Copy a static file into matched folder?

Is there a way to do this? I was playing around with shell:

cp -f "/Users/david/Dropbox/bin/templates/hi.txt $1

but $1 isn't a directory (of course).

Thanks,
- David

eiff wrote: ... but $1 isn't a directory (of course) ...

This confuses me - $1 would be the directory if you match the directory in your rule conditions. All you'd have to do is to add the filename to the $1:

Code: Select all: cp -f "/Users/andrewfreyer/hi.txt" "$1/Hi.txt"

Of course, you are going to have to set a flag to make sure that this doesn't copy indefinitely. I'd suggest a simple shell script checking if the file exists within the directory already - a simple "passes shell script" rule.

I guess you may want to back up a bit and explain what you are trying to do. As a_freyer noted, $1 will be the file or folder that is matched. If you are trying to match folders, then this would make sense but if you are matching a file, then I guess you might be trying to copy a file into the same folder as that file? If that is the case, then you need to extract the parent folder and copy to that using something like 'dirname'. Note if you do it this way, the file will get copied for every file in the folder that matches the rule.

Thanks for the replies.

What I'm wanting is this:
I make a new folder for a new project.
When this happens the contents of another folder (my 'template' folder) copies into my newly created folder.

In other words: I need a basic set of files (a keynote presentation and a text file) for every project I do. When I create a folder for my new project, I want that basic set of files (the keynote template and the text file) to appear in my new project folder.

I think I got it.:

Code: Select all: If kind is folder & Date created is in the last 1 week Run shell script: cp -f /Users/david/Dropbox/Speaking\ Outlines/bin/templates/* "$1"

Seems to be working, although a_freyer is right: This would run over and over. Especially since I rename the keynote file and text file to match the enclosing folder (the project) name once they appear.

Should I do a

Code: Select all: If 'date added' is newer than 'date last matched'

condition or something?

I'd add a spotlight comment to the folder saying something like "Template Applied" and then filter your action excluding those:

Code: Select all: If (all) of the following conditions are met for (the file or folder being matched) Kind is folder Comments do not contain "Template Applied" Do the following to the matched file or folder: Run shell script (embedded script) Add comment "Template Applied"

You guys are like the ninjas of the internet. Works perfectly.

Thanks so much for your time, seriously.