add text in clipboard to the fine name as a prefix

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Level 1

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add text in clipboard to the fine name as a prefix

I have been trying to create a workflow which add the prefix from the text in the clipboard.
Automator's preset, 'Add Text to Finder Item Names' can't do this.

Any advise or hint would be appreciated.

MP, MBP, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Apr 15, 2010 5:54 PM

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Answer 1

red_menace

Level 6

17,066 points

Apr 15, 2010 7:04 PM in response to hgw99

There are a few alternatives, since the *Rename Finder Items* action doesn't accept variables. This macosxhints article describes a way to trick existing actions into using variables, and you can use third party actions (I have a *Change Names of Finder Items* action if you want to try that - it can be downloaded here). A custom *Run AppleScript* action can also be used.

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Answer 2

hgw99 Author

Level 1

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Apr 15, 2010 11:40 PM in response to red_menace

There are a few alternatives, since the Rename Finder Items action doesn't accept variables.
This macosxhints article describes a way to trick existing actions into using variables, and
you can use third party actions (I have a Change Names of Finder Items action if you want
to try that - it can be downloaded here). A custom Run AppleScript action can also be used.

Hi, thank you for your quick reply red_menace. I actually went through couple of your posts when I was looking for the solution earlier today. I have read the article that you mentioned, but I could barely understand what it is talking about.

I tried your custom Apple Script, -Change name of Finder Items.
Nice. It seems the one I needed.
But I couldn't figure how to define the 'text or variable' box.

I placed 'Get Contents of Clipboard' right above your script as the variable is already stored in the clipboard here. I can't figure out how to put this variable into the box.... Thank you so much and sorry for my ignorance. I need little more help...

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Answer 3

red_menace

Level 6

17,066 points

Apr 16, 2010 9:24 AM in response to hgw99

The 'text or variable' is just some placeholder text to describe what you can put into the text field. For text, you just type something in, but to use variables you will need to create some. An example workflow would be something like (note the use of the "Ignore Input" option):

1) *Get Selected Finder Items* -- or whatever you are using to get the items to rename
2) *Set Value of Variable* { Variable: _Original Input_ } -- save the input for later
3) *Get Contents of Clipboard* (Ignore Input)
4) *Set Value of Variable* { Variable: Clipboard }
5) *Get Value of Variable* { Variable: _Original Input_ } (Ignore Input) -- get the original input back
6) *Change Names of Finder Items*

The *Change Names of Finder Items* action will not change anything if the change text field is left alone (i.e. set to "the original contents"), so all you need to do in this case is check the "Add text" checkbox, drag the Clipboard variable to the text field, and select the location and separator as desired.

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Answer 4

hgw99 Author

Level 1

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Apr 17, 2010 12:12 AM in response to red_menace

It worked!! Thank you so much.

You also solved my long term question. I should have known 'ignore input' option.
I have been avoiding using Automator because of this.

Thanks again for your kindness.

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