AppleScript Automates Text File Saving for MarsEdit Users

A new AppleScript offers MarsEdit users a streamlined way to save documents as text files, addressing a long-standing workflow challenge for the popular Mac blogging client. The script, created by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber, automates a process he’s sought to improve for two decades.

The Problem: Saving MarsEdit Drafts as Text Files

MarsEdit, developed by Red Sweater Software and a favorite of blogger Daniel Jalkut, includes a “local drafts” feature for saving unpublished content. However, it lacks a built-in function to export documents directly as plain text files. Gruber’s solution provides this missing functionality, allowing users to archive drafts outside of the MarsEdit environment—specifically, in his case, within a Dropbox folder.

How the AppleScript Works

The AppleScript adds a “Save as Text File…” option accessible through FastScripts, a system-wide scripts menu utility also from Red Sweater/Jalkut. FastScripts enables assigning keyboard shortcuts to scripts, with Gruber suggesting Option-Command-S (or Command-Option-S) for quick access.

Upon activation, the script presents a standard system Save dialog, defaulting the filename to the MarsEdit document’s title. It also remembers the last saved location, simplifying subsequent saves. The resulting text file includes key document metadata such as Title, Blog, Edited date, Tags, Slug, and Excerpt, followed by the post content.

Workflow Integration

Gruber details his writing process, utilizing BBEdit for longer posts and composing shorter entries directly within MarsEdit. The script is particularly useful for archiving abandoned drafts that may benefit from further development in BBEdit, where he prefers to focus for more in-depth writing and editing.

Benefits and Impact

The script has already proven valuable to Gruber, enabling him to clear out 29 old drafts from his MarsEdit library. It highlights the power of addressing workflow inefficiencies and the benefits of custom scripting for macOS users. The script is available for those seeking a more organized approach to managing MarsEdit drafts.

You can find more information about the AppleScript on Daring Fireball.