Can I get a file extension dashboard widget for my Mac?

Yes, FileInfo provides a free file extension dashboard widget available for macOS.

The File Extension Lookup Widget allows you to look up file extensions directly from the macOS (OS X) Dashboard. Simply type the file extension you want to look up in the search box and press Return. Information about the extension and related file types will load in your default web browser.

FileInfo.com Dashboard Widget

Downloading the Widget

To download the widget, click the download link below.

Download the File Extension Lookup Widget

Version 1.3 (85K) — Released February 2, 2012


Installing the Widget

If you are using Safari, when you download the widget, you may see an alert that says "File Info.wdgt is an application." Click Download to confirm the download process. The File Info widget is compressed using ZIP compression. If you have not changed Safari's default download settings, the widget should decompress itself automatically. Click Install when you are asked to install the widget and click Keep once the widget shows up in the Dashboard application.

If you are using Chrome, Firefox or another web browser, you may need to decompress the .ZIP file using a program like Stuffit Deluxe or StuffIt Expander. Once the file has been decompressed, double click the "File Info.wdgt" file to add it to the Dashboard. Click Keep when the widget shows up in the Dashboard application to make it active.

Using the Widget

Once the File Extension Lookup Widget has been installed, you can access the macOS Dashboard by pressing the F3 key or the Dashboard key on your Apple keyboard. You can also click the Dashboard icon in the Dock.

If the File Extension Lookup Widget does not appear, click the + icon in the bottom left corner of the screen. This will bring up a list of widgets installed on your machine. Browse the list of widgets until you see a blue icon with a picture of a file and the text "File Info." Click the icon to activate the widget. Once the File Extension Lookup Widget is active, you can hide the list of widgets by clicking the x in the bottom left corner of the screen.

To search for an extension, first click inside the search field of the widget. Then type a file extension and press Return. Information about the file extension will load in your default web browser.

System Requirements

  • This widget requires Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding the installation or usage of the File Extension Lookup Dashboard Widget, please contact FileInfo.