Getting File Name in Automator workflow - combine PDF

Question

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

Answer 1

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