Phantom command symbol

Recently, when I start up, a quarter-size image of the command pretzel has appeared in the middle of the desktop - it fades in quickly, remains only a second, and fades away. I'm beginning to think of it as a ghost. Does this convey a ghastly warning of some sort? What's going on?

Your Mac is HAUNTED!!!
All jokes aside, I've never heard of something like this before happening. But I have heard of programs that do something like that with the caps lock key. Could you somehow have downloaded something that would have that as a side effect? Are you sure you haven't turned on some weird setting?
And-- (I'm actually half serious about this)-- you might want to get your mental health checked if nothing else works.

Similar Messages

Inserting a Mac command symbol into a document

Ok, this should be so simple but it's doing my head in.
Basically, I'm preparing an indesign document - specifically a clue card sheet for call centre workers who use a Mac platform.
I cannot for the life of me figure out how to insert the various symbols for keyboard commands (such as Unicode 2318 for the Command symbol, or 2325 for Option).
Worse still, I'm using a Mac - and whenever I copy and paste the unicode symbol from another application, i.e. TextEdit after dragging it from the charachter pallete it still doesn't display.
Where I'm expecting symbols, all I see are these boxes with crosses through the middle (image below).
INDD file was originally created using CS5.5 on a Windows machine, and where these boxes are appearing - font is listed as Segoe UI Symbol (An MS Office specific font). Cannot find an alternate font either, and my google-fu is letting me down finding the answer to this.
Any help to get this done properly appreciated.

You need to pick a font which has the character (glyph) you want to use. This is easy on a Mac if you use these steps:
(1) In System Preferences > Language & Text > Input Sources, turn on Keyboard & Character Viewer (at the top of the list).
(2) Open the Character Viewer from the menulet at the top of your screen:
(3) In the Character Viewer, select Unicode and select the Unicode value:
(4) Select one of the Font Variations on the right and observe the font with that glyph:
(5) Return to InDesign and open the Glyphs panel (Type > Glyphs). In the menu select the font, in this case Charcoal CY. From the menu of glyphs for that font, select Symbols. Double-click to insert the symbol.
(6) To reuse the glyph, include it in a Glyph Set.

In help, symbol before command symbol...

I am switching from PC to Mac...
When looking at the on screen instructions (in this case for zoom in/out in universal access), there is a symbol before the command symbol that looks something like this \-. So (\-) (command symbol) = changes the zoom. This always shows up before the command symbol. What is it?
Thanks
bob

If you look at it closely the option symbol looks a little like a railroad switch.
If you want to see a complete list, then go to:
Finder -> Help -> Symbols for special keys

Curious Key Command symbols in Logic Pro

Hi,
This conundrum relates to the curious hieroglyph-like symbols that appear in the Key Commands window.
So, I can see the familiar: function, control, option/alt, shift, and command symbols but what do ...
these bad boys relate to? Also, what is the keypad-like graphic that precedes the F1, F2, etc?
Thanks.

The symbol before F1 etc means that those key combos are learned via Key Position rather than via Key Label.
The top arrow is Page Up, the middle arrow Page Down, and the diagonal one is Home (diagonal in other direction is End).
http://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=30294

Does anyone know how to write an apple logo or the command symbol with the text tool?

It is done by alt + shift + K with mail etc. on a mac but not in photoshop. PS 3 macbook pro
Thanks Chris

while it does make an apple logo as the layer name it makes a square on the canvas.
Then I suspect the problem is with the font.
Have you tried using another one (preferably one of the default ones)?

Short cut key definitions and symbols I cannot find on keyboard.

Short cut key definitions, In the window drop down menu there is a short cut symbol for the EQ and others that I simply don't understand or see on my keyboard. My question is this, how do I make this shortcut work? The symbol in front of the command symbol.

The option+command+E is represented as the ⌥⌘E symbolism, and by pressing those keys, will show the Equalizer.
Reference the OS X keyboard shortcut guide for additional symbol information. Apple has placed the ⌘ symbol on the command key for a long time, but does not do this with other symbols for shift, control, option, and caps lock.

