“Types”: easily configure the default apps, icons, and context menu entries for file types
Description: "Types" is a lightweight open source configuration utility designed to enable users to edit the program associations, icons, context menus, and other properties of various file types.
If you’ve ever wanted to change the program used to open a certain file type, or change the icon used for a filetype, or add or remove a context menu entry that appears when right clicking on a file type then this program is for your. Here are some notes on this program:
- Finding the file type in the interface: pressing a key within the program interface will cause it to jump to the extensions which start with that key. From that point you can simply navigate with the arrow keys to hone in on the extension you want.
Changing used icon for a file type: in the Types interface, right click filetype then properties. In the icon tab you can select any of the icons displayed or browse your hard drive for an icon or icon library (ICO, ICL, DLL, or EXE). Once selected, exit the dialog and then the Types program. You might need to wait a few seconds for the new default icon to kick in.- Changing filetype program association: right click filetype then properties. In the class tab scroll down the list of apps under "Use linked class"; you will need to select the appropriate class (e.g. for mp3’s, "iTunes.mp3" rather than simply "iTunes"). As such in most cases it may be easier to simply re-associate file types using the windows "open with" context menu (more info here).
Adding/removing context menu entries: this is one of the coolest parts. You can add or remove context menu entries that are displayed when right clicking on a file type. When using an external app for your new context menu entry you will need to know the command line syntax that get it to function correctly.
- Portable: just unzip and run, no installation necessary.
Some notes on changing icons:
- I noticed that once I changed my JPG icon all the other image file types changed as well. And although this was a welcome development, I tried, without success, to have the JPG filetype icon changed on its own without all other image types. I then changed the icon used for MP3s and it changed the icon for that filetype only, not the the icons for all audio file types. I am now thinking that this might have something to do with the default image viewer I am using to open JPG and all other image types, but not 100% sure about this.
- To revert back to your original, default icon you will have to re-assign the icon and point to the executable that was originally used to handle that file type.
This is a wonderfully lightweight program whose simplicity and straightforward interface are in direct contrast to the flexibility and powerful functions that it provides to the user. Which is not to say that it cannot be made even more user friendly (it certainly can be), but a very useful program all the same.
[Thanks go to my friend Brockman for letting me know about this one].
Version Tested: 1.0.1 Stable
Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista. Requires .Net framework v2.
Go to the program page to download the latest version (approx 131K); Note: you want the binary installer not the source code.
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I think .net framework requirement kinda cancels “portable”. Doesn’t matter if used locally, but I won’t keep program that I am not sure to be able to run on my flash drive.
Overall I think app belongs to “explorer-fix” category. I hardly need any of listed features because of being used to dual-pane file managers.
Yes, I know that mentioning Total Commander (yet again
) is not very fitting on site about freeware, but few days ago I checked out newest version of FreeCommander and was pleasantly impressed - it had grown into pretty nice TotCom clone. It can’t replace all of TotCom features and plugins, but core functions are solid.
Nice post
cool, thanks
I believe the icon issue with JPG and other image files occurred because when it was changed, the master file type itself was changed, and the master file type covers more than just JPG files. For example, some applications create just one master file type, say “Application1.file”. Any file you associate with Application1 will fall under that. Some applications create multiple master file types, e.g. “Application2.jpg” for JPG files, “Application2.png” for PNG files, etc. In that case changes to JPG files would not affect PNG files.
A long time ago I used a utility–I think it was called simply “Associate”–that was pretty useful. It was more complex than this one but if you knew what you were doing it was actually easier to use.
It was WAssociate:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~wstudios/Associate/index.html
My apologies for even mentioning WAssociate. I just tried it again (first time in years) and it’s pretty convoluted. I guess I like things more simple in my old age.
Everything this program does can be done from Explorer. In any Explorer window (e.g. Open My Computer) open the Tools menu and select “Folder Options…” then click the File Types tab.
Nothing against this program. I’m just sharing info.
I may be dumb and/or reckless, but this app messed up my txt association badly, to the poit where it is showing no consistent behaviour (some files open normally, some others throw errors). Don’t use if you’re unsure…
i love it
a couple of weeks ago i was looking for something like this. thanks for the post, i can bookmark this now for when i need it again next time.
[...] hará que no tengamos duda alguna al usar sus opciones. La versión 1.0.1 probada por los amigos de freewaregenius, es una versión en estos momentos estable y Windows Xp y Vista, aunque queda subrayar que para que [...]
