Run macro for all windows

Questions & Suggestions
1

Hey, first time asking here, and this might be a bit out there, but... I'm trying to write a macro that positions all windows based on some logic, across three monitors.

This is what I have currently, which works for the first window of each application, but I'm not sure how to do it for all windows.

Summary of the following macro screenshots:

  • Position All Windows
    • focus each application and then invoke "Position Window by Type" which operates on the front window of the front app
  • Position Window by Type
    • Invoke "Get Target Screen", which sets the "target_screen" variable
    • Move/Resize window based on title
      • place on screen target_screen
      • set size to e.g. edge to edge, or right half of the screen

[Album] Imgur

It's pretty amazing what you can get done without dropping into code, but I need some help with this one. I'm a programmer, but I haven't used applescript at all. I'd prefer to do it in the UI, but open to scripting.

Any help is appreciated!

2

Here is an example Macro just to give you some ideas of how you might do this. It is is NOT a finished product.

In particular you need to add Actions/Logic to better position each window in the app.

MACRO:   Move and Resize All Windows for All Apps

~~~ VER: 1.0    2018-08-04 ~~~

DOWNLOAD:

Move and Resize All Windows for All Apps.kmmacros (15 KB)
Note: This Macro was uploaded in a DISABLED state. You must enable before it can be triggered.

ReleaseNotes

Author.@JMichaelTX

PURPOSE:

  • Provide EXAMPLE of How to Move/Resize All Windows in All Apps
    • This is NOT Ready for Production Use
    • It is just a guide.

NOTICE: This macro/script is just an Example

  • It is provided only for educational purposes, and may not be suitable for any specific purpose.
  • It has had very limited testing.
  • You need to test further before using in a production environment.
  • It does not have extensive error checking/handling.
  • It may not be complete. It is provided as an example to show you one approach to solving a problem.

REQUIRES:

  1. KM 8.0.2+
  • But it can be written in KM 7.3.1+
  • It is KM8 specific just because some of the Actions have changed to make things simpler, but equivalent Actions are available in KM 7.3.1.
    .
  1. macOS 10.11.6 (El Capitan)
  • KM 8 Requires Yosemite or later, so this macro will probably run on Yosemite, but I make no guarantees. :wink:

MACRO SETUP

  • Carefully review the Release Notes and the Macro Actions
    • Make sure you understand what the Macro will do.
    • You are responsible for running the Macro, not me. :wink:
      .
  • Assign a Trigger to this maro.
  • Move this macro to a Macro Group that is only Active when you need this Macro.
  • ENABLE this Macro.
  • ADD Actions to Better Set Position of Each Window
    .
  • REVIEW/CHANGE THE FOLLOWING MACRO ACTIONS:
    • ALL Actions that are shown in the magenta color

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

  • While I have given this limited testing, and to the best of my knowledge it will do no harm, I cannot guarantee it.
  • If you have any doubts or questions:
    • Ask first
    • Turn on the KM Debugger from the KM Status Menu, and step through the macro, making sure you understand what it is doing with each Action.

image

Questions?

3

This may not be what you want, or maybe it is just another "type", but here's another macro you can use as a guide:

MACRO: Cascade All Windows for An App V2 [Example]

You could create a separate macro (I call them "Sub-Macros") for each type of window arrangement, and then call the sub-macro you want using a Execute a Macro action.

4

Thank you so much!

I couldn't Move/Resize to take a window number (gave a generic error, I forget what it was), but I just set it to all matching the regex . and it works well.

5

Maybe the Variable you were using was undefined or out of range -- this worked fine for me.

That's great! Maybe you could share your finished macro so others could benefit. See post/upload your script/macro.