Using OS X Automator to Combine PDFs

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It is no secret that I love my MacBook Pro. It runs today just like id did the day I purchased it almost 2 years ago. One of the built in features that I don't use enough is Automator. Introduced in Tiger as a "personal automation assistant", Automator allows end users to create workflows to perform repetitive tasks. While apple has an entire website dedicated to OS X Automation Automator remains a very under utilized application. Because of the way our office scanner works I find myself needing to combine multiple scanned PDF files on a very regular basis. While not a complicated task to complete it is one that I know could be, well, automated. Automator is a drag and drop interface. I was added the following actions to my workflow:
  • Ask for Finder Items - There were two options here. One was to call the files by name using the Get Finder Items command but I wanted to be able to use this workflow over and over on different file types.
  • Combine PDF Pages - This is where the magic happens.
  • Rename PDF Document - The file needs to be renamed so this command preps the document to be renamed.
  • Rename Finder Items - The document is then passed to the Rename Finder Items command to receive the name that I want. The file will be named 'Untitled' when it is passed from the Rename PDF Document command.
  • Move Finer Items - This final command moved the file where I want it.
This image is what the workflow will look like when it is all in place.
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I have two options when saving my workflow. I can save it as just that, a workflow, or I can save it as an application. There are advantages to both. I actually save them as both, The application will simply run the workflow. In this case the application will prompt me for the PDF files that I want to combine and then run the workflow on those items. If I use the workflow file I am able to modify the workflow before I run it.
Many Automator commands, or actions as they are formally called, are available for download on Apple's download site. Actions are also available from 3rd party sites like MacScripter.
Have a favorite Automator Action or workflow? We would love to hear from you in the comments section.
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