Like many other parts of the macOS human interface, its Services menus are heavily used by some users, […]
Finder
What metadata you are likely to encounter, where it is stored, and how you can view and edit it. A grand tour of the Finder’s Get Info dialog.
The Finder manages its tags, so changing the label of any tag is immediately reflected in all items using that tag. But what are null tags, and why are they so common?
Details of where and how files and folders store their Finder Tag information. One of the few xattrs intended for the user.
Records the original URL from which a file was downloaded. Valuable for establishing the origins of files.
The Desktop and Finder illusions rely on files having a type and creator, and an icon association. These were kept in the Desktop Database, and are now the responsibility of Launch Services.
Used to override the global mapping for any given file type, this reflects the Finder’s individual setting for a document.
Contains the legacy file type and creator information dating back to Classic Mac OS, plus 24 bytes of undocumented flags. Very common.
How to access hidden and protected folders and files in the Finder, including a natty shortcut for Sierra and later.
Four versions of the same app to demonstrate different app states in Sierra and High Sierra, and how your apps can join the undead.
The Eclectic Light Company 