Scripting Additions

Scripting additions are files that provide additional commands or coercions you can use in scripts. A scripting addition file must be located in the Scripting Additions folder (in the System Folder) for AppleScript to recognize the additional commands it provides.

A single scripting addition file can contain several commands. For example, the Standard Additions scripting addition distributed with AppleScript, includes commands for using the Clipboard, obtaining the path to a file, speaking and summarizing text, and more.

Unlike other commands used in AppleScript, scripting addition commands work the same way regardless of the target you specify. For example, the Beep command, which is part of the standard additions, triggers an alert sound no matter which application you sent the command to.

A coercion is software that converts a value from one class to another, such as from an integer value to a real value. Many standard coercions are built in to AppleScript.

For information about the standard additions distributed with AppleScript, see the AppleScript section of the Mac OS Help Center, or see the AppleScript website at