Open PDF file (filename stored in field) (Mac)

[Haynes]

I have a bunch of differently named PDF files, each corresponding to a record in an FMP 7 database (Mac) called "testinglinks". For each record, in addition to providing data relating to the corresponding PDF file, I want to be able to open that particular uniquely named PDF file via a scripted button based on the field containing the PDF file's unique filename. The name of that field is "testinglinks:imagefile".

I have tried using a calculated Send Event utilizing the PDF default application Preview to no avail, even after playing with pathnames ad naseum.

I have also made a rough attempt using lots of variations on a calculated AppleScript, again meeting failure. Those attempts spring from the following suggestion by Fenton:

"tell app "Finder"�" &

"open " & """ & testinglinks:imagefile & ""�" &

"end tell"

It does not seem to matter where I place the PDF file(s) on my local drive, including at the top level, on the User's Desktop, in the FMP7 folder, or anywhere else.

Suggestions? Thanks.

[Zero Tolerence]

when you use the Open command, you need to put the full path to the file there. So it would be like

"tell application "Finder"

open "Macintosh HD:" & testinglinks::imagefile & ""

end tell"

The only other thing i can think of is instead of telling Finder to open the file, tell whatever you use to view PDF's to open it.

[Haynes]

Irrespective of paths and applications, there is a problem with this syntax. When executing the listed code, the following dialog appears:

"Expected end of line but found command name".

Clicking OK yields a dialog of:

"Unknown Error: -2741."

Suggestions? Thanks.

[Fenton]

I generally don't use calculation field AppleScripts, I usually use the Perform AppleScript step, mostly 'cause it's easier to write and test long scripts. But you could try this for your calculation instead, just 1 line:

"tell application "Finder" to open "Macintosh HD:" & testinglinks::imagefile & """

[Haynes]

YES! Thanks Fenton. That works as a Perform AppleScript step. It all boiled down to that missing "to" in front of the "open" command.