READ ME FIRST --- Macintosh Creator and File Type Registration --- July, 1995
Q What does it mean to register a Macintosh Creator or File type with Apple?
A Registering a Creator type with Apple ensures that it is unique, meaning it is not in use by more than one software application.
Q Must Creator and File types be unique?
A Creator types must be unique. File types need not be unique. And although we do not register File types, we do list them in our files for reference.
Q Who registers Macintosh and Apple // Creator types?
A Both Macintosh and Apple // Creator file types are registered by Apple’s Developer Support Center.
Q Must a developer be a member of the Associate or Partner program to be eligible for this service?
A No. Apple encourages all developers, even those not in our programs, to register unique Creator and File types with us. This is a service that helps everyone!
Q How can a developer register unique Creator and File types with Apple?
A The developer should locate either the printed form or the HyperCard stack. Apple’s preferred method is the HyperCard stack.
eWorld users can locate the HyperCard stack by following this path: Developer Corner: Developer Services: Apple Information Resources: Forms. Full instructions are included with the stack.
Internet users can locate the HyperCard stack by following this path: ftp.info.apple.com path:/Apple.Support.Area/Developer_Services/Utilities/Developer_Forms
Those who have access to neither of these systems should call the Developer Support Center to request the registration form and Q & A document.
Developers simply fill out the stack or on the form, and send the request(s) to the Developer Support Center either by US Mail or by electronic mail (devsupport@apple.com).
Q Can you give developers some tips on filling out the Creator/File Type Request Form/Stack?
A Sure. Here are some guidelines:
1 Please list one product and the application creator and file types it creates per stack submission. If you are requesting unique creators for more than one software application, please complete the process once for each software application. There is no limit to the number of Creator or File types you may request per product-but we do require that you make each request individually.
2 Please do not supply alternates. The Creator/File Type Administrator will provide an alternate for you in cases where the type you’re requesting is already in use. We try to stay as close as possible to your original request when providing alternates.
3 Please do not send disk files. If you follow the instructions in the Registration stack properly, a text memo will be created for you; all you have to do is e-mail it . Sending disk files adds tremendously to our work load and yours. Please, do not send disk files.
4 Remember, only Creator types must be unique. File types need not be unique.
Q Are there any Creator types developers can’t use?
A Apple reserves all Creator and File types consisting of entirely lower case letters. And of course, any Creator type already in use cannot be used by another developer. First come, first served.
Q May developers register a range of Creator types, so they may reserve the types they want for future products?
A No, unfortunately, Apple does not permit registration of ranges.
Q How will developers know their Creator and File types have been registered properly?
A A confirmation is sent to the developer within 1 business day. If you submit your request via e-mail, a confirmation is sent to the e-mail address you used to send it to us. If you submit your request via US Mail or FAX, your confirmation is sent to the street address or return phone number you gave.
Q How can changes and updates be made to previously-registered products?
A If you need to make a change to a product we’ve already registered for you, please don’t use the Registrations stack. Instead, please simply send an e-mail to devsupport@apple.com providing your name, your full company name, daytime phone number, and the name of the product whose registered information you want to revise. Include any changes you want made to that record. A revised confirmation will be sent to you within 2 business days.
Q Will Apple give developers a list of Creator and File types that have already been registered?
A Unfortunately, no. We don’t make the information in the Creator/File Type Registration database available. Developers who have questions about existing Creator types should use the HyperCard stack. This stack alerts developers if the Creator type they’re requesting is already in use by someone else. In the event of a conflict, both parties would be contacted by Apple and asked to work out the disagrement between themselves. Although Apple tracks unique Creator types, we do not arbitrate them.
Q Can developers call the Developer Support Center to check on the availability of a particular Creator type?
A Unfortunately, no. The registration process is kept confidential for the protection of our developers. We ask that developers select their first-choice Creator and File types by using the HyperCard stack and send in their requests following standard procedure. This helps to eliminate confusion, and keeps the system efficient and clear. All requests must be submitted in writing.
Q Where could a developer get more information on Creator and File types?
A There are several references in the X-Ref volume of Inside Macintosh to “The Finder Interface”; any section describing the Finder Interface will contain some useful information.
Q Can developers register icons and fonts through the DSC also?
A No, Apple no longer registers either icons or fonts.
-------------------------------- THE PRINTED FORM FOLLOWS: -------------------------------------------
CREATOR/FILE TYPE REGISTRATION FORM
Use this form to register unique Creator and File Types * only if you do not have access to the “C/F Registration Request” HyperCard stack.*
Company Name _______________________________________________
Application (Product) Name ____________________________________
Please print the following information carefully. If any non-printing characters are used, please include hexadecimal values (for example, “STR$20”). You are welcome to list alternates.
