Introduction: How to Use Automator
This instructable will teach you the basics of the program Automator for Mac. Automator is a very helpful programing for just about anything. It comes standard on most macs and it is fairly simple to use. This is my first instructable and I'm only 14, so be nice. Constructive criticism is appreciated.
Step 1: Basic Interface
This step will show you the basic Automator interface. See the pictures for details.
Step 2: Basic Workflow
This step is about how to create a workflow now that you know where everything is. As you drag actions into the workflow from top to bottom, they will play in that order. Many actions will put out a result, such as text. Let me explain this a little more.
Lets say you get the "Ask for text" action first in your workflow. This action will Open a little window and ask you to type something. Whatever you type will be passed on to the next action. Lets say your next action is speak text. This will read the text from the previous action (Ask for text) and speak it through your speakers.
If your workflow looks like the one in picture three, when the run button is pressed, a window should open, and if you type something in it and press "ok", your computer will say it. Congradulations, you've made your first workflow!
Step 3: Other Media Workflows
Text is not the only thing you can create workflows for. Here is a workflow that will take a picture and send it to someone's email.
Step 4: Saving
There are two ways to save a workflow. First, you can save it as a workflow. This is the default setting. Wen you open a saved workflow, it opens Automator just as it was when you saved the workflow.
The other option is saving your workflow as an application. To do this, click save as from the file menu. In the file format tab, select Application. A file saved as an application is like a moveable run button in the finder.
Step 5: Final Words
well, i hope you enjoyed my first Instructable! The best way to learn automator is to play around with it. Good luck and Happy Automating!
26 Comments
8 years ago
Is there an alternative to Automator that works on windows?
10 years ago on Step 5
congratulations on our first instructable and awsm tutorial impressed my dad so yeahhhhh.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
13 years ago on Introduction
So automator is kindof like writing an application to do stuff except a noob can use it?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Exactly.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
thank you
13 years ago on Introduction
Hi, Thanks for taking the time to help. This is the only non-movie tutorial on how to use Automator. Trust me, I checked a LOT of links and this is the only one. It's good to see that there are people who post things that actually help others. Thanks again, Cranky_Bird
13 years ago on Introduction
Where would I be able to download Automator?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I don't believe it will work on windows, but it comes pre-installed on any recent mac. If you have a mac without it, I am not sure where you could find it online. You could always find a friend with a mac and copy it from his computer.
13 years ago on Introduction
do they have this kind of program for windows?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I'm not saying anything because you already said what I was going to say.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I really don't know much about windows software, but I have not heard of anything like it.
13 years ago on Step 5
Excellent tutorial. This really helped me get an understanding of the basics of Automator. Keep up the good work.
14 years ago on Introduction
i see you have lepoard.... damn you :P i want it but it costs so much !!! £85 / $170 in uk !!! i favrouited this + 5 star
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Ya, its $130 for single user and $200 for family pack here.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
theres copies you can download illegaly but i dont want to have a massive fail on my computer and not be able to use it again :(
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
If you try make sure its a .dmg file and the size is at least 500mb.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
only 500mb?? for the entire leopard, including iLife
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
There may be smaller versions. Ok, probably a few GB.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
ok thanks i just wanna know what to look for :P
14 years ago on Introduction
hows your g4 treating you ned?