Copyright: Space Time Foam


Welcome
Welcome to File Fiddler 1.0

File Fiddler takes the, in some cases impossible, task of renaming multiple files, and turns it into childsplay. With File Fiddler you can perform numerous different functions on sequences of files.

Apart from being a renaming tool, File Fiddler also comes with an image sequence player that allows you to see image sequences as animation, without the need to create a dedicated avi or quicktime movie. The animation player allows you to load all the images into ram for faster playback. Ideeal for reviewing and checking footage.

File fiddler can associate various file types with File Fiddler, so that a File Fiddler command appears in the right-click menu for easy and fast access.


Concepts
File sequence concepts

File Fiddler operates with 2 different types of file sequences.

Numbered sequence

Files have the same prefix and extension, and differ only in the number. Image sequeces typically follow this scheme.

.....

FILE0004.jpg

FILE0005.jpg

FILE0007.jpg

FILE0009.jpg

.....

File fiddler doesnt care whether the files has leading zeroes, missing frames, or the existance of the extension.

Mixed sequence

The files has different names, and not many or no common features.

A different set of operations can be performed on this kind of files.


Numbered file commands
Numbered sequences

File fiddler has a bunch of commands designed for dealing with numbered sequences. When a sequence is loaded, you can select the commands you wish to perform on the files in the sequence.

The Preview Button is used to bring up the preview window, for a visual representation of what you are about to do.

The range indicator is used to define what part of the sequence you want to perform a set of commands on.

Push the preview button to open the preview window, for visual representation of the operation you are about to perform.

Multiple commands can be selected, so that all the changes you want done on a sequence can be performed right away.

When you have selected the functions you want to perform, push the 'Do it' button.

Commands

Pad Zeroes

To make the files appear ordered by adding zeroes in front of the number, so that each file has the same amount of digits in the numberpart of the filename.

file1.jpg -> file0001.jpg

file32.jpg -> file0032.jpg

You can specify how many digits you want in the number.

Unpad Zeroes

Removes any zeroes in front of the number.

file0001.jpg -> file1.jpg

file0032.jpg -> file32.jpg

Rename

Changes the prefix and/or extension to something else.

file0001.jpg -> hellothere0001.jpg

file0002.jpg -> hellothere0002.jpg

Copy

Takes copies of the files to another name.

Condense

Changes the sequence order so that all files appear without gaps in the numbers.

Condense by 1:

file0001.jpg -> file0001.jpg

file0005.jpg -> file0002.jpg

file0008.jpg -> file0003.jpg

file0009.jpg -> file0004.jpg

Condense by 2:

file0001.jpg -> file0001.jpg

file0005.jpg -> file0003.jpg

file0008.jpg -> file0005.jpg

file0009.jpg -> file0007.jpg

Condense can be used in conjunction with offset to reverse a sequence. Set the condense value to -1 to make the numbering crawl backwards, and then offset by the total amount of files.

Use the preview to see what happens.

Offset

Changes the numbering of files by adding or subtracting the number of each file.

offset by 2:

file0001.jpg -> file0003.jpg

file0002.jpg -> file0004.jpg

file0003.jpg -> file0005.jpg

Delete

Deletes all or some of the files in the sequence.

Fill in missing

Inserts copies of files by checking the numbering and duplicating files where a number is missing.

If file0002.jpg doesnt exist:

file0001.jpg -> file0001.jpg

 	    file0002.jpg

file0003.jpg -> file0003.jpg

file0004.jpg -> file0004.jpg

Remove duplicates

Compares each file with the previous file and deletes it if it is an exact copy.

If file0002.jpg is an exact copy of file0001.jpg

file0001.jpg -> file0001.jpg

file0002.jpg -> DELETED

file0003.jpg -> file0003.jpg

file0004.jpg -> file0004.jpg

Make IFL-file

Creates a text file containing the names of each file in the sequence. Used in 3d studio max as animated image maps.

If the filled option is turned on, the file list will simulate a 'fill in missing' command, by repeating filenames for the files that are missing in the sequence.

