Automator workflows in Calender

I have some Automator workflows which are scheduled to run from events in my calendar. The events are set up to open the workflow file and not do anything else, specifically not displaying any message. They are supposed to run on all my computers, so I sync my calendar through iCloud. This means they also end up on my iOS devices since there is no way to choose which calendars to sync to which devices as far as I know. And on iOS a message is displayed at the time when the workflow should run. Is there any way to avoid this? Also since Mountain Lion this happens on the Macs as well. A notification alert is shown that I have to dismiss.

nobody any idea...?

Similar Messages

Automator Workflow Fails with Cryptic Error Message

I'm updating an Automator workflow for OS X Lion that I initally developed and used, without issue, in OS X Tiger. The workflow asks for a name, creates a folder for the name, takes a digital image with a Nikon D50 connected to the computer, and saves the image to the new folder. This aspect of the workflow works fine.
I then have a prompt asking if we should take another. If the user says "yes," the script should take another image and save it to the folder. This is where I run into an issue. When I attempt to add another "Take a Picture Action" into the workflow, I get the cryptic (at least to me) error message in the attached screenshot.
Here's the text:
"Cannot update for observer <AMWorkflow 0x400458ac0> for the key path "parameters.name" from <TakePicture 0x403e3b0a0>, most likely because the value for the key "parameters" has changed without an appropriate KVO notification being sent. Check the KVO-compliance of the TakePicture class."
The language of this error would seem to indicate a bug. Any thoughts on a fix or the means to report to Apple?

The subject of this post is a bit misleading. The workflow wasn't failing while I was running it, but rather when I was editing it and trying to include another 'Take a Picture' action in the same workflow.
The workaround I found was to use a 'Loop' action on the 'Take a Picture' action. It's a bit more elegant and doesn't require multiple 'Take a Picture' actions in the same workflow.
Nonetheless, what does this error message mean?

How to apply multiple automator workflows to one file

Hi everyone,
I've set up a few workflow applications to automate the process of making packshots from PDF files. The way those roughly work is they create a temporary copy in a folder, open a Photoshop droplet that executes all the actions on the file, and then save the finished product in a "finished" folder.
However, we frequently need to deliver multiple packshots made from the same file. I was asked to make one automator app that allowed us to drop the PDF version on it, resulting in the multiple types of packshots in the "finished" folder, together with the original PDF.
The way I have this set up right now is as follows:
1) Copy the original PDF file to the "finished" folder
2) Execute the first automator app
3) Execute the second automator app
This seems simple enough, and does work in 10.6.8. When I try it on a different computer in our studio though, with 10.7 installed, I get various errors:
- Sometimes it says an error occured within one of the automator apps, while the app works fine when running it seperately (on all computers).
- Sometimes it says something like "An error occurred while converting the data" when moving on from the first application to the second application
- Sometimes I'll get an error message in the log, saying:
*** -[_NSArrayl objectAtIndex:]: index 0 beyond bounds for empty array
What I got from this is that it's actually not getting the right input it requires (or not getting any input, since it's an empty array). However, the previous task is set to "return the task input" (our systems are Dutch so excuse me for any discrepancies in translations please), and the resulting output that I get seems to be what I want the next automator application to use. Below is a screenshot of the error message:
What I've tried:
- I read somewhere that the newer versions of Automator require the action "Retrieve selected finder items" between them. I've tried using this in various ways (between all other actions/tasks, only before the second application to be run and before both applications to be run), but with no success. The problem I have with these is that, during the applications, it moves the files around, thus apparently selecting those folders as well.
- Building an entirely new workflow on the newer system
- Using "Start application" instead of "Execute Automator workflow". This results in Automator saying that it did execute the workflow while nothing happened.
- Using "Ignore input" for the second application. This also results in Automator saying that it executed the workflow while nothing happened.
So right now, I'm pretty stumped as to how to get this combination of apps to work in 10.7. Any solutions or workarounds are most welcome.
Thanks in advance!

