Automated script for loading custom layout with chosen verse(s) for Logos 4 Mac

Reply

Patrick S. | Forum Activity | Posted: Tue, Oct 18 2011 12:54 PM

I read a short while ago (when I was looking for the same functionality myself) that there was no way to have Logos 4 open a custom layout with chosen verse(s) by typing the verse(s) into the 'Go' box.

To do it you would have to either use 'Go' to load the standard layout and then customise it each time, or have a pre-saved layout you manually load and then type the verse(s) in each of the entry fields.

I have used Applescript to make an automated solution for this. You can see it in action in this screencast.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2191644/LogosGo.mov

To achieve this — because Logos 4 Mac does not support full OS X object scripting — I tricked it using UI (user interface) scripting which essentially acts as an automated user. It works (as you can see in the screencast) the only requirement is that the script is specific to the Logos 4 Mac screen layout. I have three panes: PG & EG; Commentaries; Bibles. Also there needs to be a custom saved layout called "My Layout".

By changing settings affected by layout of resources the script can be adjusted to suit.

Not sure how much interest there would be from people for this - so I decided to put it up as demo screencast to gauge interest first.

If you are interested drop a reply to this posting and I can make it available (free naturally) to people.

-- Patrick

Reply

Patrick S. | Forum Activity | Replied: Tue, Oct 18 2011 1:55 PM

Thanks, if you want to have a go at it here is the self running script just download, unzip, have Logos running and be on the home screen and then run script application by double clicking it.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2191644/LogosGo.zip

Caveats for the script as coded:

1. There must be a custom layout called *exactly* "My Layout"
2. The layout should have three panes a) a Passage Guide b) Commentaries and other resouces c) Bibles
3. The commentary shown in facing tab in pane should ideally be a series
4. The Bible translations and Commentary should be in the same 'Link Set'

If you want to change for your own layout (ideally use same name) and/or have a look at script source it is in the file:

• Unzip file
• Right click (inspect) LogosGo.app file and choose 'Show Package Contents'
• Script source is in - Contents | Resources | Scripts | main.scpt

The 'tricky' part, which is required because Logos 4 does not have built-in support for object scripting, is that I have to refer to text entry field as 'field 1' etc.

If anyone would like to use it happy to give them pointers on what to do to adjust script for their environment (panes etc.)

Reply

JT (alabama24) | Forum Activity | Replied: Wed, Oct 19 2011 3:39 AM

Susan - you should remove your email address (or at least disguise) it. Automated "Spam bots" can pick up your address and begin flooding you with hundreds of spam emails.

Also, there is no need for your email here. Patrick included the file as a link earlier.

Reply

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :) | Forum Activity | Replied: Wed, Oct 19 2011 10:15 AM

Patrick S.:

If it is successful perhaps it could go into Logos wiki, don't know who to approach about that though...

Observation: Files forum has many files posted for Logos community use, including Free Tool: QuickLink (for use in Logos 4 Windows) that is linked from wiki page => http://wiki.logos.com/Tools_and_Files_supplied_by_users  

Wiki has template examples => wiki Template1 - many comments and => wiki Template2 - fewer comments

Wiki pages have Edit and History buttons (upper right).  History for many wiki pages shows contributions by many Logos users and employees so current content is a composite of many edits.  Also, history has option to compare edit revisions; url for comparison includes before and after revision number so can compare any two revisions for a wiki page.

Keep Smiling