How to Enable Finder Extensions on macOS Sequoia 15.2 (and Newer)

by

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to enable Finder extensions on macOS Sequoia (15.2 and newer). We’ve covered how to do this on older macOS versions before, but since then Apple has rearranged the Settings pane so the steps you’ll find in older guides won’t help if you’re running macOS Sequoia.

Wait, Why macOS Sequoia 15.2 and Not 15.0?

When Sequoia 15.0 shipped, the familiar checkbox list used to enable Finder Extensions in System Settings completely disappeared. The only way users could enable Finder extensions on macOS 15.0 was via the command line (Terminal) or by installing third party apps. Apple acknowledged that this was a bug in the macOS operating system and fixed it in version 15.2. If you are running on a version of macOS Sequoia prior to 15.2, please update your operating system to restore Finder Extension functionality to System Settings.

A Brief Reminder of What Finder Extensions Are:

Finder extensions (sometimes called Finder Sync extensions) let apps bolt extra features onto the Finder like status-badge icons (✔︎/⚠︎), custom toolbar buttons, or right-click actions. They ship inside some of the apps you install but stay disabled until you turn them on in System Settings. 

Updated Instructions for macOS 15.2 and Later

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. In the sidebar choose General → Login Items & Extensions.
  3. Click File Providers (you may only see it if at least one app on your Mac contains a Finder extension).
  4. Turn on the toggle switch next to the extension’s name to enable it.
Enable Finder Extensions on macOS Sequoia from the File Providers section.
To enable Finder Extensions on macOS Sequoia, navigate to the “File Providers” section of System Settings as shown in this screenshot. Note that you must click on the little “i” button on the right side to open this section.
System Settings UI for enabling Finder Extensions shown under the "File Providers" section in macOS Sequoia.

Note: Don’t get confused by the Finder section under “Login Items & Extensions”

If you open System Settings and go to General → Login Items & Extensions, you’ll notice that there is a “Finder” section right above the “File Providers” section. This area is for enabling what used to be called Finder “Quick Actions” (although the text in System Settings now suddenly calls Finder Quick Actions Finder Extensions, which is confusing). If you are looking to enable or disable a Finder extension for an app you downloaded from the Mac App Store or from a developer’s website, you want to go to the “File Providers” section.

Quick Summary: To Enable Finder Extensions on macOS Sequoia

Remember this path in System Settings:

System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions → File Providers

What if I’m running a version of macOS prior to Sequoia?

-If you are macOS Ventura or macOS Sonoma to enable Finder Extensions follow the instructions here.

-To enable Finder Extensions on macOS Monterey or earlier follow the instructions here.

Article Search Access in Next Level News RSS Reader Improves with Version 1.4.5

by
Next Level News iOS app icon image.

          Download on the App Store

Next Level News version 1.4.5 has been released for iOS and iPadOS.

What’s New?

-You can now search for articles without having to scroll to the top of the article list.

  A search button in the navigation bar in the Next Level News iOS app.

From other recent minor updates:
  • Fixed an issue in the article list that caused an article’s summary to be improperly clipped at an abbreviation if you have the summary length preference set to one sentence.
  • Fixed a cosmetic issue that caused the iCloud sync delay timer to stop counting down during scrolling when the iCloud server provides a server busy error.
  • Fixed rendering of some wide images in the article view.
  • Fixed potential crash that could occur under rare conditions.

How to Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11 for a Mouse: A Step-by-Step Guide

by

On Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, you can enable natural scrolling if you use a mouse, although enabling this feature is not as easy as it is on other platforms like macOS and Linux. In this tutorial we will explain how you can enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 if you use a mouse as your pointing device.

What is Natural Scrolling?

Natural scrolling is a feature that changes the way you interact with content on your computer by adjusting the direction of your scrolling gestures. Traditionally, when you move your fingers upward on a touchpad or scroll wheel, the on-screen content moves in the same direction, mimicking the physical motion of the input device. However, natural scrolling flips this paradigm, making the scrolling experience more akin to how we interact with touch-based devices like smartphones and tablets. With natural scrolling enabled, you move the scroll wheel upwards to scroll down.

Why Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11?

If you switch between macOS and Windows remembering to scroll in the opposite direction every time you change operating systems can be confusing and frustrating. Enabling natural scrolling on Windows 11 will give you a more consistent user experience on both desktop platforms.

A Note for Touchpad Users:
If you use a touchpad as your pointing device, you can enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 easily from the Settings app and you therefore should not follow this tutorial. However, if you use a mouse as your pointing device and are determined to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11, then continue reading.

How to Enable Natural Scrolling on Windows 11 in 9 Steps

Step 1: Open Device Manager

To get started, click on the Start button in the taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard. From the Start menu, search for “Device Manager” and then click the icon once it appears.

Search for Device Manager in the Start menu on Windows 11

Step 2: Locate and Expand the “Mice and other pointing devices” Category

In the Device Manager window, find the “Mice and other pointing devices” category. Click on the arrow next to it to expand the list of devices.

Step 3: Find Your Mouse

Look for your mouse in the expanded list of devices. It may be listed as a “HID-compliant mouse” or have a specific model name. Right-click on your mouse device, and from the context menu, select “Properties.” This will open the Properties window for your mouse.

HID-compliant mouse selected in the Windows 11 Device Manager.

