Scripting creation of smart playlists in iTunes

Scripting Forums AppleScript | Mac OS X
#1

Hi,

I am exploring the possibility of scripting the creation of smart playlists in iTunes. As I understand it this can only be achieved with GUI scripting. I have come across a couple of threads which suggest this can be achieved:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2083802?start=0&tstart=0

http://macscripter.net/viewtopic.php?id=9967

however both generate an error for me. The problem appears to be around the line “tell scroll area 1 of group 1 of window 1”. I get the error:

System Events got an error: Can’t get group 1 of window 1 of process “iTunes”. Invalid index.

I wonder if someone could help me get this working?

Thanks,

Nick

#2

This works in Lion with iTunes 10.6.1


tell application "iTunes" to activate
tell application "System Events" to tell process "iTunes"
	keystroke "n" using {option down, command down} -- New Smart Playlist.
	delay 0.5
        keystroke --"place your tabs and selections here."
	delay 0.5
	keystroke return & return -- click the "OK" button, then the "Yes" button
	delay 0.5
	keystroke "New smart playlist" & return -- to rename the playlist
end tell

I have found, however, that it seems to fail if you have selected any other already created playlists. The Selection needs to be hilighted on the MUSIC or MOVIES lists.

Model: iMac 21" i5
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Operating System: Mac OS X (10.7)