Odd symbol for "Hide and show Front Row" ⌘⎋

Was just browsing my keyboard shortcuts in System Prefs and came saw the shortcut for "Hide and show Front Row." it was the command symbol and then something that I at first through was the power symbol. When i looked closer, I realized it was a 3/4 circle with an arrow pointing NW. I've never seen this before (as far as I can remember) and I couldn't find the symbol represented in any of the key combinations displayed in Keyboard Viewer. I found it in Character Palette labeled "Broken Circle with Northwest Arrow." Unicode 238B, UTF8: E2 8E 8B. I am pasting the keyboard shortcut below, so it hopefully will show:
⌘⎋
Any thoughts?

Xian Rinpoche wrote:
Haha. I never knew it had a symbol
For the first few months I had a mac, me neither. Only when I started becoming a geek did I realize it.
Thanks for the !

HT1518 Are there a keyboard shortcuts for the alt or option symbol ⌥ and the cmd ⌘ symbol ?

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the alt or option symbol ⌥ and the command symbol ⌘? I need this a lot to take notes from tutorials etc. I know I can copy them from other text or access the special character menu, but I would love to have a easier shortcut.

You can try making one for yourself via system preferences/keyboard/text/symbol and text substitution

Bring Back the Apple MB869LL/A (A1242) Wired Compact USB Keyboard

I know Wireless and Bluetooth are great technologies! I know Apple makes it relatively easy to change batteries in their devices (magic mice and keyboards)!
However, I am running a few elementary school computer labs where we have many iMac computers and limited space.
One of my major obstacles from keeping these computers reliably operational is keeping keyboards alive with fresh batteries (We have wired mice). Also, since table space is limited, the standard FULL SIZE keyboards (with the numerical 10-key) takes space away from the mouse. A 10-key at this elementary school age level is really unnecessary.
It would be ideal if Apple could bring back their older version of the Aluminum Keyboard that was compact AND USB wired! The old model number was MB869LL/A (A1242).
These options are all that is currently available and neither is ideal:
FULL SIZED Wired Keyboard (that is too wide and the 10-key is unncessary): Wired Aluminum Keyboard MB110LL/B USB with Numeric Keypad
COMPACT Wireless Keyboard (that changing the batteries is too time consuming when you have 100's of computers in a lab to deal with):
Wireless Aluminum Keyboard A1314 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, MC184LL/B
Looking for a compact, non-10-key, WIRED, USB, Apple compatible keyboard (that has brightness and volume controls built-in).
Anyone else support this efffort, please chime in (or offer alternate solutions or compatible hardware).
Thanks,
Elementary School Challenged!

"Looking for a compact, non-10-key, WIRED, USB, Apple compatible keyboard (that has brightness and volume controls built-in)."
Depending on your budget, you can find just about anything you want if you check the internet for computer peripherals. The biggest problem with the keyboard that you want would be its high price tag and finding a large (new-in-box) supply of them. I'm never surprised at the availability of keyboards that were never used with the computers that they shipped with. After Apple discontinued the ADB extended keyboards, I was still able to find new ones for my older fleet of beige G3s. As a less expensive alternative - but one that excludes your preference for brightness and volume controls - you may wish to consider a reasonably-priced, USB-wired keyboard for PCs, like the compact one shown at this eBay auction. A PC keyboard will work with a Mac, except for any programmable function/media keys that are part of the Windows software installed with the keyboard. One distinction between an Apple and a PC keyboard is the placement/juxtaposition of the two keys on either side of the space bar: The Windows logo key and the Alt key. When used with a Mac, the Windows key becomes the Apple Command key and the Alt key is the Option/Alt key. For your use, perhaps you could place a permanent sticker with the Apple "Command" symbol on the Windows key. In an elementary school lab, the stickers might be peeled off as soon as you've replaced them - which would be a nuisance.

