Start application A when application B quits

Hi all,

I've done a small Automator application that fits my needs. However, I would need it to start when a certain application quits. How can I do that? Can I use Automator? How? Otherwise, what are my options? I must tell you I'm a real newcomer to Automator, Applescript or all those.

Thanks a lot,

Blaccko

Are the applications involved always the same ones? So, strictly as an example, Mail is always quit before Safari opens? If so the following should work.

Make sure that the Automator application that you built has been saved as an application. Launch Automator and choose to build an Application when it asks what you want to create, Then do the following steps:

1. Search the Automator library for a "Quit Application" action and move it to the right side of the Automator window. Don't use the Quit All Applications action.
2. In the drop down menu for that action choose the program that you want to quit.
3. Search for a Launch Application action and add it to the window just beneath the first. Select the Automator application that you want to launch.

Test the workflow. If all is well save it somewhere convenient. The next time you want to quit program A and launch program B use this to quit program A.

Let us know how this works. It could be done with Applescript fairly easily as well.

Hi Slydude,

In fact, those two applications are always the same. So yes, your method works. However, is it possible to automate the formula. What I would like is to be able to simply press "cmd + Q" to quit the application B and then the application A would automatically start; I would not have to modify the way I quit the aplication B.

Moreover, how could I make my small Automator application (A) to launch when the program B starts and also when it quits?

Thanks again,

Blaccko

I am not sure I am understanding you correctly. Here's what I think you are trying to do. For this example application A is Safari and Application B is Mail.

1. When you quit Mail using "command + Q" then Safari launches.
2. Run the Automator you created any time "Mail" is quit.

Am I understanding you correctly?

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. In fact, this is what I woudl like.

1. When I launch the Adress book, the Automator application I made runs.
2. When I quit the Adresse book (command + Q), the Automator application I made runs.

Thanks,

Blaccko

I think what he is saying Sly is when he quits using "cmd+q" the Automator workflow he made will kick in instead of using the Automator workflow to do what he wants.
What im thinking is he needs a Applescript to run to run the Automator workflow (when Mail quits launch Safari) when he uses "cmd+q" on mail !?!?
If that is even possible.
Sounds like he doesnt want to have to run the Workflow to quit Mail and open Safari, he wants to "cmd+q" Mail and Safari will open.

Edit: OP beat me to it

TattooedMac said:

I think what he is saying Sly is when he quits using "cmd+q" the Automator workflow he made will kick in instead of using the Automator workflow to do what he wants.
What im thinking is he needs a Applescript to run to run the Automator workflow (when Mail quits launch Safari) when he uses "cmd+q" on mail !?!?
If that is even possible.
Sounds like he doesnt want to have to run the Workflow to quit Mail and open Safari, he wants to "cmd+q" Mail and Safari will open.

Edit: OP beat me to it

Click to expand...

That's exactly it TatooedMac! Is it possible? ; )

Thanks,

Blaccko

Thanks guys I get it now. I am not much with Applescript but that or something like it is probably the way to go. I think it would be possible to write a script that launches Address Book (Contacts) then waits to see if that has been quit to call the Automator application you've written. I'll keep digging.

What does the application you created do btw. Just out of curiosity.

I almost have something that works. I used a preference pane called Do Something When. It allows various actions to be performed when volumes mount/unmount or when programs launch pr quit based on rules.

I was able to set a rule that runs one of my homemade Automator applications when Contacts (Address Book) launches. I set a second rule to run the same app when contacts quits. That rule does not work yet.

Slydude said:

I almost have something that works. I used a preference pane called Do Something When. It allows various actions to be performed when volumes mount/unmount or when programs launch pr quit based on rules.

I was able to set a rule that runs one of my homemade Automator applications when Contacts (Address Book) launches. I set a second rule to run the same app when contacts quits. That rule does not work yet.

Click to expand...

Sly, i had a closer look at that App Do Something When and i came up with this (see image)

so when i QUIT Mail it opens Contacts... OP you should download this App and try it out. You didnt give us specific Apps your wanting to do this with so cant try them, but i got this to work.
Also if you need a Appescript to open a Application for starters if you need try this
Was trying to use this with the App from Sly but couldnt get it to run apart from launching the Applescript ..

HTH

PS Virtual Rep (need to spread it) for pointing to the App