How to Download and Use QTTabBar: A Tabbed Browsing Extension for Windows Explorer
If you are a Windows user, you probably use Windows Explorer a lot to browse your files and folders. But have you ever wished that Windows Explorer had a tabbed interface, like your web browser? Wouldn't it be nice to have multiple folders open in one window, switch between them easily, and drag and drop files across tabs?
Well, there is a way to make that happen, and it's called QTTabBar. QTTabBar is a free and open-source extension for Windows Explorer that adds tabbed browsing functionality, along with many other features that enhance your file management experience. In this article, we will show you how to download, install, configure, and use QTTabBar.
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What is QTTabBar and why you should use it
QTTabBar is a small tool that allows you to use tab multi label function in Windows Explorer. Since then, there are no windows folder and awesome folder preview functions, which greatly improves the efficiency of your work. It's like IE 7, and it's like Firefox and opera.
Some of the benefits of using QTTabBar are:
You can open multiple folders in one window, instead of cluttering your desktop with many windows.
You can switch between tabs quickly using keyboard shortcuts or mouse gestures.
You can drag and drop files across tabs, or copy or move them using the context menu.
You can customize the appearance and behavior of the tabs, such as their color, position, size, shape, etc.
You can use plugins and themes to add more functionality and style to QTTabBar.
You can preview files and folders without opening them, using the tooltip or the subfolder menu.
You can access your favorite or recent folders with one click, using the toolbar or the buttons.
Features of QTTabBar
QTTabBar has many features that make it a powerful and versatile extension for Windows Explorer. Some of these features are:
Tabbed browsing: You can create tabs for any folder or drive, rename them, lock them, clone them, group them, etc. You can also use tab templates to open multiple tabs at once.
Toolbar: You can add buttons to the toolbar that let you access various functions, such as creating a new tab, closing a tab, going back or forward, refreshing, etc. You can also add custom buttons that launch applications or scripts.
Buttons: You can add buttons to the left or right side of the tabs that let you access your favorite or recent folders, or any other folder you want. You can also add separators or spacers between the buttons.
Preview: You can preview files and folders without opening them, using the tooltip or the subfolder menu. You can also adjust the size and position of the preview window.
Subfolder menu: You can access the subfolders of any folder by right-clicking on its tab or button. You can also navigate through the subfolders using the mouse wheel or the arrow keys.
Plugins: You can use plugins to add more functionality to QTTabBar, such as showing the folder size, the file count, the file type, etc. You can also create your own plugins using C# or VB.NET.
Themes: You can use themes to change the look and feel of QTTabBar, such as the tab color, the font, the background, etc. You can also create your own themes using XML files.
Options: You can configure and customize QTTabBar to suit your preferences, such as the tab behavior, the keyboard shortcuts, the mouse gestures, the sounds, etc. You can also export and import your settings to backup or share them.
Requirements and compatibility of QTTabBar
QTTabBar is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It requires .NET Framework 4.0 or higher to run. It also works with Windows Explorer and other file managers that support shell extensions, such as Total Commander, XYplorer, Explorer++, etc.
How to download and install QTTabBar
Downloading and installing QTTabBar is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Download sources and versions of QTTabBar
You can download QTTabBar from its official website or from other sources such as SourceForge or Softpedia. There are two versions of QTTabBar available: the stable version and the beta version. The stable version is more reliable and tested, while the beta version is more updated and experimental. You can choose the version that suits your needs.
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Installation steps and options of QTTabBar
Once you have downloaded the QTTabBar installer, you need to run it as an administrator. You will see a welcome screen that asks you to choose the language for the installation. After that, you will see a license agreement that you need to accept. Then, you will see a screen that asks you to choose the components to install. You can choose to install:
QTTabBar: This is the main component that adds tabbed browsing functionality to Windows Explorer.
QTAddressBar: This is an optional component that adds a breadcrumb-style address bar to Windows Explorer.
QTPluginManager: This is an optional component that allows you to manage the plugins for QTTabBar.
QTTab Desktop Tool: This is an optional component that adds a toolbar to your desktop that lets you access your tabs and buttons.
You can also choose the installation folder for QTTabBar. After that, you will see a screen that asks you to choose the additional tasks to perform. You can choose to:
Create a desktop shortcut: This will create a shortcut on your desktop that launches Windows Explorer with QTTabBar enabled.
Create a quick launch shortcut: This will create a shortcut on your quick launch bar that launches Windows Explorer with QTTabBar enabled.
Create a start menu shortcut: This will create a shortcut on your start menu that launches Windows Explorer with QTTabBar enabled.
Create an uninstaller: This will create an uninstaller for QTTabBar in case you want to remove it later.
After that, you will see a screen that shows you the installation progress. When it is done, you will see a screen that tells you that the installation is complete. You can choose to restart your computer or not. You will also see a screen that asks you to donate to support the development of QTTabBar. You can choose to donate or not.