Yes, angelanna. You can merge or split your video file via FCP sequence.
ahaah, maybe I think angelanna would like to get the resulting file with MTS format because he mentioned “No need to be compressed”. Are you asking for this, angelanna?
If so, a simple MTS files managing and editing tool is needed. Maybe you can have a try the Mac version of Aunsoft Final Mate for managing HD camcorder footages. I just downloaded its free trial version and it offers a simple way of garping footages directly from camcorder. And also it provides a attractive feature to join flawlessly and split accurately native MTS files for video file output with original MTS format.
Maybe this is the tool cwhich an help you out, angelanna.
Enjoy your video.

Cannot manually select Automator workflows in iCal

I know That the Way, Apple intends that we create an Automator workflow as an iCal alarm is to create a new iCal alarm in Automator, and once you save it it automatically creates a new event in iCal. Unfortunately, that's not the way I want to work… I already have dozens of iCal alarms configured, and I'm trying to prep them for Mountain Lion: the currently open AppleScript's but all of my Apple scripts need to be converted to Automator workflows for Mountain Lion. So I was hoping to quickly duplicate previous iCal workflows, then reselect them from within existing events in iCal. Sadly, all of my iCal Automator workflows appear as greyed out in my File Open dialog when attempting to select a new file to run within my iCal alert.
I don't want to have to delete all of my iCal alarms and start over creating them anew. Perhaps I am missing something simple?

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4082
http://www.macworld.com/article/1165641/how_increased_mac_security_measures_will _impact_applescript.html
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4139323?start=0&tstart=0
according to the first link I can save the applecript as an application. It doesn't answer why my automator workflows are greyed out when I try to select them, but maybe I'll just try saving as applications... sounds simpler.

Automator workflow no longer works on 10.7

Hi. I've been using an Automator workflow for years: it opens iTunes, looks for a specific radio station, sets iTunes volume, sets Computer volume, starts iTunes playing and runs a small Applescript script to close the folder if it was open.
This has been running for years. Upgraded to 10.7 and it stopped working. It seems to launch, but nothing happens.
I recreated the same workflow, and I can run it: it states that every step is "Completed". But it really doesn't work!!!
What should I try next? (Windows 8???)

Hi Frank. Thanks for the response.
(Mentioning Windows 8 was a joke, as I'm sure you know! ;-)
Here's what the workflow looks like; you'll note the "all green" log at the bottom!
By the way, when I run it, iTunes does launch; but it doesn't play anything. And there IS a WCPE entry; it's a radio station that is in the list of radio stations/Classical and that entry has also been copied to one of my playlists.
The workflow was created as an application and it's run when I power up the Mac.
Thanks for your interest and advice!

Getting File Name in Automator workflow - combine PDF

I am using Automator to combine 2 PDF files.
I would like to inherit one of the file names in the new PDF and append a standard text to the front of the file name.
I am not sure how to do this. I can combine the PDFs the way I would like, but I am not sure how to plick the file name.
my workflow is as follows.
Folder Action targets folder where 1st PDF is added(I want this FILE NAME).
Ger Specified finder item selects 2nd PDF to be combined.
Sort Finder Items makes sure the new PDF pages are ordered properly.
Combine PDF Pages combines the pages.
Move Finder Items saves the files where i want it.
Name single item is whre i thought to add my standard text plus the variable of FILE NAME.
Open File in mail to set up my email.
Anyone can help with this?
thanks,
Aaron

