Trying to create automator shortcut to launch terminal from any app. Works in some apps but not others.

[YeshuaSupreme]

That is what I have set up. I created an automator task to launch the terminal, and bound it to the shortcut ^T in system preferences. When I press ^T in most apps, it works, but so far I have found two apps where it does not work from. In both Finder and in Telegram, when I press ^T I hear the 'boop' default alert sound, rather than getting a new terminal window like I would expect. I have tried using different key combinations for the shortcut in case there was some conflict in those apps, but that did not work either.

What is going wrong, and how do I set up a shortcut to open a new terminal window from any app?

P.S. I just purchased this M1 MacBook Air last week, and it is the first Apple product I have purchased or used since the original iPhone in 2007. And this is my first post on these boards. Hello Apple community!

 

[IWT]

Hello Apple community!

And hello to you. And very welcome you are. It's a tribute to you that within a week on your first Mac, that you have go this far!

I am not in any way an Automator expert, but I have two ideas to share with you.

1. I don't think you can get Automator to work with Finder at all.

2. Have a read at this article. It explains the great difficulty of getting Automator to work with the Telegram app:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Automator/comments/qsecr1
Use the embedded link to get further info.

Ian

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

Okay, so if Automator is incapable of doing it, how else might this be done? My goal is to have one universal keyboard shortcut to take me to a terminal window from anywhere. It matters not if Automator is what I use to accomplish this task.

 

[IWT]

I have to beg you to await greater counsel than I as regards Automator. We have experts on most things.

The Telegram issue appears to be related to its "construction" as I read it. And there could be a workaround re Finder; but you need wiser minds than I.

Ian

 

[MacInWin]

Just open Terminal and let it reside on the Dock. One click and you shift to it.

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

Just open Terminal and let it reside on the Dock. One click and you shift to it.

That is not a keyboard shortcut. A keyboard shortcut can not include mouse input.

 

[MacInWin]

That is not a keyboard shortcut. A keyboard shortcut can not include mouse input.

True. But, if you don't want to take that route, maybe it would help to know "why" you want to do this. There may be a solution other than trying to automate it as you are doing. So, WHY do you want to be able to do that?

For Finder, you could write a script to go to the Utilities folder and launch Terminal from there. Not elegant, but could work.

Just so you know, not all apps play nicely with the keyboard, which is probably why your script didn't work for some apps.

 

[ferrarr]

Why not just use "command + tab" to switch?

How to Switch Between Open Apps and Windows on Mac

Finding it difficult to juggle between all of the open apps and windows on your Mac? Learn how to master the app switcher in our in-depth guide!

www.howtogeek.com

 

[IWT]

Bob; this would work, but only for tabs already open which means the OP would have to keep Terminal constantly open. Yes!

Once in Terminal, it is not clear what the OP wishes to do from there. In fact, it may vary according to the app from which the command arose - or not.

We need more info as to what exactly he/she is trying to achieve. As Jake said.

Ian

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

All I want is one keystroke that will take me to a terminal window from anywhere else! What I do in that terminal doesn't have to have any relation to the app I switched from.

 

[pm-r]

All I want is one keystroke that will take me to a terminal window from anywhere else! What I do in that terminal doesn't have to have any relation to the app I switched from.

I use an older utility called SimpleKeys.app that I have set up and configured to use a single Function key to launch a particular application. Of course I have the the privilege of using an Apple extended keyboard that also has lots of Extra F Keys that I can use.

But definitely works with a single key press to launch an application and I can't see why it would not work for your use.

Download SimpleKeys for Mac | MacUpdate

Download the latest version of SimpleKeys for Mac for free. Read 7 user reviews and compare with similar apps on MacUpdate.

www.macupdate.com

PS: I am using an older SimpleKeys 2.6.6 with Mac OS Mavericks 10.9.5.

PPS: You might be interested to see What you can do with the softwar in his in his YouTube video:

Maybe you could do all of your Automator stuff using It.


