file kind

C

ceng

Registered
Is there any way on the MAC OSX to create your own file 'kind'? I am referring to the 'kind', not just adding an extension to your file which stilll retains the original file 'kind'.

thanks.
 
Since all files are created by applications, the file "kind" is tied to the application that created it.

If you simply wish to tell a certain file or group of files with a certain extension to open with an application other than the default application the file(s) is set to open with, simply do a "Get Info" on the file, and you can change the application that it opens with from there under "Open With."

If this isn't what you want to do, can you explain in a little more detail?
 
You can register new application and file types with Apple. The codes are 4 bytes long and stored in the resource fork of the application/data file. I have not registered any codes for some years now so you have search the Apple developer site for this.
 
Thanks for the replies. Is anyone able to give a bit more info on creating file types (kinds). I have this FileType 1.0.1 application....is this suppose to do it for me?
 
It would help if you could clarify exactly what you are attempting to do. Apple has defined Type and Creator codes that it uses to identify what kind of a file it is TEXT, JPEG, etc. and which specific application created the particular file. There are for example literally hundreds of applications that might create a file with the Type "TEXT" or "JPEG." There is a defined set of file types and a defined set of creator codes. In order to prevent duplication you are supposed to register all new Type and/or Creator codes with Apple and not just create your own willy nilly. You can find the defined Type and Creator codes on Apple's Developer Connection.

There are any number of applications that will permit you to change a files Type and Creator codes. The standard for the classic Mac OS is ResEdit. In OS X a couple of the applications that can change Type and Creator codes are: FileXaminer and BatChmod. FWIW it is not a good idea to go making up your own type and creator codes, that could easily cause unexpected conflicts.
 
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