Download iptc-file-changer.hqx (13,832 KB)
From: "HazelWolf (SJ Wright)"
Subject: IPTC FILE CHANGER
This droplet will change an IPTC file info file created by FotoStation Pro
version 4 and later into a Photoshop file info file.
Both applications create file-info files using the same standard and data order.
The data forks, which you can view in a developer-oriented text editor like
BBEdit, are indistinguishable. However, owing to the fact that Photoshop (Mac)
has a blind spot with regard to any file info file not of type "8BFI" and of
creator code "8BIM", these files are invisible to it unless their attributes are
changed in the Finder or by some other application or utility. FileBuddy and
Snoop!, etc, are all very good for this purpose, but if you want to do it
quick-n-dirty and add your new spiffy customized IPTC info that you wrote over in
FS Pro to a file you have open in Photoshop, then this droplet fills that bill.
This droplet requires Sändi's Addditions (included in the archive) to be placed
in the Scripting Additions folder of your startup disk before it is used.
Unfortunately, even in Mac OS 9.x, AppleScript on its own can't change file types
and creators without help from an OSAX. These are still read-only properties in
the Finder, and rather than burdening your system and your AppleScript with the
task of creating an all-new file and writing in the data from the old, then
trashing the new, I am distributing this droplet with Sändi's so that changes may
be made to the same file as was created by you, the user, in FS Pro. Aren't I a
nice guy?
One caveat: this is a single-file only version, i.e., it will only convert one
file at a time. You are welcome to customize and wrestle with the code to get it
to work on multiple files, multiple files in closed folders, multiple files on
network disks or Zips or Floppies or what have you; I have just given you all a
foundation script to work with. Good ideas often become better ideas in the hands
of others, is my philosophy.
Standard freeware disclaimers applicable to your jurisdiction/lifestyle apply
here as well.
Okay, so now it's time for you to get converting. So get to it!
Steve Wright March 27, 2002.
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