Using automator to change system preferences

can i use automator to change my network settings. my stupid wireless at home does not automatically connect so everytime i get home i have to open up sys preferences and change the airport settings to manual and enter in the ip address of the router manually. can i create an automator script to do this in one step?
any help appreciated. thanks.

I have a similar problem with the ultra sensitive trackpad with the "Clicking, Dragging, Drag lock" checked in Preferences/Keyboard & Mouse. I'm always turning them on and off depending on which application I am using.
My problem is that when I record a series of actions in Automator, the resulting action list has no text behind the action for the mouse click for the Clicking checkbox. Its as though it doesn't even know that its there. All of the other actions show up.
Got any ideas on how to fill that void or another workflow that would do the same thing ? I think that running the workflow again would turn it back on as the actions are identical.

Similar Messages

Using Automator to change System Preference when opening an app

Hello everyone,
I have been using a Mac for a good 8 years now and I'm a happy user. I recently found out about Automator ('hey what is this little robot for?') and what it can do, yet I lack the knowledge of finding out what I must do to make a script to perform the following thing:
When I launch an app (FL Studio), I want the box checked next to 'Use F1 and F2 as standard function keys' in the Keyboard preferences pane in the System Preferences app.
When I close the same app (FL Studio), I want the box unchecked next to 'Use F1 and F2 as standard function keys' in the Keyboard preference pane in the System Preferences app.
I have found several other topics about this subject, however, those were about scripts when logging in to your computer, and not upon opening/closing an app. Please note that I am seeking for the setting to be changed when the app is opened and closed.
I hope you can help,
Sander

This kind of question comes up a lot - how to run a script when an application launches/quits.
The short answer is that it's not easy to do directly, unless the application itself supports launching scripts on startup/quit (hint: few do).
Fortunately, a little difference in thinking can give you the same effect.
Rather than trying to have your script trigger AFTER the app launches, rethink your process to a script that FIRST changes the preference, THEN launches the app. You get the same result but about 14 billion times easier to implement.
In this case, write a script to set the function key preference, then launch FL Studio. The script can then hang around to wait for the app to quit and reset the pref.
Furthermore, don't try to do this the human way (open System preferences, select Keyboard, check the box). You can set the preference directly via the defaults command line utility:
on run
do shell script "defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.keyboard.fnState 1"
tell application "FL Studio" to activate
end run
Resetting the preference is a little trickier since you need to detect when FL Studio has quit. You can do this with an idle() handler in your script that hangs around, periodically checking if the app is still running and then taking action:
on idle
tell application "System Events"
if (name of every application process) contains "FL Studio" then
-- app is still running, so come back and check later:
return 10
else
do shell script "defaults write .GlobalPreferences com.apple.keyboard.fnState 0"
tell me to quit
end if
end tell
end idle
Putting these together in a Stay Open script should do much of what you want.

Use Automator to Change System Preferences?

Hi. I want to create a workflow or applescript that will open my system's sound preferences and change the output source. The Applescript editor doesn't record any of my actions.

Modify the setting from System Preferences, and then look for plist files in ~/Library/Preferences/ and /Library/Preferences/ modified around that time. When you've located a possible plist, open the Terminal application in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder and enter 'defaults read ' without the quote marks. Drag the plist into the Terminal and press Enter; you will then see a list of keys. If a key looks like it contains what you're looking for, remember its value, change the setting again from System Preferences, and check the key again. Once you've found the key, you can use a 'defaults write' action in Automator's shell script option to change the value. If you can't write the key successfully, post back here with the name of the key and where you found it for further assistance.
(12421)

Use Automator to Change a System Setting

Hi there,
I was just wondering if there was anyway to use Automator to be able to click one button and be able to turn off/on the F1, F2, F3 etc... functions, so I am able to use F1, F2, F3 etc... when I need it ( mostly using Pro Tools ) and when i'm finished use the Brightness, Volume etc.....
Thanks Craven

Here is an AppleScript that will do this:
tell application "System Preferences" to activate
tell application "System Preferences"
          reveal anchor "input" of pane id "com.apple.preference.sound"
end tell
tell application "System Events" to tell process "System Preferences"
          tell table 1 of scroll area 1 of tab group 1 of window 1
                    select (row 1 where value of text field 1 is "Internal microphone")
          end tell
end tell
quit application "System Preferences"
You can put this into an AppleScript in AppleScript Editor (it's in Utilities), or run it in Automator.
The simplest way would be to save it as an AppleScript application and use that as a login item.
I wrote it up as a standalone AppleScript application called "InputMic" and saved it to my dropbox. You can download it here if you like: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/assrkjdvns0lj9m/RjP7Mc2HcM
You can put it in your Applications folder and set it as a Login Item in system preferences > Users & Groups.
Or drag it to the dock and then run it manually, or both. It will ask for your permission to run as an accessability item in Security & Privacy settings; just click the lock in the left corner, check the box next to InputMic, and then close the lock.

