Subject: Re: [Name Mangler Talk] Droplets and Folder Actions / Automator on a MAC

From: Rob Griffiths <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:44:12 -0800

On Nov 11, 2013, at 11:46 AM, Patrick Maheu <[email-masked]> wrote:

> Now my next step in the automation process is to add this droplet as a folder action, so that when files arrive in the folder, they are automatically renamed using the droplet. Is this possible? I've added the droplet to a folder as a workflow item via Automator, but when I drop files into the folder, instead of the files being renamed, the Name Mangler application opens instead. The files are not even pre-populated. And I was sure that Name Mangler was closed (quit) before running the folder action.

This -should- work, with an important bit about the setup, and a caveat about actually using it. The setup bit: make sure you use the choose dialog to select the droplet, don’t drag and drop it to Automator. Can you send a screenshot of what your workflow looks like? It should look like this, with “Prefix.app” being replaced by the name of your droplet:

The caveat about actually using it: The folder action thinks of renamed files as new items, so as long as the file gets renamed, it will run again. Depending on what you do with your workflow, that could be problem. (If you move the files out of the folder during the workflow, for instance, it isn't a problem.)

regards,
-rob.

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From: Patrick Maheu <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 11:46:52 -0800 (PST)

I've created a complex droplet with many steps. It works great when I drag 
& drop files onto it.

Now my next step in the automation process is to add this droplet as a 
folder action, so that when files arrive in the folder, they are 
automatically renamed using the droplet. Is this possible? I've added the 
droplet to a folder as a workflow item via Automator, but when I drop files 
into the folder, instead of the files being renamed, the Name Mangler 
application opens instead. The files are not even pre-populated. And I was 
sure that Name Mangler was closed (quit) before running the folder action.

I'm running Version 3.2.1 (3134). Any thoughts?

Thanks
Patrick