Menu item appears multiple items

I've created a menu item for the extension I'm working on; however, it is showing up 4 times in the Tools menu instead of just once. I've looked at various tutorials on the subject,but I can't seem to find what I've done incorrectly.
VSCT File
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<CommandTable xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/2005-10-18/CommandTable" xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
<Extern href="stdidcmd.h"/>
<Extern href="vsshlids.h"/>
<Commands package="guidTemplatePackPkg">
<Groups>
<Group guid="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" id="MyMenuGroup" priority="0x0600">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDM_VS_MENU_TOOLS"/>
</Group>
</Groups>
<Buttons>
<Button guid="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" id="cmdidMyCommand" priority="0x2000" type="Button">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDG_VS_CTXT_PROJECT_ADD_REFERENCES" />
<CommandFlag>DynamicVisibility</CommandFlag>
<CommandFlag>DefaultInvisible</CommandFlag>
<Strings>
<CommandName>AddSideWaffleProject</CommandName>
<ButtonText>Add Template Reference (SideWaffle project)</ButtonText>
</Strings>
</Button>
</Buttons>
</Commands>

<Commands package="guidMenuOptionsPkg">
<Groups>
<Group guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="SWMenuGroup" priority="0x0600">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDM_VS_MENU_TOOLS"/>
</Group>
</Groups>
<Buttons>
<Button guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="cmdidOpenSWMenu" priority="0x0100" type="Button">
<Parent guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="SWMenuGroup" />
<Icon guid="guidImages" id="bmpPic1" />
<Strings>
<ButtonText>SideWaffle Settings</ButtonText>
</Strings>
</Button>
</Buttons>
<Bitmaps>
<Bitmap guid="guidImages" href="Resources\Images.png" usedList="bmpPic1, bmpPic2, bmpPicSearch, bmpPicX, bmpPicArrows"/>
</Bitmaps>
</Commands>

<Symbols>
<GuidSymbol name="guidTemplatePackPkg" value="{e6e2a48e-387d-4af2-9072-86a5276da6d4}" />
<GuidSymbol name="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" value="{a94bef1a-053e-4066-a851-16e5f6c915f1}">
<IDSymbol name="MyMenuGroup" value="0x1020" />
<IDSymbol name="cmdidMyCommand" value="0x0100" />
</GuidSymbol>

<GuidSymbol name="guidMenuOptionsPkg" value="{796B8CBC-3010-4A76-872B-56775129765F}" />
<GuidSymbol name="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" value="{13EE92AE-B8B5-4728-8AF6-F53D8DD9C391}">
<IDSymbol name="SWMenuGroup" value="0x1020" />
<IDSymbol name="cmdidOpenSWMenu" value="0x0100" />
</GuidSymbol>
<GuidSymbol name="guidImages" value="{900524C9-8677-4F84-AF97-3A1B5B45E3B2}" >
<IDSymbol name="bmpPic1" value="1" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPic2" value="2" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicSearch" value="3" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicX" value="4" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicArrows" value="5" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicStrikethrough" value="6" />
</GuidSymbol>