- Patrick
=======

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

I use an older utility called SimpleKeys.app that I have set up and configured to use a single Function key to launch a particular application. Of course I have the the privilege of using an Apple extended keyboard that also has lots of Extra F Keys that I can use.

But definitely works with a single key press to launch an application and I can't see why it would not work for your use.

Download SimpleKeys for Mac | MacUpdate

Download the latest version of SimpleKeys for Mac for free. Read 7 user reviews and compare with similar apps on MacUpdate.

www.macupdate.com

PS: I am using an older SimpleKeys 2.6.6 with Mac OS Mavericks 10.9.5.

- Patrick
=======

That SimpleKeys app sounds potentially perfect, but your link doesn't work.

 

[MacInWin]

All I want is one keystroke that will take me to a terminal window from anywhere else! What I do in that terminal doesn't have to have any relation to the app I switched from.

One keystroke is not possible. Two keys, maybe. One click, yes, but you ruled out using a mouse. Frankly, what I would do is put Terminal in my login software list and use the Cmd-Tab approach Bob recommended. It's more than one key as you would have to use CMD-Tab to open the list and then repeat CMD-Tab over to Terminal, but is all keys.

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

One keystroke is not possible. Two keys, maybe. One click, yes, but you ruled out using a mouse. Frankly, what I would do is put Terminal in my login software list and use the Cmd-Tab approach Bob recommended. It's more than one key as you would have to use CMD-Tab to open the list and then repeat CMD-Tab over to Terminal, but is all keys.

By "one keystroke" I meant a combination of keys. Sorry if that was unclear.

Using CMD-tab is closer, but my goal is to have one quick shortcut always land me in a terminal window. For instance, pressing ^T once.

If that is not possible just let me know so I can stop searching!

 

[pm-r]

That SimpleKeys app sounds potentially perfect, but your link doesn't work.

Both these sites work for me, maybe try the developer site below if the Macupdate site doesn't work for you:

Download SimpleKeys for Mac | MacUpdate

Download the latest version of SimpleKeys for Mac for free. Read 7 user reviews and compare with similar apps on MacUpdate.

www.macupdate.com

SimpleKeys 2 – piDog Software

www.pidog.com

- Patrick
=======

 

[MacInWin]

The website says Intel is required. OP has an M1. Rosetta2 MAY work, but sooner or later Rosetta2 will be retired.

 

[pm-r]

The website says Intel is required. OP has an M1. Rosetta2 MAY work, but sooner or later Rosetta2 will be retired.

Well, until then I would sure give it a try and if not I would contact the developer and see if he is going to update it to work natively with the Apple chips.

I've found him to be very helpful and fast with a remedy when I had some trouble with his software when I first started using it.


- Patrick
=======

 

[Lifeisabeach]

All I want is one keystroke that will take me to a terminal window from anywhere else! What I do in that terminal doesn't have to have any relation to the app I switched from.

Hold up... what you want to do absolutely is possible. I'm looking over your screen caps and experimenting, and I found the problem. You have "Workflow receives" set to "no input". Change that to "Automatic".

 

[pm-r]

Hold up... what you want to do absolutely is possible. I'm looking over your screen caps and experimenting, and I found the problem. You have "Workflow receives" set to "no input". Change that to "Automatic".

Looking good...

I really do admire developer proof readers.


- Patrick
=======

 

[YeshuaSupreme]

Hold up... what you want to do absolutely is possible. I'm looking over your screen caps and experimenting, and I found the problem. You have "Workflow receives" set to "no input". Change that to "Automatic".

So for some reason the automator shortcut I already had started working in Finder of its own accord without me changing anything.

It still doesn't work in Telegram though.

Then I made the change you recommended and it still works in Finder now, and not in Telegram.

Not sure what your change did but thanks! It seems to work in every app but Telegram now which is slightly annoying but not really a big deal. I can just click out of Telegram and onto the Desktop (Finder) and it will work.