applescriptmacosspaces
I have a script that I run when I get to work to open all of the applications that I work with. But when I run it they all open in one space. I'm running OSX Yosemite 10.10.3.
So I need an AppleScript that will make new spaces if needed and then open the applications in specified spaces.
This will help users running Lion but won't solve your problem in Leopard.
In Lion, there is a Control Panel setting under Mission Control that says When switching to an app, switch to a space with open windows for that app. Deselect it. Note that when this option is deselected, if you click an app in the Dock with open windows in another space, on the first click you will get your desired behavior, but if you click the icon in the dock again, it will switch to the space currently containing windows for the app.
To add one Desktop Space to each monitor/display:
do shell script "/Applications/Mission\\ Control.app/Contents/MacOS/Mission\\ Control"
delay 0.5
tell application "System Events" to click (every button whose value of attribute "AXDescription" is "add desktop") of group 1 of process "Dock"
delay 0.5
do shell script "/Applications/Mission\\ Control.app/Contents/MacOS/Mission\\ Control 1"
One can modify the code to add more desktops.
To switch to a particular desktop / fullscreen app in a dual display setting, e.g. Desktop 3:
do shell script "/Applications/Mission\\ Control.app/Contents/MacOS/Mission\\ Control"
delay 0.5
try
tell application "System Events" to click (first button whose value of attribute "AXDescription" is "exit to Desktop 3") of list 1 of group 1 of process "Dock"
on error
tell application "System Events" to click (first button whose value of attribute "AXDescription" is "exit to Desktop 3") of list 2 of group 1 of process "Dock"
end try
There are discussions out there about turning an app to fullscreen mode with script.
Best Answer
If you lock an app to a space it will always open in that space, no script required. the limitation is that all windows of each app will be in the same space; no way round that except manually, afaik.
First open the app in the required Space, then right click the Dock icon & select 'This Desktop'
After that, if you check from any other Space you will see the Space number listed.
[& I do wish they'd stop calling them Desktops]
If you really need it to be scripted, then this MacScripter page has all the calls - http://macscripter.net/viewtopic.php?id=23453