9. Saving Workflow Plug-Ins

As you know, an Automator workflow can be saved as a workflow file or a stand-alone application, which lets you use the workflow without launching Automator. Although these methods are both useful, Automator also offers a third, even more flexible option: You can save a workflow as a plug-in for another application or even for the system itself. A workflow plug-in can run in a more efficient or unique manner than a workflow file or application. It’s like a way of adding your own features to applications, or even to the Finder.

For example, you can save a workflow as a Finder plug-in, allowing it to be run right from the Finder’s contextual menu. Or, you can save a workflow as an iCal alarm, allowing it to run at scheduled ...

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