10 plugins to enhance QuickLook

Quicklook is one of Mac OS X Leopard most valuable function: indeed, it allows you to view the contents of a file without opening it, by simply pressing the space bar. Unfortunately, some files are not displayed in standard, and even some operations are not possible. Well, third party plugins are here to help. Here’s a list of 10 excellent plugins to enhance Quicklook with usefull new features.

Author : Jean-Baptiste Jung

Jean is a 27 years old self-taught web developer and WordPress specialist who lives in Wallonia, the French speaking part of Belgium. In addition to Cats Who Code, he also blogs about WordPress at WpRecipes and about Photoshop at PsdVibe.

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How to: Installing a Quicklook plugin

To install a Quicklook plugin , copy the .Qlgenerator file in /Library/QuickLook/ (If you want the plugin available for all users) or ~/Library/QuickLook/ (If you want to install the plugin only on your user account).
If the QuickLook directory does not exist, create it with that exact syntax.
After copying the file in the correct directory, type this command in the Terminal:

 qlmanage-r 

This command will force OS X to search available plugins in QuickLook directory.
Note, if you don't want to use the command line, rebboting OS X will have the same effect.

Folder Viewer: See the contents of a directory

In my opinion, this is one of the most interesting plugins that I was able to find. It can display the content of a folder without opening it.
→ plugin website

Better ZIP: See the content of zip, tar, gzip, iso, cab, rar or deb archives

This plugin have the ability to display the content of your archives in various formats. A must have !
→ plugin website

Zip File Viewer: See the contents of an archive in zip format

Other plugin worthwhile, Zip File Viewer gives you the opportunity to view the contents of a zip file without opening it.
→ plugin website

QuarkXPress

If you work with the well-known QuarkXPress program, this plugin will allow you to view files from the software directly in QuickLook.
→ plugin website (Downloading requires you to create an account)

ColorXML: Syntax highlighting for xml files

If you regret the lack of syntax highlighting when viewing a file and you have a large number of xml files, this plugin is a must have for you.
→ plugin website

QLEnscript: Syntax Highlighter

You'd like to take advantage of syntax highlighting, but you just have little or no XML files? In that case, this plugin will fill your expectation by producing a colourful display of Objective C, C / C + +, Perl, Python, Java, Shell Scripts and Assembler file.
→ plugin website

QUICKCHM: View the .chm compiled html help files

CHM files are common in Windows world, as it is mainly used to display help files. This plugin will allows you to view them in Quicklook.
→ plugin website

EPSQLPlugIn Viewer EPS: View Adobe Illustrator EPS files

This plugin will simply display your EPS files from Adobe Illustrator.
→ plugin website

This plugin will please the many people who download on Youtube, since you'll be able to watch your downloaded .flv videos in Quicklook.
→ plugin website

Suspicious Package: Look inside an installation package

If you don't like to install a program with eyes closed, it's likely that Suspicious package will give you satisfaction by allowing you to see the content of package before opening it.
→ plugin website