AppleScript: FileMaker Pro to Photoshop 7.0

By Nick Hodge | May 26, 2002

FileMaker Pro to Photoshop 7.0

Taking data from FileMaker Pro 5.5 to Photoshop 7.0 is simple with AppleScript. So simple, I challenged myself to write the code on the flight from Sydney to Auckland on the Photoshop 7.0 User Conference/Roadshow/Tour in May. After a little modification "in the shop", and comments from the great Shane Stanley, here it is in all its glory!

Firstly, lets look at the database supplied. This is quite simple: there are 3 fields and three records. The very important field is the filename pointer field. This contains the file name of the template for this record:

[1187] 01_fmpro_source

The definitions of the fields is important. The script uses the names of the fields to point out layer names in the Photoshop template files:

[1188] 02_fmpro_defs

This is the template Photoshop file. Notice the layer name of the text layer. Again, these layer names are used by the script as the linkage between FileMaker Pro and Photoshop 7.0:

[1189] 03_template

The end result in the file system. It is very important that you check the properties at the top of the AppleScript to point to directories you would like the script to look for the source templates and where to place the end results:

[1190] 04_end result

The final JPEG as displayed in the browser, this time with the data inserted by this script:

[1191] 05_jpg end result

The FileMaker Pro database and Script is available for download: filemaker to photoshop 1.0.sit

I have only tested this on MacOS X 10.1.4 with Photoshop 7.0. You will also need the Photoshop 7.0 Scripting Plugin 1.0.2a (Mac) available from the Adobe web site.