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search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 3:22 am
by rhk
Hello, I have a folder with 317 reference letters corresponding to 142 candidates, that I would like to file automatically. For each candidate, I have a folder such as 'doe, j. (john)'. Is it possible to create a rul that searches in the (pdf) files for content 'john doe' and move that particular file to the appropriate folder? Thanks, Ruud

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 1:48 pm
by Mr_Noodle
It's possible but it depends heavily on the specific details. Is the name always in the same place in the document or does it vary? If the former, then it might be doable. Otherwise, you might need to create a rule for each document type.

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Tue Dec 13, 2016 4:16 pm
by rhk
Mr_Noodle wrote:It's possible but it depends heavily on the specific details. Is the name always in the same place in the document or does it vary? If the former, then it might be doable. Otherwise, you might need to create a rule for each document type.


The name would be in different lications of the reference letter in the pdf file, I am afraid...

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 11:41 am
by Mr_Noodle
Is there contextual text around it that you can rely on? Can you post some example excerpts?

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Wed Dec 14, 2016 5:39 pm
by rhk
Mr_Noodle wrote:Is there contextual text around it that you can rely on? Can you post some example excerpts?


One reference letter may start with 'I am writing to support John Doe’s application for a position at your institution. ' Another letter may start with 'With this letter, I would like to recommend John Doe for a position in your department.' Both would be in text in a pdf file, and I would like these files to be moved into the folder 'john doe'.

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Thu Dec 15, 2016 2:42 pm
by Mr_Noodle
I'm not sure if you can write a generic rule to handle all those cases, unfortunately. The next best thing would be to have a prompt you to enter which folder it should go into. Not ideal but might be helpful. If you search the forums, you should be able to find an AppleScript which does something similar.

Re: search within file, and move file to folder

PostPosted: Fri Dec 16, 2016 1:26 pm
by rhk
Mr_Noodle wrote:I'm not sure if you can write a generic rule to handle all those cases, unfortunately. The next best thing would be to have a prompt you to enter which folder it should go into. Not ideal but might be helpful. If you search the forums, you should be able to find an AppleScript which does something similar.


Thank you, will do so.