FinderEdit is a very useful System 7 utility you can use to change many aspects of your Finder and System. The major feature of FinderEdit is the ability to change the default application the finder chooses when you ask to open any type of document whose creator can't be found. The Finder initially maps files of type 'TEXT' and type 'PICT' to TeachText ('ttxt'). This means when the Finder can't find the application that created either a TEXT or PICT file, it will ask you if you wish to open it with TeachText. Well, with FinderEdit, not only can you change the application the Finder chooses to open such "orphaned" PICT or TEXT files, but you can add any other type, too. So, suppose you collect GIF files. Normally if the creator application isn't available (which is often the case for GIF files), the Finder will say it can't open it. But, if you add the file type 'GIFf' (for GIF files) to your Finder, you can open any orphaned GIF file with your favorite GIF viewing application!
Other features include modification of the sample font string (initially "How razorback jumping frogs╔"), addition of a quit command (and optional command-key equivalent) to the Finder's file menu to allow manual quitting of the Finder, modification of alias styles and the ability to add version information to any file.
* FinderEdit ONLY WORKS WITH SYSTEM (FINDER) 7.0 AND HIGHER! *
COMMANDS
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Modify File Mapping
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TO ADD TYPES:
Type in a four letter type name (i.e. TEXT, PICT, WORD, etc╔). Any name longer than 4 characters will be shortened to exactly four. Any name less than 4 characters will be padded with trailing spaces. Then either double-click on the type in the list, or select the type in the list and click the Choose Application button. This will allow you to specify which program will be the default when the Finder can't find the creator of that file type.
TO REMOVE TYPES:
Just click the type name in the list at the left, and click the remove button. If you make a mistake, don't worry, you can quit without saving changes and try again.
TO MODIFY EXISTING TYPES:
Click the type name in the list at the left and click the Choose Application button (or double-click the name). Now choose
another application for this type.
3) If you are satisfied with the changes you've made, click the 'Save Changes' button. If you're not sure, click the 'Discard Changes' button. There's no damage in making mistakes; this type of modification can't hurt your Finder :-). One more thing. If you leave any file types unmapped (i.e. you added one but forgot to choose a creator application for it), FinderEdit will NOT LET YOU SAVE CHANGES. The Save Changes button will be disbaled and it's name will turn into 'Unmapped Types'. To be able to save changes you must choose a creator application for all unmapped types.
Add/Modify Existing/Remove 'Quit' Command
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FinderEdit allows you to install a 'Quit' command to the bottom of the Finder's file menu. Choosing this command will cause the Finder to quit itself, just as any other program quits. This can prove useful to programmers modifying the Finder or to people who just need the extra memory. A command key can be added as well by checking the 'Include Command Key' check box. Choosing the Remove 'Quit' command will remove the 'Quit' command. *WARNING*: Do not use this command if your Finder's File menu is not exactly the same as when first installed (i.e. a "virgin" File menu). Unpredicatable results may occur.
Modify Font String
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FinderEdit lets you modify the string used to display fonts when you open them in the Finder. Initially this string is "How razorback jumping frogs can level six piqued gymnasts."
Modify Version Info
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Some people may find it useful to attach their own personal information to files that they may give to friends, etc╔ When you choose Get Info from the Finder on a selected file or files, you can see this version information. Data files (without a resource fork for the techie people) and many types of resource files lack 'vers' resources entirely. "Modifying" them here will add a 'vers' resource. Changes to versions of files may not show up until after you restart the computer and/or duplicate the file.
Note: Changing version information for application programs is not nice! :-(
Modify Alias Styles
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Alias names in Finder (and System) 7 are by default displayed in italics. If you dislike this or would like fancier alias styles, FinderEdit lets you change them. Effects do not take effect until after you restart.
Incompatibilities: FinderEdit works fine with all extensions I've tested, and with any computer capable of running System 7. FinderEdit only requires that you COPY IT TO, AND RUN IT ON THE SAME VOLUME AS YOUR CURRENT FINDER.
FinderEdit is ShareWare. Please contribute to a starving college student's well-being with your $10 ShareWare fee. If you're insulted by the $10 fee :-( just send whatever you think it's worth. Send to:
