Thanks, Ian. That is very helpful!

I have another question for the group related to preferences. Does it
matter if a pref file is data (as yours is--I like your use of the pref
record type), or resource?

I have only one app that uses a preferences file, and I made it a
resource file, since that way I could set all the prefs from resedit if
I wanted to (which I do sometimes). I use GETSTRING and GETRESOURCE
toolbox functions to get the data out.

But all the prefs files I see are data fork files (except the resedit
prefs), so I figure I must be not doing it right.

Any input welcome

PB

Ian Mann wrote:
> 
> Paul,
> 
> This is my include for opening Pref files. It includes contributions from others.
> I find the preferences folder
> I check to see if my pref file is there.
> If it isn't I set defaults and create it.
> If it is, I check to see if it is the right size (It bugs me getting that EOF error
> each time I add a new pref)
> If it isn't big enough, I default and write the file.
> If its the right size I load it.
> This can be improved with a nice icon in the prefs folder - if you want.
> 
> Hope this helps
> 
> Ian