</Symbols>
</CommandTable>
TemplatePackage.cs
using EnvDTE;
using EnvDTE80;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop;
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel.Design;
using System.Linq;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using TemplatePack.Tooling;
namespace TemplatePack
[PackageRegistration(UseManagedResourcesOnly = true)]
[InstalledProductRegistration("#110", "#112", "1.0", IconResourceID = 400)]
[ProvideMenuResource("Menus.ctmenu", 1)]
[Guid(GuidList.guidTemplatePackPkgString)]
[ProvideAutoLoad(UIContextGuids80.SolutionExists)]
public sealed class TemplatePackPackage : Package
private DTE2 _dte;
protected override void Initialize()
base.Initialize();
_dte = GetService(typeof(DTE)) as DTE2;
OleMenuCommandService mcs = GetService(typeof(IMenuCommandService)) as OleMenuCommandService;
if (null != mcs)
CommandID cmdId = new CommandID(GuidList.guidTemplatePackCmdSet, (int)PkgCmdIDList.cmdidMyCommand);
OleMenuCommand button = new OleMenuCommand(ButtonClicked, cmdId);
button.BeforeQueryStatus += button_BeforeQueryStatus;
mcs.AddCommand(button);
/*if(Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("SideWaffleEnableDynamicTemplates") != null)*/{
try {
new DynamicTemplateBuilder().ProcessTemplates();
catch (Exception ex) {
// todo: replace with logging or something
System.Windows.MessageBox.Show(ex.ToString());
void button_BeforeQueryStatus(object sender, EventArgs e)
var button = (OleMenuCommand)sender;
var project = GetSelectedProjects().ElementAt(0);
// TODO: We should only show this if the target project has the TemplateBuilder NuGet pkg installed
// or something similar to that.
button.Visible = true;
// button.Visible = project.IsWebProject();
private void ButtonClicked(object sender, EventArgs e)
Project currentProject = GetSelectedProjects().ElementAt(0);
var projects = _dte.Solution.GetAllProjects();
var names = from p in projects
where p != currentProject
select p.Name;
ProjectSelector selector = new ProjectSelector(names);
bool? isSelected = selector.ShowDialog();
if (isSelected.HasValue && isSelected.Value)
// need to save everything because we will directly write to the project file in the creator
_dte.ExecuteCommand("File.SaveAll");
TemplateReferenceCreator creator = new TemplateReferenceCreator();
var selectedProject = projects.First(p => p.Name == selector.SelectedProjectName);
creator.AddTemplateReference(currentProject, selectedProject);
public IEnumerable<Project> GetSelectedProjects()
var items = (Array)_dte.ToolWindows.SolutionExplorer.SelectedItems;
foreach (UIHierarchyItem selItem in items)
var item = selItem.Object as Project;
if (item != null)
yield return item;
[PackageRegistration(UseManagedResourcesOnly = true)]
[InstalledProductRegistration("#110", "#112", "1.0", IconResourceID = 400)]
[ProvideMenuResource("Menus.ctmenu", 1)]
[Guid(GuidList.guidMenuOptionsPkgString)]
[ProvideAutoLoad(UIContextGuids80.SolutionExists)]
public sealed class MenuOptionsPackage : Package
// Overridden Package Implementation
#region Package Members
protected override void Initialize()
base.Initialize();
// Add our command handlers for menu (commands must exist in the .vsct file)
OleMenuCommandService mcs = GetService(typeof(IMenuCommandService)) as OleMenuCommandService;
if ( null != mcs )
// Create the command for the menu item.
CommandID menuCommandID = new CommandID(GuidList.guidMenuOptionsCmdSet, (int)PkgCmdIDList.SWMenuGroup);
OleMenuCommand menuItem = new OleMenuCommand(MenuItemCallback, menuCommandID );
mcs.AddCommand( menuItem );
#endregion
private void MenuItemCallback(object sender, EventArgs e)
// Here is where our UI (i.e. user control) will go to do all the settings.
var window = new SettingsForm();
window.Show();
PackageConstants.cs
// PkgCmdID.cs
// MUST match PkgCmdID.h
using System;
namespace TemplatePack
static class GuidList
public const string guidTemplatePackPkgString = "e6e2a48e-387d-4af2-9072-86a5276da6d4";
public const string guidTemplatePackCmdSetString = "a94bef1a-053e-4066-a851-16e5f6c915f1";
public static readonly Guid guidTemplatePackCmdSet = new Guid(guidTemplatePackCmdSetString);
// SideWaffle Remote Source Settings
public const string guidMenuOptionsPkgString = "796B8CBC-3010-4A76-872B-56775129765F";
public const string guidMenuOptionsCmdSetString = "13EE92AE-B8B5-4728-8AF6-F53D8DD9C391";
public static readonly Guid guidMenuOptionsCmdSet = new Guid(guidMenuOptionsCmdSetString);
static class PkgCmdIDList
public const uint cmdidMyCommand = 0x100;
public const uint SWMenuGroup = 0x100;
I just can't seem to figure out what I might be doing wrong. Any suggestions?

