How can I use Automator to automatically open some programs, load certain files, and minimize/maximize some windows?
August 13, 2010 6:11 PM   Subscribe

How can I use Automator to automatically open some programs, load certain files, and minimize/maximize some windows?

I've done a some looking around but I can't seem to find an explanation of how to do these actions?
posted by ben5757 to Computers & Internet (5 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Try one of the many windows macro recorder programs like this...
http://www.autohotkey.com/

This one I believe uses a script, while many of the other ones record mouse and keyboard movements.

(I have not used this product, but there are many out there just like it.)
posted by MechEng at 6:30 PM on August 13, 2010


And previously on the green...

http://ask.metafilter.com/16239/Best-Windows-macro-recording-software
posted by MechEng at 6:33 PM on August 13, 2010


Response by poster: Sorry, can't believe I forgot to include this, but I'm using a Mac!
posted by ben5757 at 6:39 PM on August 13, 2010 [1 favorite]


Have you looked into AppleScript? That seems better suited to do what you're looking for. I believe every Mac comes with it installed (just like Automator) in your Utilities folder. The app is called AppleScript Editor. You can click Record, do what you want it to do, and when you click Stop it should capture most of the actions. It probably won't grab everything but you can always refine the script manually later. Lots of tutorials online.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 7:08 PM on August 13, 2010


What you are describing can be done with Automator. Just by playing around with it I created a daily automatic offsite backup for some files. I'm no expert at it but I would suggest playing around with it or looking at some tutorials. Automator is more than capable of doing what you want.
posted by GleepGlop at 8:06 PM on August 13, 2010


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