A reference form is the syntax, or rule, for writing a phrase that identifies an object or group of objects. For example, the Index reference form allows you to identify an object by its number, as in
word 5 of paragraph 10
AppleScript includes other reference forms for identifying objects in applications. Table 5-3 summarizes the reference forms you can use to identify objects and provides links to sections that describe them in detail. Each section includes a brief explanation of a reference form, a syntax summary, and examples of how to use the reference form to specify application objects. The Filter reference form is described in more detail in Using the Filter Reference Form.
| Arbitrary Element | Specifies an arbitrary object in a container (rarely used) |
| Every Element | Specifies every object of a particular class in a container |
| Filter | Specifies every object in a particular container that matches conditions specified by a Boolean test expression |
| ID | Specifies an object by its ID property |
| Index | Specifies the position of an object with respect to the beginning or end of a container |
| Middle Element | Specifies the middle object in a container (rarely used) |
| Name | Specifies an object by its Name property |
| Property | Specifies a property of an application object, a record, a script object, or a date |
| Range | Specifies a series of objects |
| Relative | Specifies the position of an object in relation to another object in the same container |