Chapter 6 File Viewing and File Operations
This chapter explains how to view file information in AIClue, preview file content, and perform common operations such as opening and locating files.
6.1 Start from the File List
After you search, filter, or open project content, AIClue shows a file list. The file list usually contains information such as file name, path, type, time, and size.
You can complete these operations from the file list:
| Operation | Method |
|---|---|
| View file | Click the file row to open preview or details |
| Open with the system default app | Double-click the file, or choose Open File from the more menu |
| Open file location | Click the folder button in the file row |
| Preview file | Click the preview button in the file row |
| Adjust visible columns | Choose columns from the list header menu |
| Adjust sorting | Click the file name, full path, time, or size headers |
| Add to a project workspace | Right-click a file, then select an existing workspace or create one and add the file |
| Remove from the current workspace | In a project workspace file list, right-click a file and select Remove from current workspace |
Keyword results use relevance by default; clicking a header only sorts the results currently shown. Managed file lists after clearing the query, local directories, and project file lists also support these headers. Location/Path is compared by the full path.
Adding or removing a file from a project workspace changes only the workspace relationship in AIClue. It does not move, copy, or delete the original file.
6.2 Preview Files
After you click a file or the preview button, AIClue opens the preview area inside the app. Preview is useful for quickly judging file content without frequently switching to external apps.
Previews adjust to the window or sidebar width. Text, Word, and spreadsheet content supports selection with a Copy/Select All context menu. Dragging selected text or images inside a full preview does not start a workspace file drop.
Common previewable content includes:
- Common documents and spreadsheets
- Images
- Audio and some video files
- Plain text, Markdown, code, and log files
- File lists inside ZIP archives
For files that are not suitable for built-in preview, AIClue prompts you to open them with the system default app.
Markdown preview shows safe local content by default. Remote images, restricted local image paths, and unsafe links may not load directly. When an external link needs to be opened, confirm the prompt before using the system browser.
For the full support scope, see Appendix Supported File Formats and Data Notes.
6.3 Open Files in the System
If you need to edit a file or view it with professional software, open it with the system default app.
Common methods include:
- Double-click the file row
- Choose Open File from the file row’s more menu
- Use the open button in the preview area
AIClue opens the original file. File content changes are made by the corresponding external app.
6.4 Open File Location
If you want to locate a file in the system file manager, use Open File Location.
This is useful when:
- You need to copy, move, or rename the source file
- You want to view other files in the same directory
- You need to drag the file into another app
AIClue only asks the system file manager to locate the file. It does not modify the file automatically.
6.5 View File Path and Basic Information
The file list and preview area show basic file information, such as:
- File name
- File path
- File type
- File size
- Created time or modified time
If you need to copy a file path, first select the file, then click the copy path button at the top of the preview area. After copying, the path is placed on the system clipboard so you can paste it into chats, documents, or other tools.
6.6 Use Content Snippets to Judge Results
When the search mode and file type support content reading, search results may show text snippets around the keyword. These snippets help you quickly judge whether a result is relevant.
If you do not see a content snippet, possible reasons include:
- The file type does not support content reading
- The file was just added and background processing has not finished
- The current mode is Filename
- The file content is too long or failed to read
No snippet does not mean the file cannot be opened. You can still judge file content by file name, path, and preview.
6.7 Large Files and Files Without Preview Support
Large files, damaged files, or some special formats may not preview immediately. In this case, you can:
- Wait a moment for AIClue to finish loading
- Open the file with the system default app
- Locate the file in the system file manager and handle it there
For audio and video files, playback also depends on file size, encoding format, and system capabilities.
6.8 Safety Notes
Viewing, previewing, searching, and locating files in AIClue usually does not modify source files. Operations that may actually change file content or location usually happen in the system file manager or an external app, such as editing, moving, renaming, or deleting.
When later chapters involve cleaning duplicate files, moving files, or maintaining data, AIClue shows a clear prompt before performing the operation.
6.9 Next Steps
After you are familiar with file viewing and operations, continue with:
- Chapter 7 Project Workspace: View files from different directories together in a project
- Chapter 9 Tags and Classification: Learn how to filter and classify files with tags
- Chapter 10 Finding Duplicate Files: Learn how to identify and handle duplicate files