Level 1

10 points

Automator print plug in failure after Big Sur update

Since several years i´ve used a simple Automator print plug in to create an email (NewMailMessage) with an attached PDF (using cmd+P). ie sending a invoice as PDF in a pre set mail message.

After updating to Big Sur its not running fully. It opens Mail (if its closed) but the new mail message doesnt appear. Nothing happens and no warning messages. It works fine when I run it inside automator.

I had the same problem a couple of years ago after another update (not catalina) and Apple support helped me out after several attempts.

I tried to call Apple support again but they recommended me to use this community instead.

Is there anyone else experiencing this? Is there a simple fix (im not a techie :) )?

Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 2:14 PM

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

73,236 points

Posted on Feb 4, 2021 10:33 AM

I can offer a workaround:

Redo the same workflow, but as an application, instead of a print plugin.

Either save the application directly in ~/Library/PDF Services, or save it elsewhere and make an alias in that location.

This works!

The first time you get an alert that your application wants to "control your computer". Allow it. Done!

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28 replies

Feb 21, 2021 7:36 AM in response to Old Toad

What I had in mind was this:

but that does not appear in workflows that are saved as applications. Instead, you'd see this:

It still works, though.

If this Automator application does something with pdf files, it can be used by dragging and dropping, and it can also be used in the Print dialog.

a_schu Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 22, 2021 5:51 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hi Luis.

Thanks for taking your time helping a dummie :)

I tried this and it works well with dragging and dropping files on the "icon". But it doesnt pop up in the print dialog (cmd+P). I tried to connect the app with a "short command" but that doesnt trigger the app either.

What i used to do, and want to do is: in Safari or Word print a screen/document (cmd+P) transfer in to a PDF and in to a mail template ( i used a short command cmd+Å that earlier responded with the automator pdf print plug in ). That was quick and easy before the upgrade to Big Sur. With the automator App it seems like i need to save the file and drag it to app.

Wynot

Level 1

4 points

Jan 24, 2021 2:42 AM in response to VikingOSX

I havet the same problem.

Wynot

Level 1

4 points

Jan 24, 2021 2:44 AM in response to Wynot

I have the same problem.

Wynot

Level 1

4 points

Jan 24, 2021 5:25 AM in response to VikingOSX

i made a bugg report tio Apple

Feb 4, 2021 10:09 AM in response to a_schu

Just found out I have the same issue. Even if I create a new Automator Print Plugin, it won't create the email. I hope Apple fixes this soon.

Kiva

Level 1

19 points

Feb 19, 2021 6:43 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Hi. Same as the other user I see no "receives PDF files" in the automator library.

Wynot

Level 1

4 points

Feb 20, 2021 12:11 AM in response to Kiva

In the latent publicera beta it workshop sagon

Old Toad

Level 10

215,346 points

Feb 20, 2021 9:39 AM in response to a_schu

I tried to duplicate what Luis did but I also have no "receives PDF files" module in Automator V2.10. This is all of them:

Feb 22, 2021 6:45 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I have just added a shortcut to an application in a print dialog and it works fine, just as it did before.

Kiva

Level 1

19 points

Mar 1, 2021 9:27 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Ok, I *think* I got this workaround to work. Thank you!

a_schu Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 1, 2021 11:15 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis - You´re my hero!! This workaround works perfect! As good as the automator print plug in before Big Sur update.

a_schu Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 8, 2021 5:52 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

hi, wanted to try this workaround that but can´t find"receives pdf files" anywhere under Application. Can you help med with a screen shot or so?

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Automator print plug in failure after Big Sur update