XLaunch-O-Matic 1.1

XLaunch-O-Matic 1.1  is a simple to use, yet sophisticated utility which can help you open a document in an X11 application by simply double-clicking it from the Finder. 

By default XLaunch-O-Matic is able to open documents with gv (.ps files) gimp (.xpm files) texmacs (.tm files) lyx (.lyx files) and more if they where installed by fink. However you can map any document type to any application by simply double-clicking on the XLaunch-O-Matic icon and selecting preferences from the XLaunch-O-Matic menu.

How to use this software? Here is an example describing how to make .gif files open in the gimp.
First open XLaunch-O-Matic by double-clicking on its icon, then select 'Preferences' from the XLaunch-O-Matic menu.

Now select the Mime-type tab, enter 'gif' (without the '') in the Mime-type field and the PATH (not simply the name) to gimp in the Command field, this would be '/sw/bin/gimp %f' if you used fink to install the gimp.

Finally click on the Add button followed by Apply to add you new mime-type/ program mapping. (If you wish you may now quit XLaunch-O-Matic)

Now it is time to make Finder? understand that .gif files should be opened by the gimp (or actually by XLaunch-O-Matic).

In the Finder? select a .gif file and choose 'Get Info' (Command-I) from the File menu. Under the open with tab select 'other' from the pop-up menu browse to and select XLaunch-O-Matic (you may have to select 'show all' from the pop up menu to be able to select XLaunch-O-Matic). Press OK.
If you want ALL .gif files to open using the gimp, press the 'Change All...' button.

Now you are done, and if you double-click the .gif file in Finder? it should be opened in the gimp.
Note: this will open a new gimp each time you open a file, if you do not which for this to happen use '/sw/bin/gimpremote -n' instead of '/sw/bin/gimp' when adding the mime-type.