How to Programmatically Set Default Directory in macOS Photoshop Open/Save Dialog?

[mikel53523125]

I have a use case involving Adobe Photoshop on macOS where I need the Open/Save dialog panel to automatically open a specific directory—ideally one where my test files are already located.

Is there a way to achieve this programmatically on macOS? I'm open to solutions using:

• AppleScript
• Automator
• Shell scripts
• Photoshop scripting (ExtendScript or UXP)
• Any other relevant macOS APIs or tools

The goal is to streamline the workflow by pre-setting the folder path when the dialog appears.

Has anyone implemented something similar or can point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance!

— Varadharajan Venkat

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[c.pfaffenbichler]

I don’t fully understand the scenario. 

Is there any relation to the open file you want to save and the intended target location (» where my test files are already located«) or is that a different, but fixed location? 

[Varadharajan34869788b3wg]

We are creating adobe exams in photoshop, illustrator, indesign, after effects, premier pro, etc for that we have created few test files in which the candidate needs to work on it and save it. when the candidate opens a open/save panel, they are redirecting to the previous location where they opened or saved a file. accidentally they click save without verifying the location. if we are able to make the open or save panel to always open my predefined folder using any of the above given programming languages, it would be gret. Thanks.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Please elaborate. 

Do you want to prevent the users from using a simple »Save« but raise the »Save As«-dialog instead? 

[Varadharajan34869788b3wg]

For example if the user have previously used Decuments directory to open or save a file, then on next time when the user goes to file->open or File->save, it is redirecting to Documents directory by default, instead, i need to set my path.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

But only for specific files? 

[Varadharajan34869788b3wg]

No until i reset back(meaning until the test is completed).

[c.pfaffenbichler]

I am not sure I understand your actual intended process. 

I suppose one could catch the Save-event via Script Events Manager and run a Script instead. 

But that would need to be set on every computer in question. 

[Varadharajan34869788b3wg]

We can set it on every computer using preferences if available or if we have the extended script and if we have a way to get notified when a open or save panel is triggered we could run the script and in the end we can restore the application preferences to its original state.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Unfortunately I have not been able to catch the »Save As«-command via Script Events Manger. 

[c.pfaffenbichler]

This should open the Save As-dialog with the target position being a Folder named »untitled folder« on the Desktop (if it exists). 

// 2025, use it at your own risk;
if (app.documents.length > 0) {
try {
var thePath = "~/Desktop/untitled folder";
var theName = activeDocument.name;
var desc6 = new ActionDescriptor();
var desc7 = new ActionDescriptor();
desc6.putObject( stringIDToTypeID( "as" ), stringIDToTypeID( "photoshop35Format" ), desc7 );
desc6.putPath( stringIDToTypeID( "in" ), new File( thePath+"/"+theName ) );
desc6.putBoolean( stringIDToTypeID( "lowerCase" ), true );
desc6.putEnumerated( stringIDToTypeID( "saveStage" ), stringIDToTypeID( "saveStageType" ), stringIDToTypeID( "saveSucceeded" ) );
executeAction( stringIDToTypeID( "save" ), desc6, DialogModes.ALL );
} catch (e) {}
};

[Stephen Marsh]

An example here for saving as JPEG, with AM code and DialogModes.ALL

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/save-as-jpeg-again/td-p/12650865

EDIT: This one defaults the save dialog to the active document path, offering interactivity for selecting the file format and or using a different location if needed:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/save-as-isn-t-saving-to-original-fold...