Already ahead of you on that one. Here's where I'm at
VSCT File
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<CommandTable xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/VisualStudio/2005-10-18/CommandTable" xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
<Extern href="stdidcmd.h"/>
<Extern href="vsshlids.h"/>
<Commands package="guidTemplatePackPkg">
<Groups>
<Group guid="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" id="MyMenuGroup" priority="0x0600">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDM_VS_MENU_TOOLS"/>
</Group>
<Group guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="SWMenuGroup" priority="0x0500">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDM_VS_MENU_TOOLS"/>
</Group>
</Groups>
<Buttons>
<Button guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="cmdiSWCommand" priority="0x1000" type="Button">
<Parent guid="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" id="SWMenuGroup" />
<Icon guid="guidImages" id="bmpPic1" />
<Strings>
<CommandName>cmdidSWCommand</CommandName>
<ButtonText>SideWaffle Settings</ButtonText>
</Strings>
</Button>
<Button guid="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" id="cmdidMyCommand" priority="0x2000" type="Button">
<Parent guid="guidSHLMainMenu" id="IDG_VS_CTXT_PROJECT_ADD_REFERENCES" />
<CommandFlag>DynamicVisibility</CommandFlag>
<CommandFlag>DefaultInvisible</CommandFlag>
<Strings>
<CommandName>AddSideWaffleProject</CommandName>
<ButtonText>Add Template Reference (SideWaffle project)</ButtonText>
</Strings>
</Button>
</Buttons>
<Bitmaps>
<Bitmap guid="guidImages" href="Resources\Images.png" usedList="bmpPic1, bmpPic2, bmpPicSearch, bmpPicX, bmpPicArrows"/>
</Bitmaps>
</Commands>
<Symbols>
<GuidSymbol name="guidTemplatePackPkg" value="{e6e2a48e-387d-4af2-9072-86a5276da6d4}" />
<GuidSymbol name="guidTemplatePackCmdSet" value="{a94bef1a-053e-4066-a851-16e5f6c915f1}">
<IDSymbol name="MyMenuGroup" value="0x1020" />
<IDSymbol name="cmdidMyCommand" value="0x0100" />
</GuidSymbol>
<GuidSymbol name="guidMenuOptionsCmdSet" value="{13EE92AE-B8B5-4728-8AF6-F53D8DD9C391}">
<IDSymbol name="SWMenuGroup" value="0x1010" />
<IDSymbol name="cmdidSWCommand" value="0x0090" />
</GuidSymbol>
<GuidSymbol name="guidImages" value="{900524C9-8677-4F84-AF97-3A1B5B45E3B2}" >
<IDSymbol name="bmpPic1" value="1" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPic2" value="2" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicSearch" value="3" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicX" value="4" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicArrows" value="5" />
<IDSymbol name="bmpPicStrikethrough" value="6" />
</GuidSymbol>
</Symbols>
</CommandTable>
PackageConstants.cs
// PkgCmdID.cs
// MUST match PkgCmdID.h
using System;
namespace TemplatePack
static class GuidList
public const string guidTemplatePackPkgString = "e6e2a48e-387d-4af2-9072-86a5276da6d4";
public const string guidTemplatePackCmdSetString = "a94bef1a-053e-4066-a851-16e5f6c915f1";
public static readonly Guid guidTemplatePackCmdSet = new Guid(guidTemplatePackCmdSetString);
// SideWaffle Remote Source Settings
public const string guidMenuOptionsPkgString = "796B8CBC-3010-4A76-872B-56775129765F";
public const string guidMenuOptionsCmdSetString = "13EE92AE-B8B5-4728-8AF6-F53D8DD9C391";
public static readonly Guid guidMenuOptionsCmdSet = new Guid(guidMenuOptionsCmdSetString);
static class PkgCmdIDList
public const uint cmdidMyCommand = 0x100;
public const uint cmdidSWCommand = 0x101;
