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File Cabinet Pro Version 8.5.2 Update Released for macOS

September 14, 2023 by

File Cabinet Pro version 8.5.2 has been released for macOS.

macOS Ventura Screenshot of File Cabinet Pro app running.

What’s New?

-The Preferences window has been renamed to Settings.

-Performance improvements.

Previously:

What is a Plist File?

May 1, 2023 by

Document icon image for the plist file type.

The Property List (plist) file is a data format used to store configuration settings and other types of structured data in macOS, iOS, and other Apple operating systems. The history of the plist file can be traced back to the NeXTSTEP operating system, which was developed by NeXT Computer, Inc. in the late 1980s.

The NeXTSTEP operating system used a file format called NeXT Property List, which was similar in structure to the current plist format. NeXT Property List was used to store system preferences and other configuration data in a hierarchical format. When Apple acquired NeXT Computer in 1997, they inherited the NeXTSTEP operating system and its associated file formats.

In 2001, Apple released Mac OS X, which was based on the NeXTSTEP operating system. The plist file format was included in Mac OS X. Plist files are stored in either XML or binary format. Each format has its own advantages. While the XML version of a plist can be edited using a simple text editor, the binary format is more efficient for storing large amounts of data.

Today, plist files are used extensively throughout Apple’s operating systems to store a wide range of configuration data, from system preferences to application settings. They are also used by developers to store application-specific preferences and other data.

Are you a developer looking to improve your productivity with plists?

Plist Converter is an app for macOS that can batch convert plist files to and from the XML and Binary formats. Plist Converter can also convert property list files to Swift and Objective-C source code. Learn more about the Plist Converter app here.

How to Enable a Finder Extension on macOS Ventura

April 28, 2023 by

In this tutorial, we will explain what Finder extensions are and how to enable a Finder extension on macOS Ventura.

What is a Finder Extension?

A Finder extension is a type of macOS plugin that adds functionality to the Finder app. These extensions can be created by developers to add new features to the Finder, such as the ability to perform custom actions on the files and folders you are viewing in Finder. Once enabled, Finder extensions can appear in the context menu when you right-click on a file or folder. A Finder extension can also add a custom button to Finder’s toolbar.

Image showing user interface elements added to the Finder via a Finder extension.

How to Enable a Finder Extension on macOS Ventura

Step 1: Open the System Settings app

The first step is to open the System Settings app. You can do this by clicking on the System Settings icon in the Dock or from Launchpad. You can also open the System Settings app by clicking on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Settings” from the dropdown menu.

Screenshot showing how to open the System Settings app from the menu bar on macOS Ventura.

Step 2: Click on “Privacy”

In the System Settings window, click on the “Privacy & Security” option in the sidebar. Scroll all the way down in the main pane and choose “Extensions” as highlighted in the screenshot below:

The "Privacy & Security" section of the System Settings app on macOS Ventura.

Step 3: Enable the Finder Extension in the “Added extensions” List

Click on “Added extensions” to view the app extensions list. You will see a list of all available extensions provided by your installed apps here. It’s worth noting that other types of extensions are displayed in this list as well. To enable a Finder extension specifically, simply click on the “Finder extensions” checkbox that appears below the app name.

The "Added extensions" list in System Settings is where you enable Finder extensions on macOS Ventura

Step 4: Use the Extension

Once you have enabled the extension, open the Finder app and you can begin using the extension. It’s worth noting that some extensions may require additional permissions to work properly. If this is the case for your Finder extension, ask the the app developer what additional steps are required to get the Finder extension working.

Final Thoughts

Finder extensions are a powerful tool that can add a lot of functionality to the Finder app on macOS Ventura. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily enable and use a Finder extension to streamline your workflow and make working with files and folders on your Mac even easier.

Want to use Finder extensions on your Mac now? Check out these great apps:

File Cabinet Pro provides a Finder extension that allows you to create various text documents right in a Finder window.
Desktop Ghost Pro provides a Finder extension that allows you to show and hide all the icons on your Desktop from the Finder when you are viewing the desktop directory.
Open Directory in Terminal allows you to open the selected directories in Finder in a new Terminal window or tab.

How to Locate App Crash Reports on iOS 16

April 26, 2023April 26, 2023 by

Apps can crash for a variety of reasons, including issues with the app itself, conflicts with other apps or software on the device, or problems with the operating system. When an app crashes on iOS, a crash report is usually generated. A crash report is a file that contains information that can often help app developers identify and fix the underlying issue. In this tutorial, we’ll go over how to locate app crash reports on iOS 16.

Steps to Locate App Crash Reports on iOS 16:

Open the “Settings” app on your iOS 16 device and tap on “Privacy & Security” in the list.

Screenshot of the Settings app on iOS 16 with the "Privacy & Security" item selected.

Select “Analytics & Improvements” as demonstrated in the screenshot below:

Screenshot of the "Privacy & Security" section of the iOS 16 Settings app with "Analytics & Improvements" selected in the list.

