Make Automator Work for You

Learn how you can save time with Tiger’s cool automation tools

Sure, you’ve probably heard of macros, AppleScripts, and other time-savers for Mac users. But who has the time to learn how to save time? You do, now that you have Tiger’s Automator application.

Using Automator is as easy as breaking a task down into its steps and clicking on Run. You can back up recent photos to CD, create a photo album, e-mail a song, convert files, and much more—all with the click of a button. You don’t have to waste your time performing the same monotonous tasks over and over. Just let the robot do it.

We’ll show you how to get started using Automator and troubleshoot your actions. We’ll also share ways to apply this shortcut through AppleScript to specific programs.

And finally, we’ll share some actions to help you get your feet wet.

Make Automator Work for You

Learn how you can save time with Tiger’s cool automation tools

Take Automator for a trial run

Think Automator seems cool, but don’t know where to get started? Here are five useful workflows you can try right now.
Take Control of Customizing Tiger: Automator
Troubleshoot your workflows

Automator is usually straightforward—drag the actions you want into whatever order you want, and then click on Run. When something goes wrong, though, you’ll be glad to have the following tips on hand.
Five workflows for geeks

Many people think of Automator, Apple’s newest Mac-automation tool, as a tool for beginners who are too scared to learn how to use AppleScript. In fact, Automator can be quite powerful—especially when combined with other OS X features.
Automate Photoshop chores

As a photographer, you tend to run through the same mind-numbing tasks over and over again: editing, resizing, saving, and so on—it’s a glamorous life. That’s why Automator, Tiger’s easy-to-use automation tool, is one of the most exciting parts of Apple’s latest operating system.