TemplatePackPackage.cs
using System;
using System.Linq;
using System.Diagnostics;
using System.Globalization;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;
using System.ComponentModel.Design;
using Microsoft.Win32;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell.Interop;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.OLE.Interop;
using Microsoft.VisualStudio.Shell;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using EnvDTE;
using EnvDTE80;
using LigerShark.Templates.DynamicBuilder;
using TemplatePack.Tooling;
namespace TemplatePack
[PackageRegistration(UseManagedResourcesOnly = true)]
[InstalledProductRegistration("#110", "#112", "1.0", IconResourceID = 400)]
[ProvideMenuResource("Menus.ctmenu", 1)]
[Guid(GuidList.guidTemplatePackPkgString)]
[ProvideAutoLoad(UIContextGuids80.SolutionExists)]
public sealed class TemplatePackPackage : Package
private DTE2 _dte;
protected override void Initialize()
base.Initialize();
_dte = GetService(typeof(DTE)) as DTE2;
OleMenuCommandService mcs = GetService(typeof(IMenuCommandService)) as OleMenuCommandService;
if (null != mcs)
CommandID cmdId = new CommandID(GuidList.guidTemplatePackCmdSet, (int)PkgCmdIDList.cmdidMyCommand);
OleMenuCommand button = new OleMenuCommand(ButtonClicked, cmdId);
button.BeforeQueryStatus += button_BeforeQueryStatus;
mcs.AddCommand(button);
CommandID menuCommandID = new CommandID(GuidList.guidMenuOptionsCmdSet, (int)PkgCmdIDList.cmdidSWCommand);
MenuCommand menuItem = new MenuCommand(MenuItemCallback, menuCommandID);
mcs.AddCommand(menuItem);
/*if(Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("SideWaffleEnableDynamicTemplates") != null)*/{
try {
new DynamicTemplateBuilder().ProcessTemplates();
catch (Exception ex) {
// todo: replace with logging or something
System.Windows.MessageBox.Show(ex.ToString());
void button_BeforeQueryStatus(object sender, EventArgs e)
var button = (OleMenuCommand)sender;
var project = GetSelectedProjects().ElementAt(0);
// TODO: We should only show this if the target project has the TemplateBuilder NuGet pkg installed
// or something similar to that.
button.Visible = true;
// button.Visible = project.IsWebProject();
private void ButtonClicked(object sender, EventArgs e)
Project currentProject = GetSelectedProjects().ElementAt(0);
var projects = _dte.Solution.GetAllProjects();
var names = from p in projects
where p != currentProject
select p.Name;
ProjectSelector selector = new ProjectSelector(names);
bool? isSelected = selector.ShowDialog();
if (isSelected.HasValue && isSelected.Value)
// need to save everything because we will directly write to the project file in the creator
_dte.ExecuteCommand("File.SaveAll");
TemplateReferenceCreator creator = new TemplateReferenceCreator();
var selectedProject = projects.First(p => p.Name == selector.SelectedProjectName);
creator.AddTemplateReference(currentProject, selectedProject);
public IEnumerable<Project> GetSelectedProjects()
var items = (Array)_dte.ToolWindows.SolutionExplorer.SelectedItems;
foreach (UIHierarchyItem selItem in items)
var item = selItem.Object as Project;
if (item != null)
yield return item;
private void MenuItemCallback(object sender, EventArgs e)
// Here is where our UI (i.e. user control) will go to do all the settings.
var window = new SettingsForm();
window.Show();
Once I removed the second package it no longer appeared multiple times in the Tools menu; however, when I click the button the SettingsForm is not being opened.

