In OS X, the Finder Sync extension point lets you cleanly and safely modify the Finder’s user interface to express file synchronization status and control. Unlike most extension points, Finder Sync does not add features to a host app. Instead, it lets you modify the behavior of the Finder itself.
In OS X, the Finder Sync extension point lets you cleanly and safely modify the Finder’s user interface to express file synchronization status and control. Unlike most extension points, Finder Sync does not add features to a host app. Instead, it lets you modify the behavior of the Finder itself.
Finder Sync Extensions
With a Finder Sync extension you register one or more folders for the system to monitor. Your Finder Sync extension then sets badges, labels, and contextual menus for any items in the monitored folders. You can also use the extension point’s API to add a toolbar button to the Finder window or a sidebar icon for the monitored folder.
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.
NOTE
The Finder Sync extension point lets you modify an item’s appearance in the Finder. It does not provide support for syncing the files. You are responsible for creating your own syncing component.
A Finder Sync extension can:
Register a set of folders to monitor. Receive notifications when the user starts or stops browsing the content of a monitored folder. For example, the extension receives notification when the user opens a monitored folder in the Finder or in an Open or Save dialog. Add, remove, and update badges and labels on items in a monitored folder. Display a contextual menu when the user Control-clicks an item inside a monitored folder. Add a custom button to the Finder’s toolbar. Unlike badges and contextual menu items, this button is always available, even when the user is not currently browsing a monitored folder.
More can be read from Apple Documentation.
