how to create a word 2004 doc, put stuff in it and save it

[kjoe]

Hello,

I found this thread and several others in this forum, looking for a way to create a word 2004 doc with some text created in another program. Let me start by saying that I know very little about Applescript.
I tried various ways, including the quoted one. All of them generate compiling errors in Scripteditor.
For instance,
“insert text the_text at end of text object of newDoc” generates “expected line end, but got identifier” (with “the_text” highlighted)
When I comment that one out, the next line
save as newDoc file name (desk_path & “Sample.doc”) generates “expected line end, but got class name” (with “file” highlighted).

I can’t imagine the script to be in error, so there must be something I am doing wrong. But I have not got a clue where to start looking.
I appreciate any tips and help. And I promise to keep digging in this forum.

Maarten

(OS: 10.5.4, intel based, Word 2004)

@Craig Smith

Ton:

Word is certainly quirky to script. What I have found is that to save a document, you first set the document to a variable, then use the full path (filename included) to save, NOT the filename, like this:

set desk_path to path to desktop as Unicode text
set the_text to "Hello World"
tell application "Microsoft Word"
	set newDoc to make new document
	insert text the_text at end of text object of newDoc
	save as newDoc file name (desk_path & "Sample.doc") --The default without the path saves in the Office 2004 folder.
end tell

I know it is crazy, but let’s face it. Any software that Bill and HIs Boys touch gets pretty screwy.

I hope this helps, let me know.

Model: Macbook Pro
AppleScript: 2.0.1
Browser: Firefox 3.0.1
Operating System: Mac OS X (10.5)

[StefanK]

Hi Maarten,

I tested the script with Script Debugger and Script Editor and both worked fine.
Are you sure you have Word 2004 or perhaps the older Word v.X?

[kjoe]

Hello Stefan,

Oh dear, I do have word v X on this machine. Do I feel silly. I’ll look again, but maybe you have a pointer for me?

thanks very much

[StefanK]

Sorry, I don’t use v.X any more.
Probably the most reliable way is to do it in Visual Basic, because this works also in v.X
The code to make an new document and insert text is

Set NewDoc = Documents.Add With NewDoc.Content .Text = "Hello World" End With
the AppleScript code is

do Visual Basic ".  ."

Maybe the save command from Standard Suite works in Word v.X

save document 1 in "Path:To:Document.doc"

But as mentioned I can’t prove it

[kjoe]

Thanks for replying.

I was hoping to avoid vBasic. Anyway I now realise I am going to have to make provisions for three versions of word (vX, 2004 and 2008) for this to work in my company. I guess I am first going to see if I can get my employer to upgrade (or switch to Pages) to make my life easier.

Thanks again for triggering this thought process. If you ever need help with Filemaker, go to http://filemakertoday.com/com/index.php and I hope I can repay the service

Maarten

[kjoe]

Hi Jacques,

That works! brilliant. So now I understand that visual basic commands can be part of the applescript.

Thank you so much for helping

Maarten