This document explains type and creator codes and includes a list of common types and creators. You are welcome to add to the type and creator lists as you distribute FileTyper, but please don’t alter any of the other documentation files.
---What are types and creators?---
Type and creator codes are four-character codes used by the Finder to identify files and applications.
The type code identifies the type of file and is used by applications to determine if they can open a given file. Each file type has a unique format and can usually only be opened by a single application. A few “universal” file types exist that many applications recognize. These include “TEXT” files, which most word processors can open, “PICT” files, which many graphics programs can open, and “APPL” files, which are applications that the Finder can launch. You should change type codes only in special instances, otherwise an application may try to read the file incorrectly.
The creator code identifies the application that created the file. The Finder uses creator codes to choose the correct icon for a file, and also to launch the correct application if you double-click a file. You can change the creator code to “trick” the Finder into thinking that a file has been created using another application. The Finder will then show that new application’s icon for the file and launch that new application if you double-click the file. If you do this, make sure the file is a type that the new application recognizes.
Changing types and creators and the other Finder attributes with FileTyper is potentially dangerous. As a rule, alter files only if you positively know what you’re doing.
---Common file types---
TEXT -- Standard text file
ttro -- Text file that TeachText recognizes as read-only
PICT -- Standard picture file
FNDR -- Finder
zsys -- System suitcase (System 7.0 and later)
ZSYS -- System document (System 6.0 and earlier)
INIT -- Startup document or Extension
cdev -- Control Panel
DFIL -- Desk accessory suitcase
FFIL -- Font suitcase
STAK -- HyperCard stack
WORD -- MacWrite document
MW2D -- MacWrite II document
MW2S -- MacWrite II stationery
WDBN -- Microsoft Word 4.0/5.0 document
RSRC or rsrc -- Resource file (ResEdit document)
DRWG -- MacDraw II document
STAT -- MacDraw II stationery
PNTG -- MacPaint document
FMPR -- FileMaker Pro document
AWWP -- Microsoft Works word processor document
AWDB -- Microsoft Works database document
AWSS -- Microsoft Works spreadsheet document
XLS -- (Space after “S”) Microsoft Excel 2.2 document
XLS3 -- Microsoft Excel 3.0 document
ALB3 -- Aldus Pagemaker 3.0 document
ALT4 -- Aldus Pagemaker 4.x document
FHD3 -- Aldus Freehand 3.x document
SIT! -- Stuffit 1.5 or 1.6 archive
SITD -- Stuffit Deluxe archive
PACT -- Compact Pro archive
DDF2 -- DiskDoubler archive
LWFN -- PostScript font
SFIL -- SoundMover sound suitcase
ffil -- System 7 font file
dfil -- System 7 desk accessory file
sfil -- System 7 sound file
---Common creator codes---
MACS -- System software
ttxt -- TeachText
DMOV -- Font/DA Mover
WILD -- HyperCard
MACA -- MacWrite
MWII -- MacWrite II
MSWD -- Microsoft Word 4.0/5.0
RSED -- ResEdit
MDPL -- MacDraw II
FMPR -- FileMaker Pro
SPNT -- SuperPaint 2.0
PSI2 -- Microsoft Works 2.0
XCEL -- Microsoft Excel
ALD3 -- Aldus Pagemaker 3.0
ALD4 -- Aldus Pagemaker 4.0
FHA2 -- Aldus Freehand 2.0
FHA3 -- Aldus Freehand 3.0
SIT! -- Stuffit 1.5, Stuffit Classic
CPCT -- Compact Pro
DDAP -- DiskDoubler App
EXTR -- Compact Pro self-extracting archive
DSEA -- DiskDoubler self-extracting archive
ASPF -- PostScript font
SMOV -- SoundMover
movr -- System 7 font, desk accessory, and sound files
