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steipete

macOS Automator MCP Server

by steipete

execute_script

Destructive

Automate macOS tasks by running AppleScript or JavaScript for Automation scripts. Control applications like Finder, Chrome, or Terminal via script content, file path, or pre-defined IDs.

Instructions

Automate macOS tasks using AppleScript or JXA (JavaScript for Automation) to control applications like Terminal, Chrome, Safari, Finder, etc.

1. Script Source (Choose one):

  • kb_script_id (string): Preferred. Executes a pre-defined script from the knowledge base by its ID. Use get_scripting_tips to find IDs and inputs. Supports placeholder substitution via input_data or arguments. Ex: kb_script_id: "safari_get_front_tab_url".

  • script_content (string): Executes raw AppleScript/JXA code. Good for simple or dynamic scripts. Ex: script_content: "tell application \"Finder\" to empty trash".

  • script_path (string): Executes a script from an absolute POSIX path on the server. Ex: /Users/user/myscripts/myscript.applescript.

2. Script Inputs (Optional):

  • input_data (JSON object): For kb_script_id, provides named inputs (e.g., --MCP_INPUT:keyName). Values (string, number, boolean, simple array/object) are auto-converted. Ex: input_data: { "folder_name": "New Docs" }.

  • arguments (array of strings): For script_path (passes to on run argv / run(argv)). For kb_script_id, used for positional args (e.g., --MCP_ARG_1).

3. Execution Options (Optional):

  • language ('applescript' | 'javascript'): Specify for script_content/script_path (default: 'applescript'). Inferred for kb_script_id.

  • timeout_seconds (integer, optional, default: 60): Sets the maximum time (in seconds) the script is allowed to run. Increase for potentially long-running operations.

  • output_format_mode (enum, optional, default: 'auto'): Controls osascript output formatting.

    • 'auto': Smart default - resolves to 'human_readable' for AppleScript and 'direct' for JXA.

    • 'human_readable': For AppleScript, uses -s h flag.

    • 'structured_error': For AppleScript, uses -s s flag (structured errors).

    • 'structured_output_and_error': For AppleScript, uses -s ss flag (structured output & errors).

    • 'direct': No special output flags (recommended for JXA).

  • include_executed_script_in_output (boolean, optional, default: false): If true, the final script content (after any placeholder substitutions) or script path that was executed will be included in the response. This is useful for debugging and understanding exactly what was run. Defaults to false.

  • include_substitution_logs (boolean, default: false): For kb_script_id, includes detailed placeholder substitution logs.

  • report_execution_time (boolean, optional, default: false): If true, an additional message with the formatted script execution time will be included in the response. Defaults to false.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
languageNoSpecifies the scripting language. Crucial for `script_content` and `script_path` if not 'applescript'. Defaults to 'applescript'. Inferred if using `kb_script_id`.
argumentsNoOptional arguments to pass to the script. For AppleScript, these are passed to the main `run` handler. For JXA, these are passed to the `run` function.
input_dataNoOptional JSON object to provide named inputs for --MCP_INPUT placeholders in knowledge base scripts.
script_pathNoThe path to the script file to execute. Required if kb_script_id or script_content is not provided.
kb_script_idNoThe ID of a knowledge base script to execute. Replaces script_content and script_path if provided.
script_contentNoThe content of the script to execute. Required if kb_script_id or script_path is not provided.
timeout_secondsNoThe timeout for the script execution in seconds. Defaults to 60.
output_format_modeNoControls osascript output formatting. 'auto': (Default) Smart selection based on language (AppleScript: human_readable, JXA: direct). 'human_readable': AppleScript -s h. 'structured_error': AppleScript -s s. 'structured_output_and_error': AppleScript -s ss. 'direct': No -s flags (recommended for JXA).auto
report_execution_timeNoIf true, the tool will return an additional message containing the formatted script execution time. Defaults to false.
include_substitution_logsNoIf true, detailed logs of placeholder substitutions will be included in the output.
include_executed_script_in_outputNoIf true, the executed script content (after substitutions) or path will be included in the output.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations indicate destructiveHint=true. The description adds details about execution options like timeout, output formatting, and debugging flags such as including executed script, substitution logs, and execution time, which are beyond the annotation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is verbose but well-structured with numbered sections and bullet points. It front-loads the purpose and organizes parameters logically. Could be slightly shorter, but every section adds useful context.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 11 parameters, no output schema, and destructive nature, the description covers script sources, inputs, and all execution options. It lacks explicit mention of return values but provides output formatting options and debugging features.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description provides extensive parameter explanations with examples and usage details (e.g., JSON input substitution), adding significant value beyond schema descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The first sentence clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Automate macOS tasks using AppleScript or JXA... to control applications.' It uses specific verbs and resources, and distinguishes itself from the sibling tool 'get_scripting_tips'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description advises using 'get_scripting_tips' to find script IDs, providing guidance on script source selection. It explains when to use each script source but does not explicitly state when not to use the tool, though the destructive hint implies caution.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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