GUI option of emailing a reminder with sending it to Growl. Either way, it doesn't sound like any of the methods are for the meek of heart, so if you don't feel like digging around in application bundles and AppleScript, you might want to wait for a prettier solution.[via Hawk Wings]
Script to bookmark all of Safari's tabs
I know there are various plugins, addons, widgets and thingamabobs that will allow Safari to bookmark a group of tabs you have open. If you haven't installed any of these extras or you're just an applescript fan at heart, I found a one-trick script over at ScriptBuilders that should pull this trick off just fine. However, I haven't tested this yet, and the script's page doesn't state whether its compatible with Tiger and/or Panther, so if you try it out, please post your thoughts.
Fixscreen: AppleScript to fix Fast User Switching Color Bug
Well over a month ago, I reported on the color profile problems I was experiencing on my new iMac. Basically, whenever I enabled fast user switching and actually switched between accounts, my color profile would change off of the nicely calibrated settings to some odd profile that wasn't even in the color profile list with no way of switching back short of restarting the machine. Several readers pointed to a makeshift solution posted over at Mac OS X Hints, which involved launching the Terminal and running DMProxy, a file located along this long path:/System/Library/Frameworks/ApplicationServices.framework/\ Versions/A/Frameworks/CoreGraphics.framework/Versions/A/Resources/DMProxy This solution works, as I finally bothered to try it today (bonus question: over a month later divided by C.K.'s laziness equals how many days of lost productivity rebooting the machine?), and I even went the extra mile and made it into a nice little AppleScript Application called, simply, fixscreen (ctrl click this link and save to disk). All this script does is launch DMProxy, which fixes the color shift bug that occurs when fast user switching, and then it displays a dialog that reads: "Done!" I have it sitting in my Dock ready to run whenever I need it. I hope you find it useful.ps—Why hasn't Apple fixed this annoying little bug yet? From all reports it's been lurking around since at least 10.4.1 and anyone who tries to submit a bug report about it receives a "Known Issue" notification.
Learn some AppleScript
I am an unabashed lover of AppleScript. It is a wonderful thing, and I wish that more Mac user were comfortable using it. Lucky, Macworld has just posted and excerpt from Andy Ihnatko's book, 'The Mac OS X Tiger Book,' which focuses on learning how to use AppleScript.Check it out, and if you enjoy it I am sure Andy wouldn't mind if you picked up a copy of his book.
Script Debugger 4
AppleScript geeks, rejoice! Late Night Software's Script Debugger 4 is out, and it looks good. The UI has been overhauled to take up less screen real estate, while taking advantage of the wide screen format that recent Macs have been offering.Besides the cosmetic improvements there are lots of new things under the hood as well. Script Debugger is now capable of running more than one script at a time (helpful when you are testing script to script interaction), the Dictionary window has been improved and now includes searching, and the debugging features have been buffed up.The application will set you back $199 ($99 for an upgrade) but this is a serious IDE, so the cost makes sense.[via Daring Fireball]
AppleScript Pro sessions edge closer to NYC
AppleScript Pro Sessions is a week long conference and workshop event that very thoroughly covers working with Applescript. Scheduled sessions include: Starting Out With AppleScript AppleScript and Applications Scripting InDesign Graphics, Images and PDF Data, the OS, AppleScript Studio and AutomatorSeveral bonus sessions are also available. The event will take place at the Marriott Courtyard Secaucus Meadowlands (now only six miles from Manhattan!), and registration is currently open. You can get the full details here.My AppleScript skills are so rudimentary, I should really attend something like this. I've often thought, "I should write a script for that," but never seem to get around to it. [Via Automator World]
Export Stickies text via Applescript
As you may know, Apple's Stickies isn't directly scriptable via Applescript (technically, you can send a system event). Still, one enterprising soul has discovered a work around, and posted it to Mac OS X Hints. His script creates a new text file, one for each Sticky. Once you've got your text file, you can do whatever you wish with it.The script's author notes that his script only works on text for the time being; images will not be exported.As reader Eric notes, this script is for the Stickies application, not the Dashboard widget. Ignore the fact that I used an image of the widget for this post (it just looked so nice).
