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Getting automator to start without actually opening it

A

AustinD

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 14, 2008
113
0
I am brand new to automator this afternoon, when i thought i would give it a ring to see what its all about. To be honest, I wish I did more menial tasks so it would get a workout.

However, I found one use for it: turning commonly read research articles into audio (itunes) files to save my lazy eyes. Exactly as this person has done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvc4RtRYyH8

I got the script to work, and have tested it. Whatever jumble of words i highlight, it will turn into an audio file in the blink of an eye. Buttt, i cannot figure out how to get the workflow to run without actually opening up the automator window. I clicked on the workflow icon, ive set it in a stack and tried that, but whatever I do it continues to open up the automator window.

I am sure there is just some step ive left out, but if anyone understands my problem i would be more than happy to accept your advice.


Thanks in advance.
 
Ok, I saved it as a plugin to finder but cannot find the file anywhere.

How do I access said plugin?
 
AustinD said:
Ok, I saved it as a plugin to finder but cannot find the file anywhere.

How do I access said plugin?
Click to expand...

Well, if you save it as a Finder plugin it'll only be available in Finder. (If you right click in Finder you'll see it).

What you probably want to do is save it as a Script. This will add the scripts menu to the menubar in all apps so you can run it from there. You may have to reboot to get the scripts menu to appear.
 
That worked!

Thank you for your help.
This automator thing is really neat and useful, I think I see this being a feature on windows 7. :D
 
Just curious for those of you who better know automator, is there an action that uses highlighted text rather than copied text?
 
holly free holy
i always wondered what automator does.
anyone have a sit that has directions for that or to learn the program.

that was truly amazing
 
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