[Solved] Pasting filename into a Save As dialog in Catalina

[robertpfrench]

I am using OO 4.1.7 on a Mac Running Catalina 10.15 (19A603)

I frequently use structured filenames created in a spreadsheet. My usual process is to copy the filename to the clipboard (Cmnd-C) then do a Save As and paste (Cmnd-V) the filename into the dialog box. This has always worked with previous versions of Mac OSX but doesn't work with Catalina.

Any ideas or fixes.

Thanks,
Robert.

[MrProgrammer]

My usual process is to copy the filename to the clipboard (Cmnd-C) then do a Save As and paste (Cmnd-V) the filename into the dialog box. This has always worked with previous versions of Mac OSX but doesn't work with Catalina.

I don't run Catalina but see [Tutorial] Mac FAQ Q37/A37 if the MacOS Open/Save dialog doesn't meet your needs.

If this solved your problem please go to your first post use the Edit button and add [Solved] to the start of the title. You can select the green checkmark icon at the same time.

[robertpfrench]

I'm pretty sure it's a Catalina-specific problem.

[RoryOF]

Have you checked, using Catalina, that the filename is actually being copied to the clipboard? Pasting into a plain text editor should confirm that.

Is there any Clipboard utility installed?

[robertpfrench]

Yes, I did check that and no there is no add-on clipboard utility.

[RoryOF]

Another check: after pasting the filename into the plain text editor, can you copy it from there, and then Paste into the file dialog box?

[robertpfrench]

Hi Rory. That doesn't work either. Are you using Catalina? If so, could you give it a try?

[RoryOF]

Not having a Mac, I cannot try. Perhaps some Mac/Catalina-using Forum Volunteer or Moderator will investigate.

[robertpfrench]

Thanks Rory. Btw, I just tried it with LibreOffice and it's the same problem. But it's not a problem with Apple Apps like Tex edit and Pages.

[RoryOF]

In Preferences - Options -OpenOffice - General (Path for Mac, from memory), so may be slightly in error, there should be an option to "Use OpenOffice Dialogs", Try with this checked and then unchecked. It is probably best to restart OpenOffice after each change.

On PC/Linux computers this is reached via /Tools /Options /OpenOffice /General

[robertpfrench]

That worked, thank you. I still think it's a bug in Catalina because it has always worked in the Mac dialogs for releases from El Capitan to Mojave. Thank you again Rory, you are a life saver!

[RoryOF]

To help other Catalina Users, please tell us which setting you used.

[robertpfrench]

Hi Rory,

On Mac it is OpenOffice>Preferences>OpenOffice>General and check the "use OpenOffice Dialogs" checkbox.

I did as you suggested and restarted OpenOffice after making the change.
Thanks so much for your help. It is a feature I really need.
I hope you can also feed it back to the OO development team.
Regards, Robert.