Peachpit Article > Building a Simple Image Processor with AppleScriptObjC (Cocoa-AppleScript)

My earlier article "Building a Basic AppleScriptObjC (Cocoa-AppleScript) Application with Xcode" explained how AppleScriptObjC and Xcode can be used to build robust interface-based applications for the Mac. While that article demonstrated this principle through the creation of a very simple Hello World application, the techniques provided can serve as the basis for building more advanced applications, for real-world scenarios. In this article, we'll build on those techniques to create a functional application that can perform some basic image manipulations, including flipping, rotating, and scaling a chosen image.

[Read more on the Peachpit.com...]

Peachpit Article > Building a Basic AppleScriptObjC (Cocoa-AppleScript) Application with Xcode

In OS X Mountain Lion, AppleScript continues to be a powerhouse tool for controlling applications on the Mac. Whether you need to automate the creation of a few folders in the Finder, or generate a several-hundred-page product catalog in Adobe InDesign, AppleScript is waiting to lend a hand. Despite AppleScript's learning curve, Mac users everywhere are using it on a daily basis, and it saves time and money that might otherwise be wasted.

 AppleScripts aren't known for having slick interfaces. Perhaps most often, these scripts are written as simple applications, using the AppleScript Editor (found in/Applications/Utilities). When you double-click the application, it launches, performs some series of hidden tasks, and then quits. Developing script applications that work like this is quick and easy if you have the know-how, but if you're planning to distribute your script to other people, this format isn't always ideal. For one thing, aside from displaying simple dialog messages, you have no real way to let users know what your script is doing. Furthermore, unless users are AppleScript-savvy, there's no way for them to adjust the behavior of your script.

AppleScriptObjC (also called Cocoa-AppleScript) is an advanced method of developing AppleScript-based native Cocoa applications. With AppleScriptObjC, you can develop rich user interfaces and interact with them directly from your scripts. [Read more on the Peachpit.com...]

Using Dropbox to Track a Stolen Mac

My sister is currently living overseas.  Last month, her Mac was stolen.  Unfortunately, she didn't have Find My Mac enabled, as she was running an older version of OS X, which didn't support it. The police did manage to recover the Mac after a few days, but this situation got me thinking... how could you track down a stolen Mac without Find My Mac enabled?  Certainly, there are commercial third-party apps that could help.  But, what about something a typical Mac user might have installed?  What about Dropbox? [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

iOS Productivity: Printing from your iPhone or iPad via Your Mac

AirPrint was introduced with iOS 4.2, and lets you to print right from your iOS device.  Now you can be super productive, right?  Only if you have an AirPrint enabled printer at your disposal.  Although there are hundreds of printers available that support AirPrint these days, what if you're like me, and have older printers that iOS doesn't recognize?  Your Mac can help. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

Mac Productivity: Mountain Lion GateKeeper Workaround

If you're a Mountain Lion user, then you've probably encountered GateKeeper.  This is Apple's latest security mechanism, which restricts the apps that can be launched on your Mac.  By default, GateKeeper only allows apps to run that are from the Mac App Store, or digitally signed by official developers who have registered with Apple.  Try and launch an app from an unknown developer, and GateKeeper shuts it right down. What if you need to use the app, though?  Can you launch it without disabling GateKeeper entirely?  Sure you can. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

iOS Productivity: Remotely Access your Mac with LogMeIn

Your ability to accomplish things while on the go is key to your mobile productivity.  You've got tons of great apps on your iPhone or iPad, and probably have some level of access to your important files too, maybe through Dropbox or iCloud.  You can do almost anything, but every now and then, you hit a wall.  Maybe you need to make some emergency changes in an InDesign layout back home, check on the status of your Mac's backup, or dig up tax returns you filed away on your external drive.  If only you could connect to your Mac remotely, take control, and do what you need.  With LogMeIn, you can do exactly that. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

Mac and iOS Productivity Tip: Keeping Up with the News

Staying up to date with your favorite websites and blogs can be a real chore, and a major productivity drain.  If only there was a way to quickly get the latest unread headlines from top sites in one place, at any time, on any devices.  There is.  Available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac is Reeder, the popular Google Reader client. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

iOS Productivity: Downloading Knowledge Faster

Your iPhone and iPad are full of useful knowledge.  You've downloaded tons of audio books, podcasts, and iTunesU content.  The problem is that there just aren't enough hours in the day to download all of it to your brain.  Here's a tip that might help... [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

Mac Productivity: Scheduling AppleScripts

If you're an Automator user, you probably know how to create iCal Alarm workflows, which can be set to run at scheduled times, allowing processing to occur during downtime.  If you're not familiar with Automator or iCal Alarm workflows, check out some of my other tips to get acquainted...

Using Automator: Scheduling Workflows

Mac Automation Made Simple: Scheduling Automator Workflows (video)

What about AppleScripts?  Can't they be run on a schedule too?  You bet.  There are actually a couple of primary ways this can be done. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]

iOS Productivity: 5 Tips for Locating and Launching Apps Faster

Last week, I shared some useful tips for locating and launching apps faster on your Mac.  But what about your iOS devices?  They're full of apps too.  And, with pages and pages of apps, it can be a real pain in the neck to find the one you want.  Here are some tips to help you wade through them. [Read more on the Peachpit blog...]