Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Automator

Can anyone tell me exactly what Automator is for?

MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.6.7), iPad 1 16GB WiFi. iPhone 4 16GB both running iOS4.3.1

Posted on Apr 12, 2011 11:01 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 12, 2011 11:57 AM

In short, it is an application that allows you to automate routine tasks and more.

For example, lets say when you sit down to your computer, you typically start iTunes, iPhoto and Mail. Then you always start your playlist in iTunes called "My List", and search mail for items with subjects containing "Do Today".

You can create an Automator Workflow that will do all these things for you.

A more detailed description follows:

Automator is a workflow application introduced as part of Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). It leverages the power of AppleScript to provide a drag-and-drop workbench for streamlining repetitive tasks. Unlike traditional scripting solutions, you create workflows by organizing packages of code called actions. Automator comes with a set of actions you can use right away. Plus Apple provides links to third party actions that you can add to your collection. Since you're working in a user interface, you don't need to know any programming to get started. Just arrange the actions in the order you want them executed and hit the run button. Those more comfortable with programming can, however, embed scripts inside workflows or develop new Automator actions. Once you've created a workflow, you can save and distribute it as a stand-alone application that can be used by others who have Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

To learn more: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2488
2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 12, 2011 11:57 AM in response to tweetie_29

In short, it is an application that allows you to automate routine tasks and more.

For example, lets say when you sit down to your computer, you typically start iTunes, iPhoto and Mail. Then you always start your playlist in iTunes called "My List", and search mail for items with subjects containing "Do Today".

You can create an Automator Workflow that will do all these things for you.

A more detailed description follows:

Automator is a workflow application introduced as part of Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger). It leverages the power of AppleScript to provide a drag-and-drop workbench for streamlining repetitive tasks. Unlike traditional scripting solutions, you create workflows by organizing packages of code called actions. Automator comes with a set of actions you can use right away. Plus Apple provides links to third party actions that you can add to your collection. Since you're working in a user interface, you don't need to know any programming to get started. Just arrange the actions in the order you want them executed and hit the run button. Those more comfortable with programming can, however, embed scripts inside workflows or develop new Automator actions. Once you've created a workflow, you can save and distribute it as a stand-alone application that can be used by others who have Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

To learn more: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2488

Automator

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.