NetNewsWire to iWeb applescript
I think I've finally found the last reason I need to move my personal blog over to iWeb, thanks to a Ranchero blog post. The NetNewsWire to iWeb Applescript app bundle is pretty simple to set up: download the script and place it wherever you want. In NNW, simply chose this script (NOT iWeb) as your external weblog editor, and *bam* - you can now use Apple's slick new WYSIWYG iLife web app to blog NNW headlines to your heart's content.At the bottom of the post, the script's author mentions the possibility of creating similar scripts for Blogger.com and iBlog, just in case iWeb isn't your blog tool of choice.
AppleScript: The Definitive Guide 2nd Edition
My love of AppleScript knows no bounds. I often tell people that they should be using AppleScript to help them automate everything from mass file renaming to making their beds (well, not so much that last one. Wouldn't that be cool though?). With that said, AppleScript fails the 'Mom test,' meaning my mother wouldn't have a clue how to use it, however, the same could be said for any scripting language.Luckily for those who want to learn (including my mom, though I doubt she would be interested) O'Reilly has just released an completely revamped edition of 'AppleScript: The Definitive Guide' (though the dog on the cover is still the same). This edition covers Tiger and has lots of new examples that should help you navigate the shoals of AppleScript.
Getting started with Folder Actions
I'm finding myself spending more and more time at Apple.com/pro, as there are some truly useful tips for getting things done in OS X. Take this tip for example, that C.K. just sent my way: Adding Automation Through Folder Actions. Y'know those Enable/Configure Folder Actions options that show up any time you right-click (ctrl-click) a folder? Well, this tutorial will help explain what those are about by getting you started with setting up a simple action that notifies you when a file has been placed in a folder. Handy for a workplace environment where coworkers are placing items in your shared Drop Box. If I remember right, you can also attach applescripts and even Automator Actions you create or download as folder actions as well, which can really open up the doors for simple folder-based automation. Check out the brief tutorial to get your feet wet with the (geeky) goodness of automating OS X.
Recipient-based Entourage email signatures with Other Signature X
Other Signature X is an applescript for Entourage 2004 that will allow you to assign signatures based on the recipient or group you're sending a message to. While I don't use Entourage myself and can't test this, it sounds like a great idea that I hope gets adopted by email apps in general. You can pick up the script from the developer's iDisk under the directory "Entourage X-2004 Scripts," while I found it at ScriptBuilders. If anyone tries this out, please let us know what you think in the comments.
Make slideshows using AppleScript
I'll save my hate for Automator another day. Meanwhile, I will profess my love for AppleScript. While Automator is great for the MacNoobs, I find AppleScript, for those willing to learn, can greatly enhance your life. Automator plus AppleScript will, of course, turn you into Godzilla. More on that another day as well.But to keep you happy through the weekend I stumbled upon a little script by way of one of our readers. Manny, thank you. I might disagree with you, but thanks anyway. One of Manny's links took me to a crazy script that automates the process (somewhat) of making a slideshow. Just create two folders: one with graphics, one with audio files. Fire up the Script Editor, paste in the code, and you're all set. Running the code will prompt you to find those folders, and within seconds (depending on how many files ya got) you'll have a little QuickTime slideshow complete with pictures and audio.There's not a lot of documentation, so let me give some tips. First, make sure you have an equal number of pictures and audio files in each folder. The audio sets the duration of each pic. Also, if you want to align pics to audio (which would make sense, wouldn't it?), name them with numbers. Pic01 and Aud01 should do nicely. Also, it helps to make sure all your images are the same size or you'll see that wash of brushed metal. QuickTime sizes the player to the largest pic, and any smaller ones get crammed up in the upper left corner. Otherwise, have at 'em!
Automator actions: Attach Applescripts
Automator Actions for PreFab UI Actions allows you to attach AppleScripts to any application, which can be triggered automatically when the user performs an action in the target application, such as opening a window or choosing a menu item. Pretty cool.Note that this action requires the purchase of PreFab UI Actions, a plugin that allows for the attachment of Applescripts.
