Inspect a file or folder

Use an inspection report when a file has an unexpected preview, when you want to check its type, or when you are developing an app that handles that type.

1. Choose File → Open… (Command-O) and select a file or folder. You can also use File → Open Recent, or drag an item onto the app’s Dock icon.
2. Wait for inspection to finish. Finding installed components can take time, especially when many applications are available.
3. Start with File to confirm the path and type. Then look at Quick Look Preview provider (Space bar) or Quick Look Thumbnail provider (Finder thumbnails).
4. If a component is missing, check Discovery Coverage and choose additional discovery folders.

The first report works without a separate Applications-folder grant. Adding that grant lets the app inspect more third-party components; it is optional.

Read and copy the report

• Expand a section with its disclosure control. Collapse sections you do not need.
• Use Tree or Graph to view relationships between file types. Read these relationships.
• Choose a provider’s Info button to see its supported types. An app’s details list its own registered types; these are not automatically the same as the extension’s supported types.
• Use Copy Report to copy the full text report. Individual copy buttons copy a path, a value, or a type list.
• Use Full Value… for a metadata value that is too long to read inline. The compact preview does not shorten the stored or copied value.

Reveal shows the inspected item in Finder when the app has access. If it is disabled, select the item again with File → Open… or review its folder grant.

Refresh after a change

After installing, updating, or removing an application, use Refresh or Command-R. This rebuilds the component inventory and updates the current report. Your Tree/Graph choice stays selected. Changes to discovery-folder grants also refresh open reports.

Work with several items

Each inspected item has its own window. Opening the same item again focuses its existing window. Open Recent remembers selected items using a saved access record, called a bookmark. If an item has moved or access no longer works, select it again.

Next: Understand the report · Troubleshooting