Gives novices confidence to quickly begin writing scripts through hands-on tutorials.

Shows individuals, professionals, and businesses how to save money and time by automating repetitive tasks using tools that come free on every Macintosh computer.

Includes sample scripts focusing on specific tasks and techniques for scripting both Apple and third-party applications, such as QuarkXPress, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. AppleScript, a powerful and free scripting tool included on every Macintosh, enables individuals, professionals, and businesses to save time and money by automating time-consuming, repetitive tasks. Hallmark, for example, used AppleScript to reduce the number of color proofs needed to create a greeting card from a range of 5 to 25 expensive proofs per card down to just two. In AppleScript 1-2-3, Apples AppleScript product manager, Sal Soghoian, teaches beginners how to address nearly any automation task on the Macintosh. Broken down into three parts, the book starts by explaining AppleScript fundamentals through a series of hands-on how-tos designed to teach novice users how to write functional scripts. The second section expands on the knowledge gained in the first section with an in-depth examination of useful AppleScript tools and techniques, and the third section uses sample scripts to demonstrate how to automate Apple and third-party applications. Macintosh users looking to work more productively by automating their workflow will want this primer written by the leading expert in the field—no one knows more about AppleScript than Sal.