Automating Word (JXA-first, AppleScript discovery)

Relationship to the macOS automation skill

• Standalone for Word, aligned with automating-mac-apps patterns.
• Use automating-mac-apps skill for permissions, shell execution, and UI scripting guidance.
• PyXA Installation: To use PyXA examples in this skill, see the installation instructions in automating-mac-apps skill (PyXA Installation section).

Core framing

• Word dictionary is AppleScript-first; discover there.
• JXA provides logic, data handling, and ObjC bridge access.
• Objects are specifiers; read via methods, write via assignments.
• Handle errors from Word operations using try/catch blocks and Application error checking.

Implementation Workflow

1. Discover AppleScript Dictionary: Open Script Editor, browse Word's AppleScript dictionary to understand available objects and methods.
2. Translate to JXA: Use discovered AppleScript syntax as reference for JXA equivalents, consulting the dictionary translation table.
3. Set Up JXA Script: Initialize Word application object and document references.
4. Implement Operations: Apply find/replace, table manipulation, or export using JXA methods.
5. Test and Validate: Run script and verify document changes match expectations.