Folder Actions is a unique Mac OS X feature that allows scripts to be “attached” to folders and automatically executed whenever any or all of the following events occur:
  • the attached folder is opened
  • the window of the attached folder is closed
  • the window of the attached folder is moved or resized
  • items are placed into the attached folder
  • items are removed from the attached folder
This powerful utility makes it easy to create "hot folders" and "drop boxes" that respond to external actions to trigger a workflow or procedure.

The Folder Actions architecture in Mac OS X version 10.3 has many new abilities, including: responding to items added to closed folders, quick-access controls via the Finder's contextual menu, and a new Folder Actions administration utility.

These topics are covered in the following overview of Folder Actions and Mac OS X.

Next Page
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Contextual Finder Menu - Setting up Folder Actions in the Finder

Folder Actions Setup - A utility for administering Folder Actions

Writing Folder Actions - How to write Folder Actions scripts

Installed Scripts - A description of the installed Folder Actions scripts

Example Scripts - Other examples of Folder Actions scripts