[Applescript][Indesign] Advanced input dialog windows ?

[tmmls]

Hi,

Just a small question.

Is it possible to create/use advanced dialog windows using Applescript, just like when using Javascript ?

What is the best solution for asking users multiple input paramaters in an Applescript, execution from within Indesign?

Thank you

[S Hopkins]

For the most part, you may find that creating a custom dialog in InDesign will serve your purpose. But, yes, the built-in dialog object is modal (is not a floating palette). Script UI, on the other hand, provides a way to create floating palettes with progress bars and interactive dialog boxes which are more complex. But this is JavaScript. However, you can use do script to work with script UI interfaces. If you want to stay within the AppleScript environment, you do have other options (which require a learning curve). You may want to investigate Automator (I have several utility applications on the Macintosh that were written using Automator). As of Maverick (Xcode 5), Apple gave us AppleScript access to Objective-C (AppleScriptObjC). This is very powerful but requires learning Xcode and current support has waned. For myself, using InDesign's built-in dialog object is all that most simple scripts require. What determines my choice of method depends on the complexity of the project.

If you think you might want to explore AppleScriptObjC you might want to look up Shane Stanley ObjC and Mark Alldritt Script Debugger (latenightsw.com).

Also, an excellent website you may want to visit is www.macosxautomatiom.com. Lots of interesting information there.