Using Automator to change Kensington Trackball Settings

Hi All,
I have several shared company computers, all have the Expert Kensington Trackball Mouse. The computer in question is an Intel Mac Pro running Leopard. I have 2 sets of users that need to use the rig and both sets of users prefer different settings to the Kensington Mouse (I only need 2 separate profiles, not 4). Kensington does not provide software to quickly switch user profiles. The simplest solution is to create different users for the computer, but that is not an option here. We've been trying to use Automator to script the changes quickly between mouse profiles, but while using the 'Watch Me Do' (none of us are particularly experienced with Automator) feature, we are able to set the bottom two mouse buttons, but the top 2 buttons result in the error message "This operation cannot be performed". The Kensington settings are in System Preferences, and have several drop-down menus and text boxes. There must be a better way to do this. Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

I have a similar problem with the ultra sensitive trackpad with the "Clicking, Dragging, Drag lock" checked in Preferences/Keyboard & Mouse. I'm always turning them on and off depending on which application I am using.
My problem is that when I record a series of actions in Automator, the resulting action list has no text behind the action for the mouse click for the Clicking checkbox. Its as though it doesn't even know that its there. All of the other actions show up.
Got any ideas on how to fill that void or another workflow that would do the same thing ? I think that running the workflow again would turn it back on as the actions are identical.

Changing system preferences automatically

When I use a mouse with my mac I like "scroll direction: natural" turned off and I like to enable hot corners. I was wondering If I could create an app via Automator or AppleScript that I could click that would set up my computer for either mouse or trackpad use. I don't know if there are terminal commands for the the things I want to do, and if someone knows them, or knows where I can find them, that would be nice. Another thing I wanted to try was make an AppleScript that opened up system preferences and just clicked in the right spots to change my settings and then closed system preferences, but I couldn't get the click command to work ("System Events got an error: Can’t make {x, y} into type list."). If someone knows how to do this one of the ways I mentioned, or some other way, please let me know.

"pages automatically upload when i turn on my mac"
Go to System Preferences > General and uncheck the box dealing with "Restoring Windows ...." Read here about "Resume."

Automator for changing system settings?

Here's my issue: I have an external monitor connected to my 2010 Macbook Pro with OSX Snow Leopard. I do all my work when I'm at home on the larger monitor and use the other screen for iTunes. I use spaces alot, and so when using my external monitor, I put iTunes to open on all spaces so that it's always handy. When I go out with my laptop, I have to change the spaces settings back to iTunes only being open in one space.
It's not a big issue, but does anyone know how to use automator (or by any other means) to automatically change the system settings so that my computer can, on detecting I have an external monitor plugged in, change the spaces settings for iTunes? (and preferably back again when it doesn't have the external monitor plugged in).

Hi there :)
You can connect directly to the DB without a DSN like this:
url = "jdbc:odbc:Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb)};DBQ=<YOUR DB LOCATION HERE>;
try
Class.forName ("sun.jdbc.odbc.JdbcOdbcDriver");
icuCon = DriverManager.getConnection (url);
catch (Exception e)
You will obviously replace <YOUR DB LOCATION HERE> with the location of your database for example you can set the url of the database like this:
url = "jdbc:odbc:Driver={Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb)};DBQ=" +
System.getProperty ("user.dir") + System.getProperty ("file.separator") +
"DBFolder" + System.getProperty ("file.separator") + "DB.mdb";
Matt

Remotely changing System Preferences via Firewire?

