Automatoris one of my preferred 10.4 feature — it really does let nearly anyone create useful actions , even if you do n’t know the first thing about programming . This recent article demonstrates on the button that fact , with five mere action you may produce yourself , just to get a feel for how Automator cultivate .
But where Automator really shines is when you combine its comparatively easygoing - to - use user interface with its ability to directly get at AppleScript and/or shell playscript through Automator actions — using this proficiency , you’re able to get at the full top executive of OS X through Automator ’s interface . When you put that together with someone who can compose some AppleScript or shell script code , you may really make some useful utilities … such as the one I ’m about to discuss .
As a 10.4 exploiter , you ’re probably intimate with the Finder ’s new ignitable folders . This welcome addition to OS X mean the last of extended file duplicate when you want to incinerate a CD - R. Simply create a new ignitible folder , the pull all the detail into it that you want to put on the CD - R , and then click the Burn push . Instead of copying all the file cabinet , OS X just creates false name in the burnable brochure , and then resolves those to the actual data point files when you click Burn . This is a much fast appendage than that of prior o X release . But it ’s not arrant — what if you already have a folder full of hooey , quick to sunburn ? It seems sort of otiose to create a new burnable folder and drag a bunch of alias into it just to then burn that folder .
Well , it grow out that you do n’t have to do this — any folder on your machine can be turn into a burnable leaflet , only by adding the special .fpbf extension to its name . This being the user - friendly OS X , of course , you ca n’t simply do this from the Finder , as you ’ll get a message put forward that the extension phone is reserved for use by the system . If you ’re wise with the ways of Terminal ( /Applications / Utilities ) , you could avoid this problem — open a fresh Terminal window , move into the directory containing the folder you wish to make ignitible ( using thecdcommand ) , and then use themvcommand to rename it :
When you press Return , you ’re done — the “ My Folder ” folder is now burnable , and it will have the ignitible booklet icon in the Finder . In the Finder , select the fresh - ignitible folder , click the Burn button , and you ’re on your manner to a really wide-eyed compact disc - gas constant fulfill with that folder ’s data file . To repeal the burnable status of the folder , switch back to Terminal and emerge the same control , but fell the extension :
But do n’t worry — today ’s blog is n’t really about using Terminal to pull of this fussy trick . It ’s about using Automator , and not having to get your hands unsporting while doing so ! We ’re go away to create a Finder hype - in that will let you select one ( or more ) leaflet and toggle their burnable status via a simple contextual carte du jour . vocalise like arugula scientific discipline , but it ’s really somewhat simple .
Update : The follow Automator work flow has been modified since this writeup was first published . I changed it from a one - footfall to a two - step workflow to head off incompatibility in its behvior in the Finder vs. in Automator itself ( when testing ) .
Start by launching Automator , retrieve in your Applications folder . We ’re endure to produce a two - step Automator action . First snap on the Finder entry in the Library column . Then find Get Selected Finder Items in the Action tower , and embroil it to the blank study domain on the correct side of the window . Next , pick out the Automator submission in the Library column , and then find and drop back the Run Shell Script entry in the Action pillar into the workplace country on the rightfulness . Make trusted you drop this Action below the one you ’ve already placed . After you drop the Finder Action , click the Shell pop - up menu in its windowpane , and verify it ’s set to / bin / belt . Also lay out the Pass input to come out - up toas arguing . This will guarantee that the shell handwriting you ’re about to create trial correctly .
Now recall how I enunciate that people with shell scripting attainment can do some really awe-inspiring material ? One such macosxhints reviewer , Alex Nicksay , posted a shell script on Macosxhints.com to handle this behind - the - scenes rename of burnable folders . In the Run Shell Script area of your workflow , click in the script area ( the patch that currently readson run … ) , and wipe out all that text . In its place , copy and paste this codification :
Explaining precisely what this script does is well beyond the scope of this column ( not to mention beyond the CRO of my knowledge ) , but here ’s a summary . fundamentally , the script looks at the Finder selection , and determines whether the pick out folders are presently burnable or not . Whatever their current status , the hand will then overturn those configurations — burnable becomes non - burnable , and vice - versa . When you ’ve got the playscript all set up , your workflow is thoroughgoing , and it should face like the below image . I ’ve hidden the Library and Action columns , so that there ’s more room to show the work surface area , but notice that the full script does n’t show in the screenshot , as that region is n’t resizable — just make certain your code twin what you see above , and you ’ll be set …
To quiz your work flow , please succeed these instructions , as you ’ll want to be trusted it ’s function properlybeforeusing it on a ‘ tangible ’ pamphlet . Leave Automator open , and switch to the Finder . Make a new folder , and then verify it ’s selected by penetrate on it . Now switch back to your Automator action and click the Run push button . When the work flow completes , you should hear a abbreviated “ wheeet ” haphazardness , and the lower right recession of the windowpane should study “ Workflow Execution Completed . ” flip-flop back to the Finder , and look at the brochure you just created — it should now be emblazoned with the Burn icon . take it again , switch back to Automator , and launch the work flow again . This meter , when you exchange back to the Finder , you should see that your test booklet has regress to normal . If that ’s not the case , then something ’s wrong with the cuticle playscript step ; compare your code to the snipping above , and make certain the two are very .
Assuming everything worked with your test folder , you ’re ready to make your workflow an easy - to - use contextual fare item . Switch back to Automator and select File : Save As Plug - In . In the Save Plug - in As boxwood , give your new work flow a meaningful name , like Toggle Burnable or Toggle Burn Folder or somesuch . check that the Plug - in For pop - up says Finder , and then click Save .
felicitation , you ’ve just create a Finder plug - in to toggle the burnable status of any folder ! To utilise your new action , select any folder ( or folders ) in the Finder , and then restraint - click and select Automator : Burnable Toggle ( or whatever you name the workflow ) . Presto , exigent ignitable booklet . recapitulate the process after you burn your CD - R , and the folder return to normal . Did n’t I recount you Automator was astonishingly utilitarian ?