Here is an automator workflow that does something similar so I believe you can adapt to your needs. This workflow is setup as a service workflow. It will combine PDFs in the order in which they are selected/clicked via the Shift key. The default name of the combined output file will be the name of the first file clicked. Automator can be activated by CTRL clicking any of the selected PDFs.
1. Service receives PDF files in Finder
2. Automator Action: Run AppleScript
on run {input, parameters}
          display dialog "Files will be combined in the order selected via the Shift key" as text
          return input
end run
3.. Automator Action: Trim input items
keep the first one
you will need to download and install this autotmator action from here:
http://www.menace-enterprises.com/Files/Automator/Actions/Trim%20Input%20Items.d mg
4. Automator Action: Run AppleScript
(* Note & Definitions
This Applescript extracts the basename of the first selected file without its .pdf extension
"path_basename_ext" is full path and name, e.g. User/desktop/file.pdf
"NmExt" is filename with extension, e.g. file.pdf
"baseName" is the base filename without extension, e.g. file
"Ext" is the file's extension, e.g. pdf
on run {input, parameters}
          set path_basename_ext to input
          tell (info for path_basename_ext) to set {NmExt, Ext} to {name, name extension}
          set baseName to text 1 thru ((get offset of "." & Ext in NmExt) - 1) of NmExt
baseName
          return baseName
end run
5. Automator Action: Set Value of Variable
define baseName as the variable
6. Automator Action: Get selected finder items
Options: check ignore input
7. Automator Action: Combine PDF pages
choose Combine by appending
8. Automator Action: Move Finder Items
choose To: Desktop
Options: check show this action when workflow runs
9. Name Single Items
choose Basename only to: baseName
Options: check show this action when workflow runs
10. Open Finder Items

Running an automator workflow w/o opening automator

Is it possible to run an automator workflow - (check addressbook for birthdays - then send a card) once a day without having to remember to open automator everyday (the whole point is I forget to do this in the first place, so I'm hoping automator can just take care of it). but I don't want to have to leave automator open all the time... I think I read something about using applescripts, but I havent played with them at all...
Thanks

Hmm, your idea sounds about right. If you created the birthday event in iCal yourself (i.e. it's not the Birthday calendar iCal provides from your Address Book), then you can add an alarm to it. In that case, you have some nice options and effects.
Since you would be adding the alarm to the birthday event, then the Automator workflow won't run every day and will only run when the birthday occurs. As for options, you can set the alarm for the event to activate at a specific time in reference to the event, e.g. the day before or perhaps around noon. (That is somewhat dependent on whether you made the event an all-day event or for a certain time, but it works either way and is pretty self evident.) You could also have it automatically occur a day late or even a week late.
As such, you might consider making the workflow be more specific. You could create a workflow specifically for that birthday, and in that case you'd just specify a person from your Address Book instead of searching it for birthdays. Just depends on how you want to approach it. Regardless, saving the workflow as plug-in in Automator will be the easy way to refer to it as an iCal alarm.
You mentioned iCal popping up reminders and that's an example of what an alarm can do if you set it that way, so you're probably familiar with them. However, you won't see that when you set the alarm to open a file (as in this case) unless you set a second alarm for the event to show a reminder. To add more alarms to the same event in iCal, you can click on the name "alarm" in the info drawer and it will give you a menu to add another alarm. You can also remove extra alarms in the same way. Wasn't sure if you knew that already.

Old Toad's automator workflow to backup Library6.iPhoto database

Dear Old Toad,
I just today downloaded your workflow to backup the iPhoto database file, and am having problems making it work.
When I run it, either from the dock or the script menu, it launches Automator but then closes without doing anything. I don't get a confirmation screen, and no copy of the database is created.
So I opened it in Automator to see if editing it would help, even though my library is already named iPhoto Library and stored in user/pictures. When I dragged it onto the Automator window, there was only 1 action (Get Specified Finder Items) instead of the 4 that show up in the ReadMe. When I dragged it onto the Automator app to open it, I got nothing.
I downloaded it via Firefox 3.0.1 and got a 1.1MB zip, and I tried downloading it twice in case it had corrupted in the download, but no change with the second try. Downloaded from here:
http://web.mac.com/toad.hall/ToadsCellar/ToadsCellar.html
Running OS 10.4.11, iPhoto 7.1.5, on a G4.
Something else I can try?
Thanks,
Daiya
Message was edited by: Daiya

Yes. Run the application like you would use the Save command in other applications, often. Running it again will overwrite the current backup copy with a new backup that will include all changes you've made to your library, new pictures, deletions, slideshows, books, etc.
I suggested keeping it in the dock so you can quickly run it after any changes you've made to the library. Being in the Dock makes it more convenient than having to go into the Application folder and launching it from there.
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

Every time I sign into my Macbook, I get an error message from Automator; "The data couldn't be read because it has been corrupted.". I have never created an Automator workflow. How do I find out what Automator is trying to run and stop it?