Why download this program, couldn’t all that simply be done with windows’ folder options ? Though this app might be useful for total begginers.
I wanted a program that could add options to right click menus, then I learnt that it could be done by going into folder options, but the drawback was that you need to know the command line! Only for programmers (or professionals) !
Now, this program does the same, then what use is it? I’ll be grateful if you would review a program that does this the easy way.
PS: If you know programming, can you please tell me what would be the command to add an “send to desktop (as shortcut)” option in context menu of every file type ?
PPS: Dont let my negative comment let you down, your site and reviews are still great !
@JK,
Send to Toys can add a send to (any folder) to the context menu.
http://www.freewaregenius.com/2007/03/28/send-to-toys/
Thanks for the send-to-toys link, but it doesn’t solve the problem. The problem is that when I right click on any file in explorer, the “whole” send to option is missing.
I am not looking forward to add more options to the send-to menu, but I am looking for a way to add the “send to” option itself, in the context menu.
I think the solution lies in the registry, but I do not know it. Please help if you can.
JK,
I don’t know your computer knowledge, so don’t be insulted by any basic instructions. I don’t want to leave anything out.
Open up your start menu and click on “Run” in the dialogue box, type: “regedit” (without the quotes) to open up the registry editor. Navigate to: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers. Make sure there is a subkey named “Send To”.
If there is, click on it and look in the right pane. What you should see is a string value(ab) named “Default”. Next to that you’ll see REG_SZ. Next to that you SHOULD see the value: {7BA4C740-9E81-11CF-99D3-00AA004AE837}
If any of this is missing:
To create the “Send To” key: Right click on the “ContextMenuHandlers” key in the left pane and choose: New>Key. Name it “Send To” (without the quotes)
You’ll see a string value(ab) in the right hand pane. Double click it. In the window that opens, enter: {7BA4C740-9E81-11CF-99D3-00AA004AE837} (with the brackets) in the “Value Data:” dialogue box. Click “OK” and close the registry editor. Now find a file, right click it, and see if your Send To mneu is back.
Good Luck
Oh, and if you have to create the “Send To” key, make sure there is a space between “Send” and “To”.
Wow! Thanks boony, it did work. I’ve now got the send to option in the context menu.
And oh, I also have another “little” problem. My start menu is lacking some main butons. (And I am not talking about program shortcuts) For example, the logoff button is missing. I tried to fix it with tweak UI, but didn’t work. Anyway, i can always logoff by typing logoff in the run window.
So its not a big problem, but I was just curious if I can also fix that with the registry. I never thought fixing this send to problem would be that easy.
Thanks again Boony.
And yeah, I have this rather annoying thing on my desktop. In the bottom right corner, above the taskbar, theres written : “Windows XP Professional, Build …… Service Pack….”.
It remains there no matter what wallpaper I have.
Any idea how to remove that.
Thanks.
(I hope I am not annoying anyone with such comments)
JK,
The registry settings you’re looking for are:
Logoff button missing:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Look for a value in the right pane named “StartMenuLogOff”. If it is there, double click it and set the value data to “0″ (number zero).
If it is not there, right click in the right hand pane, and choose: New>DWORD value. Name the value “StartMenuLogOff” (w/out the quotes) double click it and set the value data to 0.
You might want to check:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
as well for the same entry and make the same changes.
XP Version/Build on Desktop:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Look in the right pane for the value “PaintDesktopVersion” and change the value data to 0. if is not there, create a new DWORD value, name it “PaintDesktopVersion”, and set the value data to 0.
If you are seeing this info in the lower right on your logon screen as well, navigate to:
HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop
Look for the same value as above and make the appropriate changes.
Thanks yet agian. I was able to add the logoff button and remove the XP info from the desktop. (However, when I removed the XP info, the desktop somehow felt empty, so I put it back on the dektop. But it was good to know how to do it.)
Thanks boony for your instructions. Do you have a website, forum or something? You know, you can be a total tech support hero.
Heh, no. I’m just a guy who likes to poke around in his computer. I do frequent Wilder’s Security Forums, and Castle Cops and have learned a lot from them. I figure it’s good to help when you can. For general PC help, a great place is the forum at: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/
I’ll make this my last post here. Thanks to Samer for allowing the OT posts.
All the best
i love types!
Boony Rocks!