A sequence with missing frames will be represented in the ifl file like this:

Without filled option	With the filled option

file0001.jpg	file0001.jpg

file0002.jpg	file0002.jpg

file0004.jpg	file0002.jpg

file0005.jpg	file0004.jpg

file0007.jpg	file0005.jpg

file0008.jpg	file0005.jpg

file0007.jpg

file0008.jpg


Loader interface
Loading sequences

When you start File Fiddler, this is the interface you meet.

To start working with files, you first need to find the sequence you want to work on.

Whatever you select, brings up a description of how it is interpreted by File Fiddler.

If you want to load a sequence of numbered files, (like on the example) just select one file and File Fiddler will automatically look for the whole sequence.

If you want to load some unnumbered files, select all the files manually, by holding down Ctrl and Shift.

When done, press the load sequence and you will be transfered to the appropriate command panel.

See: Numbered sequences and Mixed sequences

If the files you have selected, is images, you can hit the View Image Sequence button, to bring up the image player.


Mixed sequence commands
Mixed sequences

Mixed sequences are sequences of files that does not share a common name, extension and numbering. Compared to Numbered sequences, only a limited amount of functions can be performed.

The Preview Button is used to bring up the preview window, for a visual representation of what you are about to do.

Commands

Insert text in name

You can add a text in the name of the files. If you for instance want to make all the files start with the name "Image_", just select "Insert Text in name", type "Image_" in the textfield, and select where you want the text to be inserted (the beginning or the end, before extension).

Remove text from name

Removes a text occuring in the names of files. If the text does not exist, nothing is done to the file.

Replace

Change a text in the name of files, to something else.

Rename/copy to numbered Seq

Renames all files to a sequence of numbered files, using standard sequenctial file naming conventions.

You can type in what prefix you want, the desired extension, how many digits, and the starting number and increment.

Make IFL-file

Creates a text file containing the names of each file in the sequence. Used in 3d studio max as animated image maps.


SHOW_range

The range indicator uses the actual numbering of the files as ranges.

When a sequence is loaded, the lowest numbered file defines the 'from' field, and the highest the 'to' field.

The 'by' value is always set to 1 as default, but can be changed to make a given operation work on only some of the files.


SHOW_Preview

The preview will show how the current files will look after you hva performed an operation on them.

This exaple shows an offset operation on a sequence of files. The files at the left are the original files, and the right side shows the same files that has been ofsetted.

If you turn on autopreview, the preview will update whenever you change the commandset. Playing around with the parameters while displaying the preview, is a good way of actually seeing what the different commands do.

The 'Nummerical value indicates position' option can be turned of to avoid large displacements of new and old files, and gives better overview when performing large ofsets.


AniViewer
Image Sequence viewer

The Animation player can be used to display a sequence of images, playing them back without having to create a dedicated quicktime or avi-file.

Play, Stop, Rewind and Forward.

Standard playcontrol buttons.

Framerate field:

Here you can type in the desired framerate - a default value can be set in preferences from the main program.

Size selector:

Scales the image when loading.

Fill out missing:

If there are missing frames in the sequence, File Fiddler will treat them as held frames. If you turn of this option, the frame will be skipped.

Skip if behind:

If the images are to large and the Sequence Viewer cannot maintain the desired framerate, frames will be skipped.

Black Frames

Used to insert a pause of black frames after each run of the animation.

Load to Ram:

Ad default Sequence Viewer will load a frame whenever it is needed. Than can severely slow down the framerate if the frames are large.

You can load the frames into ram, so that only the painting of the frames takes time.

When loading, you will be prompted for the resolution to load frames at.

Note that if you load the frames at 100% it will take up 4 times as much memory as if you load them at 50%.

If you run out of ram, the images will usually not be loaded.

On some Windows NT systems the memory indicator doesnt work properly, and displays nothing while loading.


Preferences

In the preferences dialog box you can set up your content menu associations, and a few other options.

For easy access to File Fiddler, you can choose for what extensions to create a File Fiddler command, in the explorer.

When right clicking on a file, you can load the sequence in File Fidder, so that you dont have to start File Fidder, find the sequence and then perform the functions.

When assigning extensions, the default open behaviour of the files will not change. When double-clicked, the files will still open in their respective programs.

The only derivation of this rule is when a file type is not associated to anything.

