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Q: AppleScript Learning Resource to Automate Tasks in Excel, Word, and Outlook for Mac 2011 and/or 2016

Hello: The subject line succinctly describes my query. I am looking for a learning resource or resources that will equip me with the basic skills and knowledge that will allow me to automate a number of tasks involving MS Office applications (for Mac) Excel, Word, and Outlook (2011 or 2016--or earlier if the basic concepts/commands can be generalized to the newer versions without too much difficulty).

 

Danny Goodman's AppleScript Handbook (2005 Version) was recommended to me by my brother and Microsoft, as it places a good amount of emphasis on automating tasks in these programs. However, I was uncertain about how relevant this resource would be for scripting in the 2011 or 16 Office versions for MAC.

 

I appreciate your time and any answers (or alternative suggestions) that you can provide.

 

Kind regards,

 

Ray

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.5), null

Posted on Aug 2, 2016 8:25 AM

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Q: AppleScript Learning Resource to Automate Tasks in Excel, Word, and Outlook for Mac 2011 and/or 2016

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  • by VikingOSX,

    VikingOSX VikingOSX Aug 2, 2016 3:28 PM in response to PuLp.X
    Level 7 (20,606 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 2, 2016 3:28 PM in response to PuLp.X

    The Microsoft Mac applications each have AppleScript scripting dictionary support that you can review from the Script Editor : File menu : Open Dictionary… (e.g. MS Word). This is the syntax that you have to adhere in order to make AppleScript work with these applications. Using a web search, you can specify AppleScript Word table, and the top return is how to duplicate a table in MS Word with AppleScript. This Google search will also provide many other links to programming Word with AppleScript.

     

    The Microsoft Office applications also have additional Automator actions that give you the opportunity to build Automator workflows that might be tough to do with AppleScript alone.

     

    MacScripter is a wellspring of AppleScript information from learning, to actual code in their Code exchange. You just need to understand that AppleScript is continuously evolving, and some MacScripter posts may be sufficiently dated that they may not work with current AppleScript frameworks — without some syntax updates.

     

    I also use MacScripter (or AppleScript) interchangeably in a Safari browser search: MacScripter date time