Step 4: Navigate to the “Details” Tab and Find the “Device instance path” for your Mouse

In the Mouse Properties window, navigate to the “Details” tab. From the “Property” dropdown menu, select “Device instance path.” See screenshots below for reference:

Windows 11 Device Manager property inspector.

Step 5: Note the “Device instance path” Value

You will see a value in the “Value” box. Write down this value, as you will need it for step 7.

Device instance path property value in the Device Manager inspector on Windows 11.

Step 6: Open Registry Editor

Open the Start menu again and search for “Registry Editor” and then click the icon to open Windows’ Registry Editor. Modifying the Registry Editor will allow us to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Search for the Registry Editor in the Windows 11 Start menu.

Step 7: Navigate to the Mouse Registry Key

Using the Registry Editor’s left-hand navigation, expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder to reveal its subfolders. Then expand the following subfolders: SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Enum -> HID. Once HID is expanded look for the device instance path from step 5 as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 by finding the mouse in the Registry Editor.
Note: There may be several entries within the HID section with similar names. Carefully look to ensure that you choose the one that matches the “Device instance path” value from step 5. Expand the subfolders to reveal a folder named “Device Parameters” and select it.

Step 8: Modify the FlipFlopWheel DWORD

Having the “Device Parameters” folder selected in the left-hand navigation reveals a list of entries in the right-hand navigation that includes an entry titled “FlipFlopWheel.” Right click on “FlipFlopWheel” and choose “Modify” from the context menu. This will reveal a “Edit DWORD” window. In this window change “Value data” from 0 to 1 and click the “OK” button. Then close the Registry Editor.

Right click on FlipFlopWheel in Registry Editor and choose 'Modify' to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Change FlipFlopWheel from 0 to 1 to enable natural scrolling on Windows 11.

Step 9: Restart Your Computer

Restart your computer to apply the changes!

Conclusion:

To enable natural scrolling on Windows 11 for a mouse requires using the Device Manager and making a modification in the Registry Editor. While this method may seem a bit more technical, following these steps allows you to customize your mouse settings to align with your scrolling preferences. Always exercise caution when making changes to the registry, and ensure you follow the steps accurately.

How to Install ChatGPT as a Mac App on macOS Sonoma for Free

by

Apple’s macOS Sonoma has brought a plethora of features to enhance your computing experience, and one of these is the ability to easily create apps from your favorite websites. This is particularly useful for services like ChatGPT, where having quick, streamlined access to the website can be a real game changer. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to install ChatGPT as a Mac app using Safari’s “Add to Dock” feature.

Step 1: Open Safari

First things first, open your Safari browser. This feature is specific to Safari, so using Chrome or Firefox won’t work in this instance.

Step 2: Navigate to the ChatGPT Website

Type in the URL for ChatGPT or search for it in your Safari browser. Make sure you are on the official ChatGPT page.

Step 3: Access the Share Menu

Once the ChatGPT page has fully loaded, look at the top of your Safari window. You’ll find the share icon in the toolbar (it looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward). Click on this icon to open the share menu.

Step 4: Choose “Add to Dock”

In the share menu, you’ll see several menu options; select the one titled “Add to Dock.” This essentially saves the website as a standalone app you can open from the Dock and/or from Launchpad just like regular Mac apps.

Install ChatGPT as a Mac app from the Share menu in Safari.

It’s worth mentioning that you can also perform the “Add to Dock” action from the menu bar by choosing File -> Add to Dock as demonstrated in the screenshot below.

Choose File -> Add to Dock to save ChatGPT as a Mac App from Safari.
You can also save ChatGPT as a Mac app from the menu bar on macOS Sonoma and later.

Step 5: Rename (Optional)

After selecting “Add to Dock,” you are given the option to rename the web app. You can keep it as ChatGPT or change it to something else that you’ll easily recognize.

The Add to Dock panel used to save ChatGPT as a Mac app.

Step 6: Locate the ChatGPT Icon in Your Dock

Once you’ve added ChatGPT to your Dock, you should see the icon appear. It’s usually at the end of your Dock, but you can click and drag it to change its position.

Step 7: Enjoy Your New ChatGPT Mac App

Congratulations, you now have ChatGPT installed as a Mac app! Just click on the icon in your Dock whenever you want to use ChatGPT. It will open in a window that’s separate from your main Safari browser, giving you an app-like experience.

    Additional Tips and Tricks

  • Internet Connection: Remember, since this is essentially a shortcut to the web version of ChatGPT, you’ll need an active internet connection to use it.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize the web app further by changing its icon. You can do this by opening the Settings window from the menu bar when you have the ChatGPT app opened. From there, you can replace the icon with any image you’ve prepared.

Install ChatGPT as a Mac App and get a More Native Experience

ChatGPT Mac app settings window.
Double click on the ChatGPT icon image in the Settings window to change it.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully turned ChatGPT into a convenient app on your Mac. This process can be used for virtually any website, making your most visited pages more accessible than ever. Enjoy the seamless integration of ChatGPT into your macOS Sonoma experience!

File Cabinet Pro Version 8.5.2 Update Released for macOS

by
File Cabinet Pro macOS Big Sur app icon
            Download on the App Tyrant Store button.

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?

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

by

Update on May 8, 2025: If you are running macOS Sequoia please follow the updated instructions here.

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

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.

Detail view of a Crash Log on iOS 16.

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

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!