What Applications Are Scriptable?

An application that can respond to one or more AppleScript commands is called a scriptable application. Not all applications are scriptable, and some applications support only a minimal number of basic commands, such as Open and Quit. The advertising and packaging for an application usually mention if it is scriptable. The documentation for a scriptable application typically lists the AppleScript words that the application understands. You can also determine if an application is scriptable by attempting to examine its dictionary with the Script Editor application, as described in Dictionaries. Or, for a list of scriptable applications, see the AppleScript website at

www.apple.com/applescript

Some scriptable applications are also recordable. As you perform actions in a recordable application, the Script Editor can record a series of corresponding instructions in the AppleScript language. To learn how to turn recording on and off, refer to the AppleScript section of the Mac OS Help Center.

Finally, some scriptable applications are also attachable. An attachable application is one that can be customized by attaching scripts to specific objects in the application, such as buttons and menu items. The scripts are then triggered by specific user actions, such as choosing the menu item or clicking the button. To determine if an application is attachable, refer to the documentation for the application. For example, the Finder is an attachable application, as described in Customizing Applications and Automating Workflows.