how to start a workflow by doubleclick - without automator?

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Level 1

9 points

how to start a workflow by doubleclick - without automator?

Hello.

Just created a workflow with automator. It's a tiny application, that starts scanning and prints the image on a seperate printer (say "Copier").

It works well if running in "Automator", but not as a single app. As soon as I save it as application, it needs a file or a folder to drag on.

BUT I WANT START IT SIMPLY BY DOUBLECLICK!

How can I do that?

MacOS X 10.11.2

Automator 2.6 (419)

BR, Franz

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)

Posted on Dec 18, 2015 1:54 AM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,246 points

Dec 18, 2015 4:53 AM in response to franzhoelzl

Copy the workflow, then convert it to an application In Automator. I'm not sure if you can edit the application, hence copying it first.

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Answer 2

franzhoelzl Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 18, 2015 6:37 AM in response to Barney-15E

Thanks, Barney.

That is exactly what I did before. Saving as application is possible, but to start the app, a doubleclick is causing a problem report. I am supposed to define a file as input or to drag on the icon...

All I need is to start the workflow which launches the scanning program and prints the scan afterwards. It works perfectly as long as I start it within Automator, but not by doublecklick.

BR Franz

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Answer 3

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,246 points

Dec 20, 2015 4:39 AM in response to franzhoelzl

What happens when you run it?

What actions are you using?

I can create an application that shows a dialog with Applescript that is double-clickable, so something may be wrong other than it getting a file.

Some workflows will work inside of Automator, but not independently because the environment is different. But, you can try ignoring input on the first action from the input. Right-click on the connector and choose Ignore input.

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Answer 4

franzhoelzl Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 20, 2015 9:53 AM in response to Barney-15E

Hello Barney.

Thanks for your answer.

Now I know what the problem is: The tiny app "Kopierer" needs the permission to control my computer - one can do this in the System Preferences > Security > Privacy > Accessibility.

So I checked the box next to "Kopierer", and thats it!

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