Finder’s ability to display files just like they would appear once opened make it a very powerful tool to compare different documents very quickly, or get the big picture over a collection of files. Due to the new Quick Look technology, these breathtaking previews appear in various contexts, either while browsing files using the new Cover Flow view that should be familiar to iTunes and iPod users, while using Spotlight to examine results of a query or by displaying a Quick Look panel by the press of Space key. Here is a quick look on this application in Leopard.

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Text edition is undoubtedly the task which occupies the greatest part of our computer work. In spite of the subtle differences between applications, it is possible to outline general methods for text selection and modification, and this, by extension of our knowledge already acquired on drag and drop. This knowledge will not be useful solely in word processing applications, but also in any text modifications we can do on screen.

We will initially make a summary of text selection methods with the mouse and the keyboard, then we will see the various ways for creating and preserving text clippings. Lastly, we will see how to use drag and drop for text edition and to manage information (Internet forms, information fields in various applications). As this text constitutes the third from a tutorial on drag and drop, it is recommended to start by reading the first text. (more…)

Who never noticed this icon which appears at the top every document window, to the left of the window title, that we call “proxy” icon. Although these icons seem to be added almost as a decoration to the top of the windows, they are filled with somewhat hidden features that are very useful, particularly for drag and drop. Here is an example of proxy icon, on the left of the document’s (in TextEdit):

We will see in this text the features offered by the proxy icons located in the windows’ title-bar. It is recommended to know the bases of drag and drop with files before reading this text.

My first text about drag and drop will be related to files in the Finder and the Dock. Drag and drop obviously feels like a natural way to do things, yet we don’t know every time when we can use it on a computer. Some might think that drag and drop only is for beginners, but I bet you will be surprised by some tips you’ll find here (I hope at least !)

I’ll try to make an in depth review of the subject, and highlight what I consider to be one of the greatest strength of Mac OS. This review will also cover basis of File management and some essential features found in the Finder and the Dock, but ending with more advanced tips.

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