Configuring Helper Applications


Redbaron can read HTML, text, GIF, JPEG, and XBM file types using built-in components. To support other file types, you will need to define the file types that you want to support and then associate those file types with applications (helpers) that can support those files.

Some file formats are predefined. All you need to do is associate a file format with the application that you want to use to read the file format.

To associate a file type with a helper application:

  1. From the Edit menu, select Helpers.

  2. Select the file type that you want to associate with a helper application and select the Edit button.

  3. In the Helper Application field, specify the helper application that you want to use to read the selected file type. Click Browse to select the application.

  4. Click OK.

To add a new file type:

  1. From the Edit menu, select Helpers.

  2. Select the Add button.

  3. In the Description field, type your own description of the file type.

  4. In the MIME Type field, type the MIME type/subtype of the file type.

    MIME (Multi-purpose Internet Mail Extensions) is a standard system for naming different file formats. When Redbaron retrieves a file from a server, the server provides the MIME type of the file. Redbaron uses the MIME type to determine if the file can be read by Redbaron, or if an appropriate helper application is available to read the file.

    MIME types are available from the list of registered MIME types. Use the MIME type that best describes your file type.

  5. In the Suffixes field, type the filename extension(s) commonly used for the file type. Begin each extension with a period. Separate multiple extensions by spaces.

    For servers that do not provide MIME types, Redbaron uses filename extensions to determine the file format.

  6. Select Binary or Text to specify how the file type is encoded. Most file types are encoded as binary.

  7. Open the How to Handle menu and choose how you want to handle the file type.

    Use Redbaron as a Viewer Open the files in Redbaron.
    Use a Helper Application Open the files with a helper application. This option creates temporary copies of downloaded files which are deleted when you exit Redbaron.
    Save as a File Save the files without opening them.
    Save and use a Helper Save the files to your disk before they are opened by the program specified in the Helper Application field.
  8. In the Helper Application field, specify the helper application that you want to use to read the selected file type. Click Browse to select the application.

  9. Click OK.