Scroll down to the “Analytics Data” section and select it in the list.

Screenshot of the Settings app on iOS 16 in the "Analytics & Improvements" section with the "Analytics Data" item selected in the list.

Here in the “Analytics Data” section is where you can locate app crash reports on iOS 16. It’s worth noting that not all the files shown in the list represent crash reports (other diagnostic information is captured in files shown in the list). Look for any entries that include the name of the app that recently has crashed. You can filter the entries by typing the name of the app that crashed in the search bar to find a crash report.

Analytics data section in the Settings app on iOS 16.

Tap on a report to view more details.

You can save the report to a file, send it in a e-mail or text message from the Share Sheet by clicking the “Share” button in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Final Thoughts

By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you should be able to easily locate crash reports on iOS 16. While these reports can be technical, they provide valuable information that can help you and app developers identify and fix issues that may be causing crashes. If you’re having trouble with a specific app, consider sharing the crash report with the app developer to help them improve their app and provide a better user experience for everyone.

How to Convert Decimal to Hexadecimal

April 19, 2023 by

Decimal and hexadecimal are two number systems that are widely used in the fields of computer science and mathematics. Decimal is a base-10 number system that uses the digits 0-9, while hexadecimal is a base-16 number system that uses the digits 0-9 and the letters A-F. In this tutorial, we will show you how to convert decimal to hexadecimal.

Step 1: Divide the Decimal Number by 16

The first step in converting a decimal number to a hexadecimal number is to divide the decimal number by 16. Write down the quotient and remainder of the division.

For example, let’s convert the decimal number 4096 to hexadecimal.

4096 ÷ 16 = 256
Quotient = 256
Remainder = 0

Step 2: Convert the Remainder to Hexadecimal

The next step is to convert the remainder from the previous step to hexadecimal. To do this, you can use the following conversion chart:

Decimal	Hexadecimal
0	0
1	1
2	2
3	3
4	4
5	5
6	6
7	7
8	8
9	9
10	A
11	B
12	C
13	D
14	E
15	F

In our example, the remainder is 0, so the hexadecimal equivalent is also 0.

Step 3: Repeat the Process Until the Quotient is 0

The next step is to repeat the previous two steps until the quotient is 0. In our example, we have:

256 ÷ 16 = 16
Quotient = 16
Remainder = 0

16 ÷ 16 = 1
Quotient = 1
Remainder = 0

1 ÷ 16 = 0
Quotient = 0
Remainder = 1

Step 4: Write the Hexadecimal Equivalent

Once the quotient is 0, you can write down the hexadecimal equivalent by writing the remainders from the last step in reverse order. In our example, the remainders are 0, 0, 0, and 1, so the hexadecimal equivalent of 4096 is 1000.

Therefore, the decimal number 4096 is equivalent to the hexadecimal number 1000.

Final Thoughts

Converting decimal to hexadecimal may seem complicated at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the process. Just remember to divide the decimal number by 16, convert the remainder to hexadecimal, and repeat the process until the quotient is 0. By following these steps, you can easily convert decimal to hexadecimal for any number.

Want to convert Decimal to Hexadecimal Even Faster?

Hex Converter is an application for macOS that can instantly convert decimal numbers to hexadecimal (and vice versa); get Hex Converter on the Mac App Store at a very low price here!

How to Redeem a Promo Code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura

April 18, 2023 by

Redeeming promo codes on the Mac App Store is a simple process that allows you to download and use apps for free. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the steps to redeem a promo code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura.

Step 1: Launch the Mac App Store

The first step is to launch the Mac App Store on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the App Store icon in the Dock or by searching for it using Spotlight.

Step 2: Sign in to your account

Before you can redeem a promo code, you need to sign in to your Apple ID on the Mac App Store. Click on the ‘Sign In’ button located at the bottom of the sidebar on the left-hand side of the screen. Enter your Apple ID and password and click ‘Sign In.’

Step 3: Access the Redeem Page

Once you’ve signed in, click on your name in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear, and you should select ‘Redeem’ from the options listed.

Step 4: Enter the Promo Code

On the Redeem page, enter the promo code you received in the text field provided. Make sure to enter the code exactly as it was given to you. Promo codes are usually case sensitive, so be sure to enter uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.

Step 5: Confirm your Redeem

Click on the ‘Redeem’ button to confirm your code. If the code is valid, the app or item associated with the code will start to download. If the code is not valid or has already been used, you’ll receive an error message.

Step 6: Download and Install the App on your Other Macs

Once the code has been redeemed, you can download and install the app from the Mac App Store on any Mac signed in with the same Apple ID you used when you initially redeemed the code. You can do this by clicking on your name in the bottom left-hand corner of the Mac App Store screen again. The app will now appear in the “Purchased section” of your account and you can download it at no charge.

That’s it! You’ve successfully redeemed a promo code on the Mac App Store on macOS Ventura. Promo codes can be a great way to try out new apps for free, if the App developer is nice enough to give you one.