Finder Extension

Finder Extension

ImageChunker includes a Finder Sync Extension that lets you chunk images directly from Finder’s context menu.

Enabling the Extension

After installing ImageChunker, enable the Finder extension:

1. Open System Settings
2. Navigate to Privacy & Security → Extensions → Finder Extensions
3. Enable ImageChunker Finder Extension
4. Restart Finder:
   • Option-click Finder icon in Dock
   • Select Relaunch

Using the Extension

Single Image

1. Right-click any supported image in Finder
2. Select Chunk with ImageChunker
3. ImageChunker opens with the image loaded

Multiple Images

1. Select multiple images in Finder
2. Right-click the selection
3. Select Chunk with ImageChunker
4. All images are added to the batch queue

Folder Processing

1. Right-click a folder containing images
2. Select Chunk with ImageChunker
3. All supported images in the folder are queued

Supported File Types

The Finder extension shows for these file types:

Extension	Format
.jpg, .jpeg	JPEG
.png	PNG
.heic, .heif	HEIC
.tiff, .tif	TIFF
.bmp	Bitmap
.gif	GIF (first frame)
.webp	WebP
.pdf	PDF (first page)

Extension Settings

Configure extension behavior in ImageChunker:

Settings → Finder Extension

Quick Process Mode

When enabled:

• Uses your default chunking settings
• Processes immediately without showing the app
• Chunks saved alongside original

When disabled (default):

• Opens ImageChunker with image loaded
• You review and configure before processing

Output Location

• Same folder: Chunks saved next to original
• Subfolder: Creates {filename}_chunks/ folder
• Ask every time: Prompts for location

Auto-Launch

• Always: ImageChunker opens automatically
• If closed: Only opens if not already running
• Never: Adds to queue silently

Troubleshooting

Extension Not Appearing

1. Check if enabled:

   • System Settings → Extensions → Finder
   • Ensure ImageChunker is toggled ON

2. Restart Finder:

   killall Finder

   Or: Option-click Finder in Dock → Relaunch

3. Re-register extension:

   pluginkit -r /Applications/ImageChunker.app/Contents/PlugIns/ImageChunkerFinderExtension.appex

4. Check for conflicts:

   • Disable other Finder extensions
   • Test if ImageChunker’s appears
   • Re-enable others one by one

Extension Shows But Doesn’t Work

1. Check app is working:

   • Open ImageChunker directly
   • Try processing an image
   • If that works, extension should too

2. Reset extension preferences:

   defaults delete com.griffin.ImageChunker.FinderExtension

3. Reinstall:

   • Delete ImageChunker from Applications
   • Empty Trash
   • Reinstall from Mac App Store

Context Menu Slow

If the context menu takes time to appear:

1. Too many extensions: Disable unused Finder extensions
2. System load: Close heavy applications
3. Disk issues: Check disk health in Disk Utility

Security & Privacy

Sandboxing

The Finder extension runs in a secure sandbox:

• Limited file access: Only processes files you explicitly select
• No network access: Cannot upload your images
• No persistent storage: Doesn’t keep copies of your images

IPC Security

Communication between the extension and main app:

• Uses DistributedNotificationCenter
• No direct file transfer
• Main app accesses files with your permission

Privacy Benefits

• Your images never leave your Mac
• Extension doesn’t track usage
• No analytics or telemetry

Technical Details

Architecture

Finder.app
    └── Right-click image
        └── FinderSync Extension
            └── Sends notification
                └── ImageChunker.app
                    └── Receives file path
                        └── Requests file access
                            └── Processes image

Extension Location

/Applications/ImageChunker.app/
└── Contents/
    └── PlugIns/
        └── ImageChunkerFinderExtension.appex

Debug Commands

Check extension registration:

pluginkit -m -p com.apple.FinderSync

View extension logs:

log show --predicate 'subsystem == "com.griffin.ImageChunker.FinderExtension"' --last 5m

Reset extension:

pluginkit -r /Applications/ImageChunker.app/Contents/PlugIns/ImageChunkerFinderExtension.appex

Best Practices

1. Use for quick access: Great for one-off chunking tasks
2. Batch from Finder: Select multiple images for efficient processing
3. Configure defaults: Set preferred settings for Quick Process mode
4. Keep app updated: Ensures extension compatibility with macOS