> > just one question left: > > how can i set the creator type on the external file? DEF OPEN "TEXTZWEL" The file type is TEXT The creator is ZWEL (that's mine). Creators must be unique. There is a database somewhere. I've seen it discussed many times on this list (someone else jump in here). The four char creator must correspond to the signature in the apps BNDL resource. Even when you do it right, you may need rebuild the desktop to to see the appl or doc icons. However, System 8.x and up seem to recognize the new entries right off. ------------------------- Dr. Pierre A. Zippi PAZ Software Biostratigraphy Services Garland, Texas http://www.pazsoftware.com http://www.biostratigraphy.com http://www.zippidesign.com/micro.html http://web2.airmail.net/paz