How to create my own file type and my own metadata?

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How to create my own file type and my own metadata? I read on the internet that this is not possible. So how are jpeg and mp3 files with their own metadata made?

What I have tried:

I have no idea. I've read that it can be done with DSOfile but not a complete solution.

Posted 2-Nov-22 9:37am

gacar

Updated 2-Nov-22 10:47am

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[no name] 2-Nov-22 16:18pm

You need a "file format"; e.g. a "class" that defines the layout. Now you have a "file of a given type" (of layout and function). "Meta data" could be as simple as a (4 byte) leading int that tell how long a (variable) record is.

gacar 2-Nov-22 16:41pm

Does 4 bytes of data point to an address? For example, do I need 6 pieces of 4-byte data for 6 pieces of metadata?

Dave Kreskowiak 2-Nov-22 19:22pm

Metadata is whatever you want it to be! YOU choose what data you want to expose. Once you have that figured out, you have to write the code to hold that data in your class.

Graeme_Grant 2-Nov-22 16:47pm

You totally missed what he was asking...

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Graeme_Grant · Answer 1 · 2022-11-02T10:47:00

Yes, it is possible. Here in a Code Project article that discusses Shell Extensions in detail: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Shell Extensions - Index[^]

Some other links that may be of interest to you:
* How to Assign a Custom Icon to a File Type - Win32 apps | Microsoft Learn[^]
* How to add a new file type to the Microsoft Windows 10 Context Menu[^]
* Managing Files and Folders in Windows 8 | Introduction | InformIT[^]
* How to Customize the Info Tip in Windows File Explorer - YouTube[^]

If you are going to do this, make sure you backup before making any changes.

Google Searches used: add custom file type info to windows File Explorer - Google Search[^]
* custom properties tab in windows file explorer - Google Search[^]
* how to write windows shell extensions - Google Search[^]