Every time I sign into my Macbook, I get an error message from Automator; "The data couldn't be read because it has been corrupted.". I have never created an Automator workflow. How do I find out what Automator is trying to run and stop it?

Maybe it's set as a login item:
- System Preferences: Users and Groups:
- Highlight your user account in the left pane/list
- Click "Login" tab at the top.
See if you have an Automater action on the list
- Note, you can select it, then right-click, and can then select "Reveal in Finder". That way you might have an idea what installed it.

Automator Workflow to export Numbers documents in PDF format

Does anyone know of any automator workflow to export Numbers documents in PDF format? I tried this program: Convert to PDF 1.2
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/automator/converttopdf_mauriziominelli.htm l
But it gives an error.

Reading carefully is often useful.
The description of the tool which you tried clearly states :
*About Convert to PDF*
*_Convert all of your text files to PDF_. This action uses the underlying cups printing system ability to convert files, it’s a simple front end to the command line tool cupsfilter.*
As far as I know, but maybe you don't, *_a Numbers document isn't a text file._*
I already posted a script exporting Numbers documents as PDF.
Here is an enhanced version which apply only to Numbers '09 (or maybe higher) :
--[SCRIPT save2Numbers&PDF.app]
Enregistrer le script en tant que Script : save2Numbers&PDF.scpt
déplacer le fichier créé dans le dossier
<VolumeDeDémarrage>:Users:<votreCompte>:Library:Scripts:Applications:Numbers:
Il vous faudra peut-être créer le dossier Numbers et peut-être même le dossier Applications.
aller au menu Scripts , choisir Numbers puis choisir save2Numbers&PDF
Le script enregistre le document au format natif de Numbers
et l'enregistre dans un fichier PDF.
S'il existe déjà un PDF homonyme, il est renommé en lui ajoutant une chaîne
construite sur sa date de modification.
--=====
L'aide du Finder explique:
L'Utilitaire AppleScript permet d'activer le Menu des scripts :
Ouvrez l'Utilitaire AppleScript situé dans le dossier Applications/AppleScript.
Cochez la case "Afficher le menu des scripts dans la barre de menus".
+++++++
Save the script
as a Script: save2Numbers&PDF.scpt
Move the newly created file into the folder:
<startup Volume>:Users:<yourAccount>:Library:Scripts:Applications:Numbers:
Maybe you would have to create the folder Numbers and even the folder Applications by yourself.
go to the Scripts Menu, choose Numbers, then choose save2Numbers&PDF
The script saves the document in the native Numbers format and saves it in a .pdf file
If such a .pdf already exists, it is renamed with a stamp matching its modification date.
--=====
The Finder's Help explains:
To make the Script menu appear:
Open the AppleScript utility located in Applications/AppleScript.
Select the "Show Script Menu in menu bar" checkbox
--=====
Yvan KOENIG (VALLAURIS, France)
modifié 2010/08/17
property closeIt : true
(* true = closes the saved document
false = doesn't close it *)
property theApp : "Numbers"
property theExt : "numbers"
--=====
on run
tell application theApp
activate
set le_document to front document
if modified of le_document then save le_document
delay 0.2
set thePath to path of document 1
end tell -- theapp
set {xPath, xExt} to my saveAs(thePath)
if closeIt then tell application theApp to close document 1 saving no
end run
--=====
on saveAs(p)
local extension_export, type_export, nomde_loriginal, dossierde_loriginal, nomde_lexport, cheminde_lexport
set {extension_export, type_export} to {"pdf", "LSDocumentTypePDF"}
set {nomde_loriginal, dossierde_loriginal} to my quelNomEtDossier(p)
if nomde_loriginal ends with theExt then
• replace the original extension by the xExt one *)
set nomde_lexport to (text 1 thru -(1 + (length of theExt)) of nomde_loriginal) & extension_export
else
• add the xExt extension name *)
set nomde_lexport to nomde_loriginal & "." & extension_export
end if
set cheminde_lexport to dossierde_loriginal & nomde_lexport
• CAUTION, When saving, Numbers doesn't take care of an existing document.
It replaces it by the new one. *)
tell application "System Events"
if exists (file cheminde_lexport) then
Playing safety, we rename the existing file by inserting a modificationdatetime stamp *)
set name of file cheminde_lexport to (text 1 thru -(2 + (length of extension_export)) of nomde_lexport) & my horoDateur(modification date of file cheminde_lexport) & "." & extension_export
end if
end tell -- System Events
• save as type_export document *)
tell application "Numbers" to save document nomde_loriginal as type_export in cheminde_lexport
return {cheminde_lexport, extension_export}
end saveAs
-- =====
on quelNomEtDossier(f)
local nom, dossier
tell application "System Events" to tell file (f as Unicode text)
set nom to name (* Unicode text *)
set dossier to path of container (* Unicode HFS path *)
end tell -- to System Events
return {nom, dossier}
end quelNomEtDossier
--=====
• Build a stamp from the modification date_time
on horoDateur(datedemodification)
local les_secondes
set les_secondes to time of datedemodification
return ("_" & year of datedemodification & text -2 thru -1 of ("0" & (month of datedemodification as integer)) & text -2 thru -1 of ("0" & day of datedemodification) & "_" & text -2 thru -1 of ("0" & les_secondes div 3600) & text -2 thru -1 of ("0" & (les_secondes mod 3600) div 60) & text -2 thru -1 of ("0" & les_secondes mod 60))
(* Here, the stamp is "YYYYMMDDhhmmss" *)
end horoDateur
--=====
--[/SCRIPT]
Yvan KOENIG (VALLAURIS, France) mardi 17 août 2010 18:16:27

Automator workflow question?

I tried to create a workflow in automator but I had no luck so far. So I need some help to create an automator workflow for;
go to a specific web page and save the page as pdf to desktop and than close the safari.
I've tried as "record/watch what I do" in automator but when I click on the safari on dock the "watch me" script misses it and presses mail.app
Help please. Thanks in advance.

Give this one a try - it uses a *Run AppleScript* action to script Safari's print dialog:
1) *Get Specified URLs* (drag URL here - only the last one will be saved)
2) *Display Webpages*
3) *Run AppleScript*: <pre style="</div>
font-family: Monaco, 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;
font-size: 10px;
font-weight: normal;
margin: 0px;
padding: 5px;
border: 1px solid #000000;
width: 680px; height: 340px;
color: #000000;
background-color: #DAFFB6;
overflow: auto;"
title="this text can be pasted into the AppleScript Editor">
on run {input, parameters} -- save the current Safari page as PDF
waitForPage()
tell application "Safari"
tell application "System Events"
keystroke "p" using {command down} -- activate the Print... menu item
delay 0.25
click menu button "PDF" of sheet 1 of window 1 of application process "Safari" -- open the PDF menu
delay 0.25
keystroke (ASCII character 31) -- down arrow
keystroke (ASCII character 31) -- down arrow
keystroke return -- activate the Save As... menu item
delay 0.25
keystroke return -- press the save button
end tell
quit
end tell
end run
to waitForPage()
delay 1
repeat
tell application "Safari" to set windowName to the name of window 1
if windowName does not contain "Untitled" then exit repeat
delay 1
end repeat
repeat
tell application "Safari" to set windowName to the name of window 1
if windowName does not contain "Loading" then exit repeat
delay 1
end repeat
repeat
tell application "Safari" to do JavaScript "document.readyState" in document 1
if result is "Complete" then exit repeat
delay 1
end repeat
end waitForPage
</pre>

Using Automator Workflows in Mail

Hi there,
just created an Automator workflow to filter received emails from a specific sender and subsequently saves the attachement to a folder... I set up a rule in mail that 2 days after receipt of an email form the sender runs the workflow:
Unfortunately it does not work - any thoughts????
Thanks
Dominic

nobody any idea...?

Automator Workflow Copying Files

I want to create an Automator workflow that copy items to a destination folder but ignores files that already exist in the destination. I begin having trouble at the "Copy Finder Items" action where the only options are to replace existing files or create duplicates in th destination folder?

My bad.
Try this script instead:
tell application "Finder"
          set source_folder to (choose folder with prompt "Choose the source folder:")
          set target_folder to (choose folder with prompt "Choose the destination folder:")
          if source_folder is not target_folder then
                    set the_files to every file of source_folder
                    repeat with each_file in the_files
                              set file_name to name of each_file
                              if not (exists file file_name of target_folder) then
duplicate each_file to target_folder
                              end if
                    end repeat
          else
                    display dialog "Choose different folders as source and target!" buttons {"OK"} default button 1 with icon stop
          end if
end tell
It does what the first one should have done - checks the name of each file against the files already in the source folder and only duplicates those which aren't already there.

Automator Workflow

Hi
I have created a workflow for automator to send me an email for birthdays coming up in the next 2 weeks, if i save this as an app it runs fine
But when is put an event into iCal to alarm and open either the automator workflow or application, it doesnt work
I am at a loss as to why ?
Any clues ! (Its on OSX Snow Leopard 10.6 and iWork 09)
Regards
Dave

Unless I am mistaken that first action is actually Find Address Book Items in disguise. Once dropped in place the name changes to either Find People or Find Groups depending upon whether it is set to groups or people. That seems to be the step that is causing problems for me. When I remove it the new workflow sends.
Here's what I have right now although it does not give me the option of searching two months ahead like one of my previous workflows did. I added a blank line after Stop If iInput is Empty just to make it easier to read.
Find People with Birthdays
Send Birthday Greetings
Send Outgoing Messages
Stop If Input Is Empty
Find People With Birthdays
Get Contact Information
New Mail Message
Send Outgoing Messages
The block of steps that includes Stop If Input Is Empty sends a birthday greeting to people having a birthday. The second block sends me a confirmation email with the contact information of the people who were sent greetings. If you want to see what the original workflow looks like check out http://www.atpm.com/12.08/automator.shtml

Automator workflow install locations in Leopards

We have several Automator scripts we created for Finder in Leopard. Where do these go? I expect they should go:
/Library/Application\ Support/Apple/Automator/Workflows/Applications/Finder/
But I noticed this directory:
/Library/Automator/
And this one:
~/Library/Automator
We want these Automator scripts to show up in users' Finder contextual menu. More importantly, we want to manage these Automator scripts in one place (so they should NOT go into the home directory).
Thanks,
Don

red_menace wrote:
The Application Support directories are just that - places for an application to put additional support files for it's use. The contextual workflows look like they would be similar to the Scripts menu, in that the items are defined and only work from the user's library. For a shared library of workflows, you would need to store them in an accessible place, such as Shared (or Library, but an admin will need to create the folder there), and then have each user copy or make an alias and place it in their ~Library/Workflows/Applications/Finder/ folder.
Users should no have to do anything if we push the *.workflow files to the correct locations. OSX is designed to be manageable at the local level, user level, etc. We have several *.workflow files that we need to push out to several dozen workstations. Each workstation can potentially have several dozen home directories. It's not possible (or desirable) to manage this deployment in a way that requires user intervention. I'm pretty sure a previous poster was right, that they *.workflow files belong here:
/Library/Application\ Support/Apple/Automator/Workflows/Finder/
We'll do some more testing (I'll keep monitoring this forum). I'll also post to the admin lists to see how other enterprise management folk are handling distribution of *.workflow files in managed environments (where users are non-admin, on workstations bound to AD/OD). Once this is all done I'll follow up with this thread and mark it as closed.
Thanks,
Don

Automator workflows in Calender

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