Remotely Control Mac: AppleScript Guide
Remote Mac Control with AppleScript
Having multiple Macs, whether at home or in a professional setting, often creates a need for remote access. Controlling a Mac from a distance – across a room or even across the country – can significantly boost productivity.
While the built-in Sharing feature allows for remote control, utilizing AppleScript offers a more streamlined and efficient method. This bypasses the need to navigate through the Sharing screen interface.
Simplifying Remote Access
For those unfamiliar with AppleScript, these scripts are designed to be straightforward and easily implemented. Their brevity ensures a quick setup process.
These scripts provide a faster way to initiate remote control sessions. They eliminate several steps compared to the standard Sharing feature.
How it Works
By crafting a few simple AppleScript commands, you can establish a connection to a remote Mac with greater speed and convenience.
This method is particularly useful for frequent remote access needs, reducing the time spent initiating a connection each time.
The following scripts are designed to be user-friendly, even for individuals with limited scripting experience.
Configuring Remote Access on Your Mac
To enable remote control of a Mac, such as your primary workstation, initial configuration is required to accept incoming commands. Begin by opening System Preferences > Sharing on the Mac you intend to manage remotely.
Enable Remote Apple Events by selecting the corresponding checkbox. User access restrictions can be implemented at this stage, if desired.
Obtaining Network Information
The next step involves identifying the Mac's IP address. Navigate to Network within System Preferences to locate this crucial piece of information.
The IP address will typically resemble a sequence like 192.168.2.34. Make a copy of this address for use in the subsequent steps.
Alternatively, the Mac's Bonjour name can be utilized. This name is displayed at the top of the Sharing pane in System Preferences.
A Bonjour name generally follows a format similar to "smith-nancy-computer.local".
Initiate a Script Command
Begin by opening the AppleScript Editor on a separate Mac, such as your laptop. This application is located within the Applications Folder > Utilities Folder directory.
The initial command we will construct will instruct the remote Mac to enter sleep mode.
Within AppleScript, navigate to File > New. Subsequently, copy and paste the following script into the editor:
tell application "Finder" of machine "eppc://192.163.1.2.3"
sleep
end tell
Ensure you substitute the example IP address with the actual address of the target Mac. Confirm that the address is placed immediately following "eppc://".
Proceed to click the Compile icon. The absence of any error messages indicates successful compilation.
Verify that the remote Mac is powered on and operational. Then, click the Run button within AppleScript. You may be prompted to provide credentials. Enter the username and password associated with the remote Mac. Successful execution confirms the transmission of your first remote command.
Preserving Your AppleScripts
Several methods exist for storing and retrieving your scripts for convenient access. One option involves saving them to the Scripts Menu, which can be integrated into your desktop's menu bar. The menu appears as a dedicated option in the top bar.
Should the Scripts Menu not be visible, navigate to the AppleScript Editor. Within its Preferences, locate the General Pane and ensure the "Show Script menu in menu bar" checkbox is selected. If this action doesn't activate the menu, proceed to the Applications folder.
Inside the Applications folder, find the AppleScript folder. Then, execute the "Install Script Menu" application. This will install the menu in your menu bar.
To ensure the script is recognized, save it within your Home Library > Scripts folder. Following this, the script should become accessible through the Scripts Menu. This allows execution without needing the AppleScript Editor to be actively open.
Saving as an Application
For scripts intended for frequent use, consider saving them as standalone applications. This enables you to add them directly to your Dock for quick launching. This provides immediate access to the script's functionality.
Additional Command Scripts for macOS
Below are several further commands that can be transmitted to your Mac for remote control and automation.
Initiate iTunes Playback
tell application "iTunes" of machine "eppc://IP Address"
play
end tell
This script instructs the iTunes application on the remote Mac to begin playing media.
Halt iTunes Playback
tell application "iTunes" of machine "eppc://IP Address"
stop
end tell
Conversely, this command halts any currently playing content within iTunes.
Adjust System Volume Upwards
tell application "Finder" of machine "eppc://IP Address"
set volume 7 -- This is equivalent to maximum volume.
end tell
This script sets the system volume to its maximum level, designated as '7' within the command structure.
Launch the Safari Browser
tell application "Safari" of machine "eppc://IP Address"
activate
end tell
The Safari browser is activated and brought to the foreground on the target Mac using this script.
Terminate the Safari Browser
tell application "Safari" of machine "eppc://IP Address"
quit
end tell
This command completely closes the Safari browser application on the remote machine.
Please provide feedback if these instructions prove helpful. Should you be aware of additional AppleScript commands that would benefit our audience, feel free to contribute them. Further inspiration for Mac automation can be found in this related article, and a complimentary MUO Guide to Mac Automation is available for download if you seek more extensive tips.
