FilePathToClipCMPlugin is a contextual menu plugin that can generate a text representation of the path to a file/folder and place it on the Clipboard.
Once installed, when a contextual menu is invoked (control-click) FilePathToClipCMPlugin checks if the contextual menu was invoked on a file or folder (or any other Finder item). If so, a "Copy File Path to Clipboard" menu item is added to the contextual menu. Upon selecting this menu item, a textual representation of the path from the root volume to the clicked-upon item is generated and placed on the Clipboard. Once the text is on the Clipboard, you can then paste it wherever text can be pasted.
For example, the path to the Finder (within the System Folder) might look something like this:
Macintosh HD:System Folder:Finder
The path to the Animator applet folder on my PowerBook's MRJ install looks like this:
Macintosh HD:Apple Extras:Mac OS Runtime For Java:Apple Applet Runner:Applets:Animator:
What’s new this version?
Everything and nothing. This is FilePathToClipCMPlugin's first release (1.0).
How do I use it?
First, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements:
- PowerPC-only
- Mac OS 8.1 or later. Does not work under Mac OS X (see Limitations section).
Then finish reading this ReadMe file, including the License and Disclaimer section. Make sure you agree to the license agreement before proceeding.
Install the file titled “FilePathToClipCMPlugin” into the “Contextual Menu Items” folder within the System folder. You can do this by placing the file there directly, or you can drop the file’s icon onto the closed System folder icon and the Finder should ask if you want to place it in the “Contextual Menu Items” folder (click OK). After restarting your computer, you should be able to use the plugin.
Other files, such as this ReadMe, should be moved to a save location for later reference (wherever works best for you).
What does it cost?
There is no fee for FilePathToClipCMPlugin; the cost is free, you don’t have to pay my any sort of currency. You will want to read the license and disclaimer, though.
The only thing I ask is that you drop me a line. This helps me know who is using it, who finds it useful, who does not, etc. Besides, it’s neat to know if there are (or are not) people who find something you created to be useful.
You’re also welcome to send me feature requests and bug reports. Email works best, but for the truly adventurous snail mail me a postcard with nifty stamps on it; my kids would probably enjoy that. Email me for my current mailing address.
Why did you write this?
I wrote this for myself. There have been many times I've wanted to obtain a file/folder path, typically to paste into an email, and I've always had to do it by hand. I finally got tired of doing it by hand and wrote this contextual menu plugin to do all the dirty work for me.
I also enjoy writing contextual menu plugins, just because they’re simple and quick to write. The code isn’t that involved, it’s very focused and direct, and you can do useful things with it. I’m a geek that way.
The key thing however is that I wrote this originally for myself to solve a problem and scratch an itch. I use it on my own system, I find it useful, and I figured why not release it to the world cause someone else might find it useful too.
Why should I use this? (both “at all” and “instead of another product”)
If you desire the ability to generate a text representation of a file/folder path and have it placed on the Clipboard for easy pasting, and to have this ability from a contextual menu plugin, and to have that functionality come at no cost to you... well, here you go. :-)
There may be other products out there that can do this same thing and probably do it better. This suits my needs, it's quick, it's simple, and it works.
Is the source code available?
Yes, full source code is available for the curious. Written in C++ using Metrowerks CodeWarrior Pro 6. You can find the source code (and lots of other developer goodies) at my website.
Current Limitations
- Only works in “classic” Mac OS. Does not function in Mac OS X because Apple has a different mechanism for contextual menu plugins under Mac OS X (it's not SOM based, just a shared library). I'm to understand that contextual menu plugins do not work in the Mac OS X Public Beta, but hopefully Apple will fix this functionality for the official Mac OS X release. I do intend to resolve this sometime in the future, but first Apple has to ensure all their pieces are in place.
License and Disclaimer
By installing and/or using this software, you agree to the following. If you don't agree to the following, don't install nor use this software. It's that simple.
I believe in high quality, honesty, honor, respect, and responsibility. I'm a human, just like you. I make mistakes, just like you. I try my best to ensure everything I do is of the utmost quality, bug free, works like you want it to, and all those good things. But again I'm only human, and it's always possible there will be bugs and mistakes and flaws in what I do. If you can live with this, great; if you cannot, don't use this software. I cannot guarantee flawless execution, because I'm flawed (just like you). I cannot promise this will do exactly what you want, because I'm not a mind-reader. What you see is what you get. If you find problems, let me know and I'll do what I can to resolve them. If you find shortcomings, let me know and I'll see what I can do to remedy them.
I'll be as up front as possible about myself and my products (including releasing the source code whenever possible). All I ask in return is you take responsibility for your actions. That is, if you choose to install and/or use this software, you bring whatever consequences that result upon yourself: good, bad, or ugly. Understand that horrible things could happen to your computer as a result of installing and/or using this software (hopefully not, but life's full of the unexpected). So your choice and action of installing and/or using this software is your decision, and you need to be responsible and accept whatever consequences come as a result of installing and/or using this software. And remember, consequences can be good things too; in fact, I hope all you get from installing and using this software (should you choose to do so) are the wonderful consequences that come from the usefulness and functionality this software can bring you.
Just take responsibility for yourself. I'll do my best to hold up my end of the deal as well.
If you would like to (re)distribute this software, you are welcome to do so so long as the software and distribution package (readme, support files, etc.) are retained and not modified from their original form. If you would like to (re)distribute this software, it would be courteous of you to contact me first to notify me of your intent.
And for the lawyers:
This software is provided "as is" without any warranty, promise, or guarantee of technical support. Hsoi's Shop disclaims any liability of any kind for any damages whatsoever resulting from the use of this product, including, without limitation, incidental, consequential, indirect, or special damages of any kind, even if Hsoi's Shop is aware of the possibility of such damages. Hsoi's Shop make no warranties expressed or implied, with respect to the program, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. In no event shall Hsoi's Shop's liability exceed the license fee paid (and you didn't pay anything for this free piece of software).
