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AppleScript Action

Run AppleScript code for maximum automation power.

What It Does​

The AppleScript action executes AppleScript code, giving you deep control over macOS and compatible applications. This is the most powerful action type in Radial.

AI Assistant​

Radial includes a built-in AI assistant that can help you write AppleScript code. Simply describe what you want to automate, and the AI will generate the appropriate script for you. This is especially helpful if you're new to AppleScript or need help with complex automations.

AI Assistant

When to Use It​

Use AppleScript when you need to:

  • Control apps that don't respond well to keyboard shortcuts
  • Access app features not available through other actions
  • Perform complex system operations
  • Manipulate files and folders programmatically
  • Interact with multiple apps in sophisticated ways

Configuration​

Script Content — Write or paste your AppleScript code in the provided field. You can also use the built-in AI assistant to generate scripts for you.

Essential Examples​

Display Alert or Notification​

-- Simple alert
display alert "Task Complete!" message "Your macro finished successfully."

Get User Input​

set userInput to text returned of (display dialog "Enter your name:" default answer "")
display alert "Hello, " & userInput & "!"

Choose from Options​

set options to {"Option 1", "Option 2", "Option 3"}
set chosen to choose from list options with prompt "Select an option:"

if chosen is not false then
    display alert "You selected: " & (item 1 of chosen)
end if

Open Website in Safari​

tell application "Safari"
    activate
    open location "https://www.apple.com"
end tell

Batch Rename Selected Finder Files​

tell application "Finder"
    set selectedFiles to selection
    
    if (count of selectedFiles) is 0 then
        display alert "No files selected" message "Please select files to rename."
        return
    end if
    
    set prefix to text returned of (display dialog "Enter prefix:" default answer "renamed_")
    
    repeat with aFile in selectedFiles
        set name of aFile to prefix & (name of aFile)
    end repeat
    
    display notification "Renamed " & (count of selectedFiles) & " files" with title "Radial"
end tell

Create Text File on Desktop​

set desktopPath to (path to desktop as text)
set fileName to "NewFile.txt"
set fileContent to "Created by Radial at " & (current date as text)

try
    set fileRef to open for access file (desktopPath & fileName) with write permission
    write fileContent to fileRef
    close access fileRef
    display notification "File created on Desktop!" with title "Radial"
on error errMsg
    display alert "Error" message errMsg
    try
        close access file (desktopPath & fileName)
    end try
end try

Tips​

Use the AI Assistant — Let Radial's built-in AI help you write and debug AppleScript code.

Test scripts first — Run AppleScript in Script Editor (Applications > Utilities > Script Editor) before adding to Radial.

Add error handling — Wrap your code in try/catch blocks:

try
    -- your code here
on error errMsg
    display alert "Error" message errMsg
end try

App dictionaries​

View all available commands for any app:

App Dictionaaries

  1. Open Script Editor
  2. File > Open Dictionary
  3. Choose an app to see its scriptable commands

Next Steps​