How to round value of container element in task description

I am trying to round the value of the container element from 3 decimals to 2 decimals for display purposes.
The command symbol in the task description is &_WI_Object_Id.OverallTotalCost&. I have looked at SAP Help and I have tried the suggestion of &_WI_Object_Id.OverallTotalCost(.2)& and &_WI_Object_Id.OverallTotalCost(Z.2)& with no success.
I have also searched the sap-wug mailing list and SAP ITToolBox and found no references rounding a container element in a task description. I have seen code assigning a value to a packed decimal variable to round. But I have not been able to get this to work as a command in a description for a task.

I created a new element in the container as suggested by Glauco and added the element binding in the workflow / task binding. Biggest hassle was finding a business object that had a type of 2 decimal places to use for the new container element.
The reason why the SAPScript symbol for reducing the number of decimals does not work in Task texts is because the container elment symbols are resolved first as text. Therefore only the SAPScript commands that apply to text will work like length.

Looking for, and replace special characters

Hi
I am quite new to AppleScript and can't figure this out. Any help would be appreciated.
I have received several (a lot of) folders containing images with some strange characters in the file names. The images has to go to web, and I want to replace those characters with some that are web friendly. The characters in question is some Swedish A's and O's (Ä, ä, Ö, ö) and one that looks like the Apple Command symbol. (I was told this one is a combination of a and e).
Then, I would like to replace all spaces between the words in the file names with an underscore.
In addition, all image file names start with capitals and I would like to replace these as well.
Thanks
Neal
G5 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Here's a modified version of the standard script:
try
tell application "Finder" to set the source_folder to (folder of the front window) as alias
on error -- no open folder windows
set the source_folder to path to desktop folder as alias
end try
display dialog "Search and replace in:" buttons {"File Names", "Folder Names", "Both"} default button 3
set the search_parameter to the button returned of the result
repeat
display dialog "Enter text to find in the item names:" default answer "" buttons {"Cancel", "OK"} default button 2
set the search_string to the text returned of the result
if the search_string is not "" then exit repeat
end repeat
repeat
display dialog "Enter replacement text:" default answer "" buttons {"Cancel", "OK"} default button 2
set the replacement_string to the text returned of the result
if the replacement_string contains ":" then
beep
display dialog "A file or folder name cannot contain a colon (:)." buttons {"Cancel", "OK"} default button 2
else if the replacement_string contains "/" then
beep
display dialog "A file or folder name cannot contain a forward slash (/)." buttons {"Cancel", "OK"} default button 2
else
exit repeat
end if
end repeat
display dialog "Replace “" & the search_string & "” with “" & the replacement_string & "” in every item name?" buttons {"Cancel", "OK"} default button 2
tell application "Finder"
set the item_list to every item of entire contents of source_folder
tell me
set item_list to reverse of the item_list
end tell
set source_folder to source_folder as string
repeat with i from 1 to number of items in the item_list
set the_name to name of item i of the item_list
set this_item to item i of the item_list
set this_info to properties of this_item
set the current_name to the_name
set change_flag to false
repeat with this_char from 1 to (count items of search_string)
if the current_name contains item this_char of (search_string) then
if the search_parameter is "Folder Names" and ¬
folder of this_info is true then
set the change_flag to true
else if the search_parameter is "File Names" and ¬
folder of this_info is false then
set the change_flag to true
else if the search_parameter is "Both" then
set the change_flag to true
end if
if the change_flag is true then
set this_item to item i of the item_list
-- replace target string using delimiters
set AppleScript's text item delimiters to the item this_char of search_string
set the textitemlist to every text item of the current_name
set AppleScript's text item delimiters to the item this_char of replacement_string
set the newitemname to the textitemlist as string
set AppleScript's text item delimiters to ""
set the current_name to newitemname
end if
end if
end repeat
my setitem_name(thisitem, current_name)
end repeat
end tell
beep 2
on setitem_name(thisitem, newitemname)
tell application "Finder"
--activate
set the parentcontainerpath to (get the container of this_item) as text
if not (exists item (the parentcontainerpath & newitemname)) then
try
set the name of this_item to newitemname
return this_item
on error the error_message number the error_number
if the error_number is -59 then
set the error_message to "This name contains improper characters, such as a colon (:)."
else --the suggested name is too long
set the error_message to error_message -- "The name is more than 31 characters long."
end if
--beep
tell me to display dialog the error_message default answer newitemname buttons {"Cancel", "Skip", "OK"} default button 3
copy the result as list to {newitemname, button_pressed}
if the button_pressed is "Skip" then return 0
my setitem_name(thisitem, newitemname)
end try
else --the name already exists
--beep
tell me to display dialog "This name is already taken, please rename." default answer newitemname buttons {"Cancel", "Skip", "OK"} default button 3
copy the result as list to {newitemname, button_pressed}
if the button_pressed is "Skip" then return 0
my setitem_name(thisitem, newitemname)
end if
end tell
end setitemname
This script variant works by accepting a source string in the form "AB" and desired string "CD". When run, ABCA will become CDCC with the sample strings.
(19254)

Sometimes Circles -- Sometimes Bowen Knots: Motion paths made in Illustrator

I am doing a very meticulous animation in after effects CS6. To execute this project I made all paths in illustrator CS6. Think of the shape as being the Earth, and the motion path as being Earth’s orbit around the sun. I parented the shape (the shape that will follow the motion path; Earth) with a null object, the shape parented by a null object will then be parented by another null object (the path I created in illustrator CS6, at this point I paste the shape (motion path; Earth’s orbit) into Transform: Position.
The problem:
Some motion paths go around the originally made circle, in a perfect cyclical motion. This is what I want. Some motion paths go around the four paths in a square direction, resembling the command symbol on a mac keyboard, also know as the Bowen knot. I do not want this.
My questions:
How do I make every motion path (the perfect circle I made in Illustrator) to function cohesively and dissimilar to the original circle, and not like the command symbol? Why is the conversion doing this to some, but not all shapes?
Best,
Chris

