Applescript: Open a Folder in Finder

15
votes

I m trying to open a folder in Finder using AppleScript. The following is my code. I want the folder WorkSpace to open in Finder, but it opens the Parent Folder /Volumes/MyMacDrive/Mani and highlights the WorkSpace folder. I want the contents of WorkSpace folder, but all I'm getting is its Parent Folder's Contents. What am i missing here ..?

property the_path : "/Volumes/MyMacDrive/Mani/WorkSpace/"
set the_folder to (POSIX file the_path) as alias
tell application "Finder"
    activate
    if window 1 exists then
        set target of window 1 to the_folder
    else
        reveal the_folder
    end if
end tell
3
applescriptdirectoryfinder
Use the Finder window class instead of window to not have an error if one of these windows is open (information window, preferences window, clipping window and view options window).--> if Finder window 1 exists then . The reveal command : Bring the specified object(s) into view, use the open command as in adayzdone's answer. – jackjr300

3 Answers

23
votes

As far as I've searched, there seems to be no way to open the folder rather than just highlighting the folder in AppleScript. So I have used:

do shell script "open /Volumes/MyMacDrive/Mani/WorkSpace/"

It worked fine for me but please update me if i'm wrong.

18
votes

It's actually simpler than it seems:

tell application "Finder" to open ("/Volumes/MyMacDrive/Mani/WorkSpace/" as POSIX file)

or use colons to give an AppleScript path:

tell application "Finder" to open "MyMacDrive:Mani:WorkSpace"

with that you have an open window

4
votes

Try:

if front Finder window exists then
    set target of front Finder window to the_folder
else
    open the_folder
end if

Edited to incorporate jackjr300's correction. Finder window is the correct class to use.