Applescripting QuarkXpress

[spragueg]

I was wondering if any of you guys might know of a good online resource for scripting quark with applescript. Maybe a forum like this one but centered around applescript. Or maybe a book title specific to scripting quark.

Any suggestions would be great,

G

[Chuck]

There are a number of Internet resources available for AppleScript, including some decidated to scripting Quark. Here's one of the best.

http://members.aol.com/Nyhthawk/welcome.html

I would also suggest checking out:

http://macscripter.net/

Which includes lots of links as well as a bulletin board, although I don't like the interface it uses as much as this one.

I don't know of any books that are dedicated to AppleScript and Quark, but the AppleScript Handbook has a chapter dedicated to that topic.

Also check out:

http://www.scriptweb.com/

which has lots of links to other sites.

I have done one project that indluded a complex program using AppleScript to take data from FileMaker to Quark, so I might be able to help answer some questions if you post them here.

Chuck

[spragueg]

Cool,

Ok how some resources for scripting Extensis Portfolio client/server?

Thanks,

G

[Chuck]

That program I don't know well enough to make any recommendation.

However, I can give some general tips on learning to script a program that is AppleScriptable.

First of all, know the program. If you are new to the software, take some time to learn how it works and what it does.

Second, take a look at the dictionary. All scriptable software includes a dictionary that documents the commands and objects that the software recognizes.

Third, many scriptable programs include sample scripts. Usually they are very simplistic, but they allow you to take a look at how scripts can be written to control the software.

Lastly, experiment. Try writting some simple scripts to do tasks in the software. In Quark, you might see how you can script the creation of a new document, the placing of text and graphics boxes, linking one text box to another, etc. This is often a lot of trial and error, but it works like nothing else to give you an idea of how to control the software with scripting.

Chuck

[spragueg]

Chuck,

I am familliar with the dictionary and I have browsed the sample scripts. I have written several scripts that work great but I am looking to expand on their function and I am finding that the documentation for apple script is weak. The dictionary gives you a starting point but is utterly useless unless you have some context of how a command is used. For example the "find" function in portfolio is documented as follows...

---

find record

matching string -- The query as text used for searching

[in all records/shown records] -- Search in

[Chuck]

I have to admit that I have had some of the same problems with the AppleScript documentation of some software, but I think I need to come to the defense of people who know scripting. My experience (with both AppleScript and FileMaker, skills with which are many people's livelihood) that people are more than willing to share their experiences and give help when asked.

It's not a matter of having those people help you out, it's a matter of knowing the right place to find them.

A good resource for that purpose that I didn't mention, where you might be able to ask specific questions about scripting is

http://lists.apple.com/mailman/listinfo/applescript-users

where you can subscribe to the AppleScript mailing list.

Chuck

[spragueg]

Chuck,

This is excellent!! I will check out the list

Thank you very much.

Graham