Automator

We revisit one of OSXs most misunderstood features this week and that's the latest version of Automator in Leopard. Automator is a way of creating special applications or plugins that allow you to ""automate"" repetitive tasks.

Each workflow is built up from a number of predefined actions that are bundled in with most of Apples own applications and an increasing number of third party applications.

Initially introduced in Tiger, Automator has received a significant make over in Leopard with the introduction of some brand new features, mainly the ability to record tasks using the new ""Watch Me Do"" feature along with the introduction of user and system generated variables to use in your workflows.

So if the thought of AppleScript sends shivers down your spine, check out some the new features of Automator.

The show covers:

• Automator Basics
• The revised Interface
• Creating a Sample Workflow to resize images
• Creating a Sample Workflow with Text and Speech
• Saving Workflows as Applications
• Saving Workflows as Plugins
• Creating a Sample Workflow with ""Watch Me Do""
• Creating and Scheduling an iCal Plugin

This weeks show also includes an Extra! section only available to ScreenCastsOnline Extra! members:

• Variables in Automator
• Creating a Sample Workflow including Variables