Hi all,
I've got an old mac mini and a new Mac book. The trick is, I've just moved overseas and don't have a monitor for the mini any longer. I have bought a cable to connect it to my tv, but I'm afraid the tv is too old, and won't play nice with the mini! Of course I cannot afford a new monitor either!
My goal is to set up the Mini as a home server for my MacBook and a windows machine. To do so I need to adjust all of three settings. The trick is, I can't figure out how to get in to change the preferences in order to make this possible.
I can start the Mini in Target disc mode, but of course cannot install any screen sharing software, etc. remotely. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could get access to the mini's System Preferences? Could I do that through Terminal? Boot camp?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
JakeOle

Hi Jake, and Welcome to the Discussions!
You could change the Sharing settings in...
Mini's /Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharing.firewall.plist
You'd likely have to use Terminal to reset the Permissions on it after saving it again though.
The Mini is pretty portable... know a friend with a Monitor?

Using Spaces (from the System Preferences)

I have enabled the Spaces from the System Preferences to keep my programs more organized. I use almost every program of the Adobe Suite on a regular basis. I had put the different programs in four different Spaces because I often have many windows open each program, so I like to keep them separated. When I move to a different program in my Adobe Suite my toolbars disappear and I have to hit Tab a couple times to get them back. This is very annoying especially when I am in the text tool. I am about to disable the Spaces. But I want to see if anyone out there knows what I can do if anything.

Nothing yet, Tiffany. Nobody has admitted responsibility for that glitch. Probably its just one of those things which has to do with development cycles and timing. CS3 was created and released before Leopard was available. Adobe seems to be on the next version and this issue doesn't really matter to them. Apple keeps changing their system often enough it is hard for the engineers who have to keep up with all the changes. The net result is that problems don't get addressed while new features are prized because they seem more valuable to the marketing department who appears to be dominant at Adobe.

Using AUtomator to change OSs

Hello,
I use both Snow Leopard and Lion, frequently having to change the hard drive OS because of programs running in Rosetta. Is it possible to automate the action instead of doing System Preferences->Starup Disk-> Choose OS -> Restart?
Thank you

I use this AppleScript saved as an application to automate most of it:
if application "System Preferences" is running then quit application "System Preferences"
delay 1
tell application "System Preferences" to activate
tell application "System Preferences" to set the current pane to pane id "com.apple.preference.startupdisk"

Changing System Preferences

I work in an office at a university which maintains all the teaching classroom computers, and we periodically reinstall OS X and generally refresh all our Macs once (or more) a year from a custom-made image which has all of the proper software set up, etc. There are a lot of computers, and it's a pretty time consuming process, so I thought it would be helpful to create an Applescript that automatically fills all the network settings back in through System Preferences instead of doing each one manually. I've only just started learning Applescript, and while I'm pretty sure this can be done, I'm just not sure how. I've read through tons of tutorials, but I can't come up with a solution.
I have been using Xcode to create a nice interface, and what I would like to do is create a drop-down list of all the classrooms, so whoever is running the Applescript can choose a room from the list and the script will change the computer's IP and network settings. I have gotten as far as making System Preferences open up and change to Network settings, but beyond that I am having trouble. I need to know how I can get Applescript to modify the text fields in the Network pane. I have tried many different methods for this, but I can't seem to come up with one that actually works.
Can someone tell me (or point me in the direction of a good tutorial) how to modify the contents of text fields with Applescript? I think I can figure the rest out once I get past this little hurdle, but meanwhile it's driving me crazy. Thank you in advance.

> Can someone tell me (or point me in the direction of a good tutorial) how to modify the contents of text fields with Applescript?
I'd recommend a different approach.
While it is possible to modify text files via AppleScript, if you're manipulating preferences you should familiarize yourself with the defaults command.
defaults gives you command line access to the preferences system. You may need to do this anyway since many preference files are moving to a binary .plist file rather than text files.
man defaults will give you the basics. You can invoke this via AppleScript's do shell script command if you want an AppleScript solution.

Using automator to change image from pct to tif

Problem: want to grab frames from an MP4 movie and save them in a format usable by other applications.
I've written an applescript action in automator to grab and save frames at regularly occurring intervals. QT 7 pro does the grabbing and saving.
The difficulty is that the images are pct files. I need to send them through PDFlib which doesn't understand this format. Just about any other format would work: PDF, PNG, TIFF, etc.
Automator has an Action named "Change Type of Images" associated with Preview. Unfortunately, Preview in 10.6 can't open can't open PICTs in 64 bit mode. In Automator, the Change Type action simply fails to do anything w/o complaint.
I also tried using the CS 3 Automator Action Pack from Complete Digital. But the action pack doesn't seem to include a Save As action.
(Side question: in fact, I don't see Save As or a Save action in Automator at all. How would one create and Save a TextEdit document?)
Looks like I'm falling through the cracks here. Anyone have any suggestions??

