What can IconDropper do?

Lots. Use it for awhile and read the hints. Refer to this section of the manual if you don't understand the one of the hints or if you want additional hints that were not displayed by IconDropper.


Hints and additional information

If you don't understand one of the hints and need more information, please refer to the following:


Did you know that these messages will pop-up periodically and give you some more information about IconDropper?

The messages are more frequent when you first start using the application. As time goes on, the hints become less frequent.


Did you know that you can remove or swap the icon for the dropped items by clicking on the preview at the top of the window?

Each time you click on the preview the items will be updated in the Finder.

Try holding the mouse button down during the click and moving off the icon preview. Then move it back onto the icon. Pretty cool, huh?


Did you know that you can drop more than one thing onto the IconDropper?

If you drop multiple items, the icon you pick is used on all of them.

If the pack has a caption for the preview, the name of the one of the items is displayed at random. IconDropper will also tell you how many other items there were.


Did you know that IconDropper will not work on locked items?

If all the items you dropped are locked, you will see a big red X in the preview.


Did you know that the icon pack display can be made larger with the Size box? 

The Zoom box at the top of the window can be used to toggle the size of the window.

Both settings are saved as preferences and used when you open the window again.

If you are using multiple windows, the settings are saved for each window that is opened.


Did you know that the display of the icons looks much nicer if you change the highlight color from the standard black on white?

Just start up the Color control panel and experiment.

If you already have a highlight color that you like and everything looks great: never mind.


Did you know that there are many more FREE icons available at the Iconfactory web site?

Make sure that you download an icon pack, not a folder set.

Use the About menu for more information on how to contact us. Our contact information is also on the Credits page of this document.


Did you know that you can deselect items after they appear in IconDropper?

The items remain selected (and highlighted) after being dropped. When IconDropper changes the icon in the Finder, you will see the darkened version of the icon. You can easily switch back to the Finder and de-select the items. After doing this, go back to IconDropper and you can see your icon changes without them being darken.


Did you know that you can double-click on the IconDropper icon to change its interface and behavior?

There are many different combinations, just experiment until you find something you like.

IconDropper's default configuration is set up so that it requires the least amount of memory. You may need to increase the memory size (in Get Info) when enabling the multiple window option.


Did you know that dropped items are ignored while you are in setup mode?

If you leave setup mode, you can drop items normally.


Did you know that you can use a file server for storing your icon packs?

Just double-click to run setup and use a shared folder on your network.

This will allow many people to share the same icons. You can save money by registering a site license.

Some of the icon packs that are distributed with IconDropper can be very useful in production environments. Check out the Work and Status packs. You can use these icons on your local network to keep track of folders that people share during a project.

If you have registered for IconPacker, you can change the names of the icons so that people in the group will know what each icon should be used for.


Did you know that you can create or modify icon packs with the IconPacker application?

If you have not registered IconDropper, you will not be able to save changes in IconPacker.

IconPacker is the application that we use to make those cool looking icon packs. You can use it to make your own icon packs with other icons you have downloaded from the Internet. You can also use it to make a "greatest hits" collection of your favorite icons.

If you want to try it out, just open the IconPacker Tutorial folder and click where you are instructed. Don't get too carried away until you register; your changes to the icon pack won't be saved.


Did you know that these helpful messages will eventually be replaced by an annoying shareware message?

(Unless, of course, you have registered the software)

The messages, like the hints, vary over time. The longer you use it, the more frequent the messages will become. And re-installing the software will not reset the counter.


Did you know that the Read Me file contains a lot of useful information?

There are suggestions on how to use icons, a summary of these "did you know..." messages, and a biography for each of the people who worked on IconDropper. Check it out. 

And a lot of useless, but hopefully entertaining, information.


Hints that weren't displayed by IconDropper

The following are additional hints that were not displayed by IconDropper. You may find the information useful:


Did you know that there are two kinds of icon packs?

Icon packs can be locked so that only the author of the pack can make modifications. These packs are shown in pop-up menu first. Unlocked packs, which you can modify with IconPacker, are shown below the separator.


Did you know that if you have IconDropper set up to "remain active" that you have to manually quit before you can enter setup mode?

Just press Command-Q and then double-click to start the setup.

 
Did you know that there are no modal windows for IconDropper?

There are only two modes of operation: setup and apply. You can't adjust the setup while you are applying icons.

The ability to do so may be added in a future release (the foreman has asked for it more than once). For more information on things we think you might like, check out the To Do section.


Did you know that IconDropper won't start if there is no Read Me file or Register program?

These programs are actually used by IconDropper. If you rename them or remove them, IconDropper won't start. You can also run into problems if you move IconDropper out of the folder (such as to the desktop).

The recommended setup for IconDropper is to keep the distributed files in a single folder (which you can put anywhere). If you want to have an IconDropper icon on your desktop or docking bar, use and alias file (there is even one included in the distribution).


Did you know that we have a FAQ list?

There is a lot of information in this file. It will, however, get out of date as we fix bugs and explain common problems. If you are having a problem that is not discussed in this chapter, please surf over to www.iconfactory.com and check out the FAQ in the IconDropper section. 


Did you know that dropping icons can be addictive?

Drop one for fun.


Did you know that we really appreciate your support?

The letters page at www.iconfactory.com was a great impetus to the development of IconDropper. 


Did you know that we have some other projects in mind?

How would you like to have some cool Photoshop filters that didn't cost you an arm and a leg? We have this and several other projects that we'll release if there is interest in IconDropper (i.e. if we make money off it). Let us know what you think of this product and we'll keep you posted at www.iconfactory.com.