How to configure and customize QTTabBar
After installing QTTabBar, you will notice some changes in your Windows Explorer window. You will see a new tab bar at the top of the window, where you can create and manage tabs. You will also see a new toolbar at the bottom of the window, where you can access various functions and settings. You can configure and customize QTTabBar according to your preferences using the options window.
How to access and use the QTTabBar options window
You can access the QTTabBar options window by right-clicking on an empty space on the tab bar or the toolbar, and choosing "Options" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Q on your keyboard.
The options window has several tabs that let you change different aspects of QTTabBar, such as the tab behavior, the keyboard shortcuts, the mouse gestures, the sounds, etc. You can also export and import your settings to backup or share them. You can apply the changes by clicking on the "OK" or "Apply" buttons at the bottom of the window.
How to change the appearance and behavior of QTTabBar
One of the tabs in the options window is called "Appearance". Here you can change how QTTabBar looks and feels. You can change the following settings:
Tab color: You can change the color of the tabs, such as the active tab, the inactive tab, the mouse-over tab, etc. You can also use a gradient or a transparency effect.
Tab shape: You can change the shape of the tabs, such as the corner radius, the edge width, the tab height, etc. You can also use a flat or a curved style.
Tab position: You can change the position of the tabs, such as the top, the bottom, the left, or the right of the window. You can also use a vertical or a horizontal orientation.
Tab font: You can change the font of the tabs, such as the font name, the font size, the font style, etc. You can also use a bold or an italic effect.
Tab icon: You can change the icon of the tabs, such as the icon size, the icon margin, etc. You can also use a custom icon or no icon at all.
Tab text: You can change the text of the tabs, such as the text alignment, the text trimming, etc. You can also use a custom text or no text at all.
Another tab in the options window is called "Behavior". Here you can change how QTTabBar behaves and responds. You can change the following settings:
Tab creation: You can change how new tabs are created, such as when you open a folder, when you double-click on an empty space, when you use a keyboard shortcut, etc. You can also choose to open new tabs in foreground or background.
Tab closing: You can change how tabs are closed, such as when you click on the close button, when you double-click on a tab, when you use a keyboard shortcut, etc. You can also choose to close all tabs or only one tab.
Tab switching: You can change how tabs are switched, such as when you click on a tab, when you use a mouse wheel, when you use a keyboard shortcut, etc. You can also choose to switch tabs in order or in cycle.
Tab grouping: You can change how tabs are grouped, such as when you open multiple tabs from one folder, when you drag and drop tabs onto each other, when you use a keyboard shortcut, etc. You can also choose to group tabs by name or by path.
Tab locking: You can change how tabs are locked, such as when you right-click on a tab and choose "Lock Tab", when you use a keyboard shortcut, etc. You can also choose to lock tabs by name or by path.
How to use plugins and themes for QTTabBar
A third tab in the options window is called "Plugins". Here you can manage the plugins for QTTabBar. Plugins are small programs that add more functionality to QTTabBar, such as showing the folder size, the file count, the file type, etc. You can also create your own plugins using C# or VB.NET.
To use plugins, you need to download them from the official website or from other sources, and copy them to the "Plugins" folder in the installation folder of QTTabBar. Then, you need to enable them in the options window, by checking the boxes next to their names. You can also configure their settings by clicking on the "Options" button next to their names.
A fourth tab in the options window is called "Themes". Here you can manage the themes for QTTabBar. Themes are files that change the look and feel of QTTabBar, such as the tab color, the font, the background, etc. You can also create your own themes using XML files.
To use themes, you need to download them from the official website or from other sources, and copy them to the "Themes" folder in the installation folder of QTTabBar. Then, you need to select them in the options window, by choosing them from the drop-down menu. You can also preview them by clicking on the "Preview" button.
How to use QTTabBar to enhance your browsing experience
Now that you have installed and configured QTTabBar, you can start using it to enhance your browsing experience in Windows Explorer. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use QTTabBar effectively:
How to create and manage tabs in Windows Explorer
To create a new tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Click on the "+" button on the tab bar.
Double-click on an empty space on the tab bar.
Press Ctrl+T on your keyboard.
Right-click on a folder and choose "Open in New Tab" from the context menu.
Drag and drop a folder onto the tab bar.
To close a tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Click on the "x" button on the tab.
Double-click on the tab.
Press Ctrl+W on your keyboard.
Right-click on the tab and choose "Close Tab" from the context menu.
To switch between tabs, you can use one of the following methods:
Click on the tab.
Use the mouse wheel over the tab bar.
Press Ctrl+Tab or Ctrl+Shift+Tab on your keyboard.
Press Ctrl+1 to Ctrl+9 on your keyboard to switch to a specific tab by its number.
To rename a tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Double-click on the tab text.
Right-click on the tab and choose "Rename Tab" from the context menu.
To lock a tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on the tab and choose "Lock Tab" from the context menu.
Press Ctrl+L on your keyboard.
To unlock a tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on the tab and choose "Unlock Tab" from the context menu.
Press Ctrl+U on your keyboard.
