automating-mac-apps

What problem does it solve?

This Skill solves the problem of automating macOS desktop apps reliably—especially when you need to interact with app UIs or data via Apple Events, while handling macOS permissions and security constraints.

Core Features & Use Cases

• AppleScript discovery + fallbacks: Use AppleScript primarily to explore app dictionaries and validate quick one-off commands.
• JXA production logic: Use JavaScript for Automation for data-heavy workflows, JSON pipelines, and maintainable automation logic over Apple Events.
• PyXA / modern Python automation guidance: Use Python-based alternatives (PyXA) and bridges (PyObjC) when you want modern syntax, better maintainability, and richer integration options.

Scenario examples

• You want an agent to “list items from Finder” or “read Calendar events” by querying the app’s dictionary rather than brittle UI clicking.
• You need an automation that outputs structured results (JSON) for CLI or pipeline consumption.
• You must pre-warm and troubleshoot macOS Automation/TCC prompts so the first real action succeeds.

Quick Start

Ask for instructions to automate a specific macOS app using Apple Events, specifying whether you want AppleScript for dictionary discovery or JXA/PyXA for production logic, and include the app name and the read-only validation you want first.