Highlight the selected text in text clippings
Mar 12, '07 07:30:04AM
Contributed by: dariogf
In this previous hint it was noted that it is possible to make and copy a portion of a text clipping. The task is made more difficult, however, because you can't see what you're selecting (there's no highlight). I have figured out that it is possible to make some changes so that you go get feedback of what is actually selected before you copy it.
We will need to modify a Finder's file, so take the usual precautions: back up your stuff!
In short:
- Edit the objects.xib file, found at /System » Library » CoreServices » Finder.app » Contents » Resources » your_language.lproj » ClipWindow.nib » objects.xib.
- Change this line:
<boolean name="noSelection">TRUE</boolean>
to
<boolean name="noSelection">FALSE</boolean>
Then save your changes.
- Restart the finder.
Read on for a more detailed walkthrough...
In detail:
- Go to this path: /System » Library » CoreServices » Finder.app » Contents » Resources. Here you will find one folder for each language that you have installed. In Terminal, change the directory to the language where you want to make the changes. I use Spanish so cd Spanish.lproj/.
- Now you have to cd to ClipWindow.nib: cd ClipWindow.nib/.
- Edit the file objects.xib (you should make a backup of this file first): sudo mate objects.xib -- I use TextMate, but you could use your favorite editor. You will need to edit the file with root privileges.
- Change this line:
<boolean name="noSelection">TRUE</boolean>
to
<boolean name="noSelection">FALSE</boolean>
Save your changes and quit the editor.
- Press Command-Option-Escape (or use Terminal, the Finder's contextual Dock menu, or Activity Monitor) and relaunch the finder.
Now if you open a text clipping you will get the usual selection capabilities, complete with highlighting.
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