Finder Extension
Last updated: 2026-09-03
Overview
The Finder Extension brings Dev WorkDir’s launcher actions directly into the Finder — right-click a folder or file, or use a toolbar icon, and run your project without ever opening the app window.
It plugs Dev WorkDir into the place you already work. Instead of switching to the app window, you right-click in Finder and open a terminal, open the folder in your editor, or run a project script — one click away.
Free feature — available to everyone.
What You Can Do
In the Right-Click Menu (any folder or file)
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Open in Terminal | Opens a terminal at the selected folder. On a file, opens the terminal in its parent folder. |
| Open in Editor | Opens the selection in your preferred editor. If you have more than one editor installed, they show as a submenu. |
| Run Script | If the selected folder is inside one of your WorkDir projects, its scripts (from package.json, Makefile, etc.) appear here — pick one to run it without typing. |
The menu appears from anywhere — you don’t have to be inside a registered work directory to get the terminal and editor actions.
In the Finder Toolbar
A WorkDir toolbar icon lets you toggle hidden file visibility (⌘⇧.) right from the Finder, so you can peek at .git, .zshrc, and other dotfiles without digging into Finder View Options.
Enabling It
- Open WorkDir → Settings → Finder Extension.
- If the extension is not yet enabled, click Enable — this opens the macOS extension management page, pre-located on the WorkDir extension.
- Turn it on there. The WorkDir Finder Quick Actions menu and toolbar icon become available immediately.
The Settings page shows the extension’s current status with a green checkmark when it’s active.
How It Works
Dev WorkDir uses a “extension as a shell, app executes” design:
- The extension is deliberately lightweight — it only builds the menu and records your intention.
- The main app performs the actual work (opening terminals/editors, running scripts) using the same execution engine as the app itself.
- This keeps the redesign minimal and lets the extension reuse everything you’ve already configured — installed editors, project scripts, env vars — with no duplicate setup.
Related: Command Palette and Menu Bar are other ways to launch your project from anywhere.