finderquicklook
I use QuickLook a lot to quickly open PDF files. I like the speed and clutter-free presentation more than using Preview.
But unfortunately, it is tied to the Finder and disappears when I change to another app, so that I cannot see it side-by-side with another application. Is there a way to detach the QuickLook window so that it can exist on its own?
That button is added to Finder using the FinderSync Extension APIs:
Finder Sync supports apps that synchronize the contents of a local folder with a remote data source. It improves user experience by providing immediate visual feedback directly in the Finder. Badges display the sync state of each item, and contextual menus let users manage folder contents. Custom toolbar buttons can invoke global actions, such as opening a monitored folder or forcing a sync operation.
I found this similar thread with different terms :
"File Open" dialog is missing sidebar items
For me, delete ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sidebarlists.plist and reboot worked well.
Best Answer
Yes Thilo, there is a way. It will require a bit of command line wizardry though. As long as you're not allergic you can do the following:
Change directories to the location of the file you want to view using QuickLook.
cd ~/Desktop" (no quotes, caps matter, and ~ is a shortcut to your home directory).Now type: "qlmanage -p filename.pdf" (replacing
filenamewith the name of your file andpdfwith the extension of your file).A new icon will appear in your Dock called "qlmanage". This is the helper application that is usually launched headlessly by the Finder. By launching it from the command line it becomes accessible via the Dock, Command-Tab etc.
Just for the record (and the curios) this little application is stored deep in the OS where mortals are not meant to tread at this location: