Convert WDGT to CANNEDSEARCH

Understanding wdgt and cannedsearch file formats

WDGT files are widget packages primarily used on macOS Dashboard. These files contain HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other resources bundled together to create small applications or widgets for the Dashboard environment. They are essentially folders with a .wdgt extension, containing all necessary assets and a Info.plist file describing the widget.

Cannedsearch files are used by macOS Spotlight and Finder to store saved search queries. These files, with a .cannedsearch extension, are XML-based and contain metadata and search criteria, allowing users to quickly rerun complex searches in Finder.

Why convert wdgt to cannedsearch?

While wdgt and cannedsearch serve different purposes, you might want to convert a widget's functionality or data into a saved search for easier access or automation within Finder. This process involves extracting relevant search parameters from the widget and creating a compatible .cannedsearch file.

How to convert wdgt to cannedsearch

There is no direct, automated converter for wdgt to cannedsearch due to their different structures and purposes. However, you can manually create a .cannedsearch file based on the search logic or data used in the widget:

1. Open the wdgt file by right-clicking and selecting Show Package Contents.
2. Review the Info.plist and any JavaScript or HTML files to identify the search logic or parameters.
3. Open Finder and perform a search that matches the widget's functionality.
4. Click Save in the Finder search window to create a .cannedsearch file.
5. Optionally, edit the .cannedsearch file (it's XML) to fine-tune the search criteria.

Best software for creating and editing cannedsearch files

• Finder (macOS): Use Finder's search and Save feature to create .cannedsearch files easily.
• Xcode: For advanced editing, use Xcode or any XML editor to modify the .cannedsearch file.
• BBEdit: A powerful text editor for macOS, ideal for editing XML files.

Summary

Direct conversion from wdgt to cannedsearch is not supported by any automated tool. The process involves manually extracting search logic from the widget and recreating it as a saved search in Finder, then editing the resulting .cannedsearch file as needed. Finder and Xcode are the best tools for this workflow.