To clone a tab, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on the tab and choose "Clone Tab" from the context menu.
Press Ctrl+K on your keyboard.
To group tabs, you can use one of the following methods:
Drag and drop a tab onto another tab.
Right-click on a tab and choose "Group Tabs" from the context menu.
To ungroup tabs, you can use one of the following methods:
Drag and drop a tab out of the group.
Right-click on a tab and choose "Ungroup Tabs" from the context menu.
How to use the toolbar and buttons of QTTabBar
The toolbar of QTTabBar is located at the bottom of the Windows Explorer window. It contains buttons that let you access various functions and settings. You can customize the toolbar by adding or removing buttons, changing their order, or changing their size. You can also create custom buttons that launch applications or scripts.
To add or remove buttons, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on an empty space on the toolbar and choose "Customize Toolbar" from the context menu.
Press Alt+T on your keyboard.
You will see a window that shows you all the available buttons. You can drag and drop them to or from the toolbar. You can also right-click on a button and choose "Delete" to remove it.
To change the order of buttons, you can use one of the following methods:
Drag and drop a button to a different position on the toolbar.
Right-click on a button and choose "Move Left" or "Move Right" from the context menu.
To change the size of buttons, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on an empty space on the toolbar and choose "Large Icons" or "Small Icons" from the context menu.
Press Alt+L or Alt+S on your keyboard.
To create a custom button, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on an empty space on the toolbar and choose "New Button" from the context menu.
Press Alt+N on your keyboard.
You will see a window that lets you specify the name, icon, command, and tooltip for your custom button. You can also assign a keyboard shortcut or a mouse gesture to it. After creating your custom button, you can drag and drop it to any position on the toolbar.
How to use the preview and subfolder features of QTTabBar
The preview feature of QTTabBar allows you to preview files and folders without opening them, using the tooltip or the subfolder menu. You can also adjust the size and position of the preview window.
To use the tooltip preview, you can use one of the following methods:
Hover your mouse over a file or folder on the tab bar, the toolbar, or the buttons.
Press Alt+P on your keyboard while selecting a file or folder on the tab bar, the toolbar, or the buttons.
You will see a small window that shows you a thumbnail image of the file or folder, along with some information such as the name, size, date, etc. You can also play audio or video files using the tooltip preview.
To use the subfolder menu preview, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on a folder on the tab bar, the toolbar, or the buttons and choose "Subfolder Menu" from the context menu.
Press Alt+M on your keyboard while selecting a folder on the tab bar, the toolbar, or the buttons.
You will see a menu that shows you the subfolders of the folder, along with their icons and names. You can also navigate through the subfolders using the mouse wheel or the arrow keys. You can also preview files and folders within the subfolder menu by hovering your mouse over them.
To change the settings of the preview feature, you can use one of the following methods:
Right-click on an empty space on the tab bar or the toolbar and choose "Options" from the context menu.
Press Ctrl+Q on your keyboard.
You will see a window that lets you change various aspects of the preview feature, such as the preview size, position, delay, quality, etc. You can also enable or disable the preview feature for different types of files and folders.
Conclusion and FAQs
QTTabBar is a great tool that adds tabbed browsing functionality to Windows Explorer, along with many other features that enhance your file management experience. It is easy to download, install, configure, and use. It is also free and open-source, so you can support its development by donating or contributing. If you are looking for a way to make your Windows Explorer more powerful and convenient, you should give QTTabBar a try.
Here are some frequently asked questions about QTTabBar:
Q: How do I update QTTabBar to the latest version?
A: You can check for updates by right-clicking on an empty space on the tab bar or the toolbar and choosing "Check for Updates" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can visit the official website or the download sources and download the latest version manually. You can also enable automatic updates by changing the settings in the options window.
Q: How do I uninstall QTTabBar from my computer?
A: You can uninstall QTTabBar by using the uninstaller that was created during the installation process. You can find it in the start menu, the control panel, or the installation folder of QTTabBar. Alternatively, you can run the installer again and choose "Uninstall" from the welcome screen.
Q: How do I report a bug or a problem with QTTabBar?
A: You can report a bug or a problem with QTTabBar by using the bug tracker on the official website or on SourceForge. You can also contact the developer by email or by posting on the forum. Please provide as much information as possible, such as the version of QTTabBar, Windows, and .NET Framework, the steps to reproduce the bug or problem, and any error messages or screenshots.
Q: How do I request a feature or a suggestion for QTTabBar?
A: You can request a feature or a suggestion for QTTabBar by using the feature tracker on the official website or on SourceForge. You can also contact the developer by email or by posting on the forum. Please explain your idea clearly and concisely, and why you think it would be useful or beneficial for QTTabBar.
Q: How do I contribute to the development of QTTabBar?
A: You can contribute to the development of QTTabBar by donating money to support the developer, by creating plugins or themes for QTTabBar, by translating QTTabBar to other languages, by testing QTTabBar and reporting bugs or problems, by spreading the word about QTTabBar to your friends and family, or by any other means you can think of. 44f88ac181