In Shortcuts, How Do I Add A File Name When Executing From The Command Line?

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Introduction

The Shortcuts app on macOS provides a powerful way to automate tasks and workflows. With the ability to execute shortcuts from the command line, users can integrate their shortcuts with other tools and scripts. However, when executing a shortcut from the command line, it can be challenging to add a file name to the shortcut's input. In this article, we will explore how to add a file name when executing a shortcut from the command line.

Understanding Shortcuts and the Command Line

Before we dive into the solution, it's essential to understand how shortcuts work and how they interact with the command line. A shortcut is a collection of actions that are executed in a specific order. When a shortcut is executed, it runs each action in sequence, using the output of the previous action as input for the next action.

When a shortcut is executed from the command line, it receives input in the form of a JSON object. This object contains the input parameters for the shortcut, including any files or folders that are passed as input. To add a file name to the shortcut's input, we need to modify the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut.

Modifying the JSON Object

To add a file name to the shortcut's input, we need to modify the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut. We can do this by using the --input option when executing the shortcut from the command line.

The --input option allows us to specify a JSON object that contains the input parameters for the shortcut. We can use this option to add a file name to the shortcut's input by including a file key in the JSON object.

For example, if we have a shortcut that takes a file as input and processes it using Pixelmator, we can execute the shortcut from the command line using the following command:

shortcuts run --input '{"file": "/path/to/image.jpg"}'

In this example, the --input option is used to specify a JSON object that contains a file key with the value /path/to/image.jpg. This file will be passed as input to the shortcut, which will then process it using Pixelmator.

Adding a File Name to the Shortcut's Input

Now that we know how to modify the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut, let's take a look at how we can add a file name to the shortcut's input.

To add a file name to the shortcut's input, we need to modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut.

Here's an example of how we can modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object:

# Get contents of folder
## Get contents of folder
### Get contents of folder

    

  • Action: Get contents of folder
    • 

  • Folder: myfolder
    • 

  • Output: contents
    • 

  • JSON: {"files": [{"name": "image.jpg", "path": "/path/to/image.jpg"}]}

In this example, the Get contents of folder action is modified to include a JSON key with a value that contains a files array. files array contains a single object with a name key and a path key. The name key contains the file name, and the path key contains the file path.

When the shortcut is executed, the Get contents of folder action will pass the JSON object to the next action in the shortcut. The next action can then use the file name and path to process the file.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored how to add a file name when executing a shortcut from the command line. We learned how to modify the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut and how to add a file name to the shortcut's input. We also saw an example of how to modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to add a file name to the shortcut's input when executing a shortcut from the command line.

Additional Resources

Related Articles

Q: What is the purpose of the --input option when executing a shortcut from the command line?

A: The --input option is used to specify a JSON object that contains the input parameters for the shortcut. This allows you to pass additional information to the shortcut, such as a file name, when executing it from the command line.

Q: How do I specify a file name when executing a shortcut from the command line?

A: To specify a file name when executing a shortcut from the command line, you can use the --input option and include a file key in the JSON object. For example:

shortcuts run --input '{"file": "/path/to/image.jpg"}'

Q: What is the format of the JSON object that is passed to the shortcut?

A: The JSON object that is passed to the shortcut should be in the following format:

{
  "file": "/path/to/image.jpg"
}

This object contains a single key-value pair, where the key is file and the value is the path to the file.

Q: Can I pass multiple files to the shortcut when executing it from the command line?

A: Yes, you can pass multiple files to the shortcut when executing it from the command line. To do this, you can include an array of file paths in the JSON object. For example:

shortcuts run --input '{"files": ["/path/to/image1.jpg", "/path/to/image2.jpg"]}'

Q: How do I modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object?

A: To modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object, you can add a JSON key to the action and set its value to a JSON object that contains the file name. For example:

# Get contents of folder
## Get contents of folder
### Get contents of folder

    

  • Action: Get contents of folder
    • 

  • Folder: myfolder
    • 

  • Output: contents
    • 

  • JSON: {"files": [{"name": "image.jpg", "path": "/path/to/image.jpg"}]}

Q: Can I use the --input option with other options when executing a shortcut from the command line?

A: Yes, you can use the --input option with other options when executing a shortcut from the command line. For example:

shortcuts run --input '{"file": "/path/to/image.jpg"}' --action "Process Image"

This will execute the shortcut with the specified input and action.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the --input option?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using the --input option include:

  • Not including the --input option when executing the shortcut from the command line.
  • Including a JSON object that is not in the correct format.
  • Not specifying the correct file path or name.
  • the --input option with other options that are not compatible.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Shortcuts app and its command-line interface?

A: You can find more information about the Shortcuts app and its command-line interface in the following resources:

Conclusion

In this article, we answered some frequently asked questions about adding a file name when executing a shortcut from the command line. We covered topics such as the purpose of the --input option, the format of the JSON object, and how to modify the Get contents of folder action to include the file name in the JSON object. We also provided some common mistakes to avoid when using the --input option and resources for further learning.