jeffrey Berger wrote:
Problem: want to grab frames from an MP4 movie and save them in a format usable by other applications.
I've written an applescript action in automator to grab and save frames at regularly occurring intervals. QT 7 pro does the grabbing and saving.
The difficulty is that the images are pct files. I need to send them through PDFlib which doesn't understand this format. Just about any other format would work: PDF, PNG, TIFF, etc.
Automator has an Action named "Change Type of Images" associated with Preview. Unfortunately, Preview in 10.6 can't open can't open PICTs in 64 bit mode.
yes, but it will do so if you run Preview in 32 bit mode. check the box in it's get info panel to open in 32-bit mode and it will open .pct files.
In Automator, the Change Type action simply fails to do anything w/o complaint.
I also tried using the CS 3 Automator Action Pack from Complete Digital. But the action pack doesn't seem to include a Save As action.
(Side question: in fact, I don't see Save As or a Save action in Automator at all. How would one create and Save a TextEdit document?)
Looks like I'm falling through the cracks here. Anyone have any suggestions??
another option is to use the terminal "convert" command. It's part of ImageMagic suite and I have it on my system. However, I'm not sure if it's a part of a regular OS X install or one my 3rd party programs installed it. i definitely didn't install it myself.
the usage is very simple
convert /path/to/file.pct /path/to/outputfile.jpg
just add a "run shell script" action to your flow to run the command. this avoids any 64-bit issues.

Changing System Preference value

Hi
Have been trying to change a keyboard shortcut in the "Expose and Spaces" pane. By default the dashboard shortcut is set to "F12" and I would like to set it to "F8". This would become an option for a user when they have logged in. They could run the script to free up the "F12" shortcut that's in use by another programme. Thought the following code would have worked:
tell application "System Events"
tell process "System Preferences"
set value of pop up button 4 of group 2 of tab group 1 of window "Exposé & Spaces" to "F8"
end tell
end tell
If anyone out there has any clues to get this working I would be grateful. Ideally a "defaults write" shell command would be the preferred route. I'm open to all suggestions.
Thanks

Hi,
These preferences are scriptable under Leopard via System Events, and although you don't say specifically, I'm assuming that you're running Leopard because you're using Spaces.
The problem is that the default shortcut for Spaces is already set to F8, and if you don't change it to something else first then you can't set the Dashboard shortcut to F8.
This works for me:
tell application "System Events"
tell expose preferences
set properties of show spaces shortcut to {function key:F7}
set properties of dashboard shortcut to {function key:F8}
end tell
end tell
When the script is compiled or run the third line changes to:
set properties of application bindings to {function key:F7}
But F7 continues to work as the shortcut for showing Spaces. A bug, I reckon.
Hope this helps.
H

The "Play feedback when volume is changed" system preference is broken

I don't want to hear the feedback sound when I change the volume, but my Mac stubbornly insists that I should!
If I uncheck the "Play feedback when volume is changed" option in the Sound System Preferences pane, it works for a while. Some time later, when I change the volume using the keyboard keys, it ticks again. I have to check and uncheck the preference to get it to shut up... for a while.
Also, I noticed it always ticks when I change the volume while Quicktime is opening a movie. If I wait until it has opened it, it doesn't tick anymore.
This annoying problem started, as far as I can remember, from day zero.
I fixed the also annoying balance drifting problem with http://www.whamb.com/balanced. Is there anything like that that will kill the volume change feedback sound and make sure it stays dead permanently?
Thanks!

This is happening to me too. The volume makes the noise, and when I open system preferences, "play feedback when..." is UNCHECKED which means it should not be making the noise. But I too have to check it and uncheck it in order for the sound to stop playing.
Why isn't it saving my setting?

Using Spaces (in the System Preferences)

I have enabled the Spaces from the System Preferences to keep my programs more organized. I am a graphic designer and I use almost every program of the Adobe Suite on a regular basis. I had put the different programs in four different spaces because I often have many windows open each program, so I like to keep them separated. When I move to a different program in my Adobe Suite my toolbars disappear and I have to hit Tab a couple times to get them back. This is very annoying especially when I am in the text tool. I am about to disable the Spaces. But I want to see if anyone out there knows what I can do if anything.

I have to press tabs twice occasionally and I don't find that too much of an encumberance for the time being

Using automator to change system preferences

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