What is AppleScript Output?

AppleScript Output (ASO) is an application which provides a global floating window (that's a window which floats over all applications), to which you can send output from your AppleScripts.

What does it do?

It receives AppleScript commands (it has its own AppleScript dictionary which you can view with your favorite script editor) and displays text in its window. It can display multiple lines of text with a scrolling display, and it can save the text to a file. It can stamp the saved files with the current date and time, if you choose. It can also play an alert sound, if you want audible feedback when new text is displayed.

What do I need to use it?

You need to have AppleScript installed (obviously), and you need a PowerPC Mac. If you want to see a 68k version of ASO, please contact me and let me know.

Why did you make it?

There were two main reasons. Primarily, we made AppleScript Output because we love the JavaScript Shell palette in Adobe GoLive 5. It serves a similar function to AppleScript Output (amongst other things). Second, we saw the application Message Window by Wayne Walrath (see below), and wanted to have a tool like that but with the ability to show multiple messages at once, have a scrolling display, be PowerPC-native, and so on.

What AppleScript commands can I use with it?

Open the AppleScript Output application using the "Open Dictionary" command in your chosen AppleScript editor, and you'll see the commands available. There are also some example scripts included with AppleScript Output.

What are the alternatives?

You can use the equally cool Message Window, by Wayne Walrath. It's similar generally, but AppleScript Ouput can do more in some cases and Message Window can do more in other cases. Check both to see which you need. Both applications cost nothing, so why not use both? You can find Message Window here:

• Message Window http://www.acmetech.com/freewares.html

You could also use a commercial AppleScript editing and debugging environment. The two major ones are:

• Scripter http://www.mainevent.com/
• Script Debugger http://www.latenightsw.com/

For what it's worth, we use Script Debugger 2 with ASO.

Show me some screenshots of this thing.

Below are some screenshots for you, including a picture of ASO's AppleScript dictionary.

Here's a screenshot of the AppleScript Output floating palette:

And here's a picture of the AppleScript dictionary for AppleScript Output:

If you're having problems downloading, read the Information section on the main Products page.

IMPORTANT: Scotland Software provides no warranty or guarantee of any kind for this software. Whilst every effort has been made to assure that the software always functions as expected, this is not guaranteed. In no event will Scotland Software be held responsible for any damage or loss of data or otherwise which may occur due to use of the software. Please contact us if you have any questions.

 Download AppleScript Output 1.0 (701k)