Automator-Create new folder from file name and move file

Automator can be a pain never use it for more then the most basic of things. What you want to do may be possible in it but it seems a straight Appelscript solution would be easier.

This is the beginnings of a script that does what you are looking to do (at lest as I understand it). There are most likely better ways to do this, I'm no Applescript expert and I'm sure others will jump i but this should give you an idea.

There is no error checking and the folder name for top level folder is Test in the Desktop. It also wasn't clear where you want the destination folder to be. This places it in the same folder with the files (Test in this case).

It also assumes the master files extension is always 'ai'.

set theFolder to (((path to desktop) as text) & "Test") as alias

tell application "Finder"
          set fileList to name of every file of theFolder whose name extension is "ai"
end tell

set text item delimiters to "."

repeat with theFile in fileList
          get every text item of theFile
          set masterFile to item 1 of result
          tell application "Finder"
  make new folder at theFolder with properties {name:masterFile}
                    move (every file of folder theFolder whose name contains masterFile) to result
          end tell
end repeat

Did you have problems with this script?

Here is an automator action you can start with. I think I now what you are trying to do.

Let me know if this does not work for you.

Ask for text

• Question: What basename of files do you want to find and move into a new folder?
• Answer: newspaper ad 15x35 [default answer I put it, you can leave this blank and enter the basename]

Copy to Clipboard

Set Value of Variable

Variable Name: basename

Find Finder Items

• Search Computer
• All of the following are true:
• Name Contains [you will be prompted to fill this out. Hit Control V and it will paste the basename]

Get Selected Finder Items

New Folder

• Name: basename (variable name as above)
• Where: Desktop (or as you wish)

Under FInd Finder Items, you need to select Options and then click on "Show this action when workflow runs"

Here it is for you to download:

http://cl.ly/3a201f1X0p1d/download/Untitled.workflow.zip

Message was edited by: pjdube

No problem. Let me know if that works for you, and if it solved your question. 🙂

Sorry to revive an old thread, but this is the exact issue I am currently having. I run that script and I get

error "Finder got an error: The operation can’t be completed because there is already an item with that name." number -48

And this section is highlighted.

makenewfolderattheFolderwith properties {name:masterFile}

I set "Test" to the name of the folder I want to work in, which is "Badges copy" but that's the only edit I made.

If you are still out there and willing, I'd definitely appreciate the help.

Sam