Everyone – thank you to all who responded.
A personal thank you to Rick for spending time and executing a visual explanation.
It turns out my video wasn't published originally, if you need more information click: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1dba60_a-letter-1_creation
To answer your questions: the Earth's orbit refrence is a simile.
I understand the process seems irrational; I being with illustrator because I’m trying to find the exact angle to the center point, in addition to the size of the circle. In other words, a circle has four points, turn the circle the correct amount of degrees and one point starts on the center point (the black dot), the other half ends on the colored dot. The only way I know how to do that is by using a plug-in with illustrator (to get the angle from the colored dot to the center point, and the size of the circle), an analog of this plug-in is not offered in after effects.
My original question: why when I paste the circles (that are already made in illustrator) into the null: position in after effects, some give me a perfect circle, some give me a Bowen knot? I appreciate the suggestions about only in after effects, unfortunately the circle paths were already made in illustrator.
Best,
Chris

Mavericks... Safari... One tab fills the entire bar, so I can't drag a link to create a new tab. Help?

Okay, so I just downloaded Mavericks from the App Store... Upgraded from Snow Leopard, I should add. There's a multitude of problems regarding scrolling and such (the scrollbar sometimes doubles back a bit when I'm scrolling; the google search engine page sometimes locks up and doesn't scroll at all, etc). However, the worst problem has to be the tabs bar. I enabled the tabs bar in View > Show Tab Bar; unfortunately, when I open up a new window, go to a page and try dragging a link to the tabs bar, it won't open that page in a new tab. It asks if I'm sure I want to leave the page. I'm not about to start dragging each link into the utmost right corner, position it on the "+" sign, and make new tabs that way.
Is there a workaround for this? Any way to decrease the size of that initial tab?

I just noticed command-click is a setting in Safari's Preferences. I believe it's the default setting, but perhaps yours is not set.
Open Preferences in Safari (under Safari in the Menu Bar). Choose the "Tabs" tab on top. Check the box that says "command click opens a link in a new tab". (Actually, the command symbol is shown instead of the word.)

What do these resets reset?

Bondi Blue Revision B has two tiny reset buttons between the ethernet port and the telephone port. The upper one has a black triangle (◀) and the lower one has a circle with a V-like symbol in it. The upper reset goes to something called "S3 Reset" on the logic board, and I can't see what the lower one goes to.
Any idea what these do? What do they reset, and are there specific instructions for doing the resets?
Thanks in advance!

Hey S.U.,
The upper triangle button is the reset button. Here's the description from the Service Source:
"12 Chapter 1
Restart the computer.
Often you can eliminate a problem simply by restarting your computer, which clears the computer’s memory. Always try restarting the proper way:
1 If you can, save any open documents before restarting.
2 Open the Special menu and choose Restart.
Note: You can also press the power button (picture of the power button symbol) on your Apple USB keyboard or on the
front of the computer.
A dialog box appears.
(picture of shutdown dialog box)
3 Click Restart.
If the computer freezes: Try quitting open applications. See “Quit open applications.” onpage 13.
Force your computer to restart.
m If you are unable to restart your computer as described above, try pressing the
Command (command symbol) and Control keys simultaneously while also pressing the power button (power button symbol) on your Apple USB keyboard or on the front of the computer.
m Open the cover on the side of your computer and locate the Reset hole (it’s the upper hole on the right side, between the Ethernet and modem ports). Carefully insert the end
of a large straightened paper clip into the hole and push gently. Do not use excessive force. Your computer should restart.
m If neither of the above suggestions work, unplug your computer. Wait at least 30 seconds,
then reconnect the power plug and turn your computer on by pressing the power
button (¨) on your Apple USB keyboard or on the front of the computer.
If this doesn’t solve your problem, return to “Problems” on page 7."
The lower button is referred to in the manual as the "interrupt"button. There is no other reference to it in the manual but it reminds me of the "program interrupt button" or the programer's button on the old Bondi Macs G3s.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programmer%27s_key
If you Google those terms you'd find a lot of info.
Richard

Phantom command symbol

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