To assign extensions, simply check the extensions you want to assign to. You can add file types if the type you seek is not present. To add a type simply press the Add Type button, and type in the extension of the filetype (.mp3 for instance).

You can assign a "File Fiddler" command to file types, and a "File Fiddler Player" command. The File Fidder comand will open a sequence for modificatin operations. The "File Fiddler Player" command will open a sequence in the Animation Player.

Note: In Windows NT, you might need administrative previliges to change the file type behaviour. If you lack the proper rights, you will be noticed when entering preferences.

Contact your network administrator if you are in doubt.


Regisration
Registration

Registration of File Fiddler is very easy.

Just go to Space Time Foam's online shop at http://www.spacetimefoam.com/FileFiddler/register.html and fill in the registration form. You can pay online using a credit card.

More information and pricing at the website.

You will receive a username and registration number, which you can type in the registration dialog, appearing when you start the program, or when you press the about button.


License agreement
Copyright, License and Warranty

File Fiddler Copyright © 2000 Space Time Foam.

All rights reserved.

License Agreement

You should carefully read the following terms and conditions before using this software.  Unless      you have a different license agreement signed by Space Time Foam your use of this software indicates your acceptance of this license agreement and warranty..

Registered Version

One registered copy of File Fiddler may either be used by a single person who uses the software personally on one or more computers, or installed on a single workstation used non-simultaneously by multiple people, but not both.

You may access the registered version of File Fiddler through a network, provided that you have obtained individual licenses for the software covering all workstations that will access the software through the network.  For instance, if 6 different workstations will access File Fiddler on the network, each workstation must have its own File Fiddler license, regardless of whether they use File Fidder at different times or concurrently.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THIS SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING FILES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.  In particular, there is no warranty for the optional undelete feature provided by the Windows recycle bin. Because some software disable this feature, NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS OFFERED.

Good data processing procedure dictates that any program be thoroughly tested with non-critical data before relying on it.  The user must assume the entire risk of using the program.  ANY LIABILITY OF THE SELLER WILL BE LIMITED EXCLUSIVELY TO PRODUCT REPLACEMENT.

Full License

BEFORE YOU USE THIS SOFTWARE, CAREFULLY READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.  BY USING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU ARE CONSENTING TO BE BOUND BY AND ARE BECOMING A PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE.

1. Space Time Foam  ("STF") grants to you a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, license to use this version of File Fiddler (the "Software"), in binary executable form.

2. STF MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF THIS SOFTWARE OR ABOUT ANY CONTENT OR INFORMATION MADE ACCESSIBLE BY THE SOFTWARE, FOR ANY PURPOSE.  THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. STF SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY OR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY YOU OR ANY USER OF THE SOFTWARE.

3. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to the Software shall remain in STF and/or its suppliers.  You agree to abide by the copyright law and all other applicable laws including, but not limited to, export control laws.  You acknowledge that the Software in source code form remains a confidential trade secret of STF and/or its suppliers and therefore you agree not to modify the Software or attempt to decipher, de-compile, disassemble or reverse engineer the Software, except to the extent applicable laws specifically prohibit such restriction.

4. Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions set forth in subparagraphs (a) through (d) of the Commercial Computer-Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19 when applicable, or in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, and in similar clauses in the NASA AR Supplement.  Contractor/manufacturer is Space Time Foam, Meinungsgade 10,4th, 2200 Copenhangen N, Denmark

5. You may not download or otherwise export or re-export the Software or any underlying information or technology except in full compliance with all United States and other applicable laws and regulations.

6. STF OR ITS SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR (a) INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY SORT, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF STF HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR (b) FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION. FURTHERMORE, SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THIS LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

7. HIGH RISK ACTIVITIES.  THE Software is not fault-tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as on-line control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of the Software could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe physical or environmental damage ("High Risk Activities").  STF and its suppliers specifically disclaim any express or implied warranty of fitness for High Risk Activities.

Space Time Foam, the Space Time Foam logo, File Fiddler and the File Fiddler logo(s) are trademarks of Space Time Foam.

Copyright (c) 2000 Space Time Foam.  All rights reserved.