macOS Shortcuts Application Help Needed

[JoelBC]

I am trying to create a macOS Shortcut to simplify blocking time in my Outlook calendar noting:

1. I have added / entered Outlook, Shortcut and System Events to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility

2. I have created the below macOS Shortcuts app shortcut (and others similar to it) to automate / simplify entering recurring meeting details where i) the first line contains the meeting details and ii) the second line contains the meeting participants. I note that "key code 48" represents the tab character.

3. The shortcut sometimes fires / works and sometimes does not fire / work. When it does not work I get the following error message:

The Ask:I would appreciate i) assistance in getting this shortcut to work consistently and ii) explanation as to why it works sometimes and does not work other times.

Thanks is advance.

 

[!!!]

Can you just use the AppleScript directly? Or through Automator? You can add automator services to the services menu, no need to use "Shortcuts".

 

[JoelBC]

@!!! , appreciate the response.

I know that it is possible as I have done it using AppleScript.

The idea is to get it going in Shortcuts as this is Apple's current long term plan / platform.

 

[!!!]

The idea is to get it going in Shortcuts as this is APple's current longe term plan / platform.

It's Apple's solution for iPhones, and is hence subject to all of Apple's "'security" protections.

Personally, I fail to see the point of automation software if it won't do stuff, automatically.

 

[JoelBC]

It's Apple's solution for iPhones, and is hence subject to all of Apple's "'security" protections.

Personally, I fail to see the point of automation software if it won't do stuff, automatically.

Agreed but it is what it is, as painful as it can be at times.

I would love to get this working consistently so any help would be appreciated.

 

[gilby101]

@!!! , appreciate the response.

I know that it is possible as I have done it using AppleScript.

The idea is to get it going in Shortcuts as this is Apple's current long term plan / platform.

I don't think Shortcuts will ever replace the functionality of Automator. In particular it is very locked down.

I will be interested to see if you get a solution (I hope you do), but to do things like this I would use Keyboard Maestro. BetterTouchTool is an alternative.

As an aside, it is a pity Microsoft does not provide AppleScript support for their apps.

 

[JoelBC]

I don't think Shortcuts will ever replace the functionality of Automator. In particular it is very locked down.

I will be interested to see if you get a solution (I hope you do), but to do things like this I would use Keyboard Maestro. BetterTouchTool is an alternative.

As an aside, it is a pity Microsoft does not provide AppleScript support for their apps.

Agree on all counts and do hope I get a solution.

I did look at Keyboard Maestro and Better Touch Tools but they both look complicated and like major projects. Am I mistaken?

 

[gilby101]

I did look at Keyboard Maestro and Better Touch Tools but they both look complicated and like major projects. Am I mistaken?

No, you are not.

Both have a steep learning curve. I use both. In my view:
KM is mature, consistent, and has a good helpful support forum - so is worth the significant effort to become even partially competent.
BTT keeps getting extra features (too many?), and is very clever - but I have found it hard to get beyond the basics and so avoid features which overlap with KM.
Both obviously have a very smart developer. Some AppleScript knowledge helps with both.