If you're like me; many times you're using Windows Explorer to navigate through your image folders and wished there was a way to launch Adobe Bridge to get a larger view of your files without first switching to the Desktop or installing a shortcut in the Quick Launch toolbar.
Or, if also like me, you sometimes shoot RAW files in less popular formats like ORF, MRW, and PEF that are not supported by the Microsoft RAW Image Thumbnailer and Viewer, here's a way to quickly launch Adobe Bridge and view your RAW images.
This routine involves a brief edit of your Windows Registry that adds an option to "Browse with Adobe Bridge" to the Windows Explorer context menu (right-click). After installation, a simple right click of your mouse will enable you to launch Adobe Bridge at the exact folder you were browsing.
If you're at all uncomfortable editing the registry do not attempt to install this hack.
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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Adobe Bridge]
@="Browse with Adobe Bridge"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\Adobe Bridge\Command]
@="\"C:\\Program Files\\Adobe\\Adobe Bridge CS3\\Bridge.exe\" \"%1\""
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INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Copy and paste the five lines of text above into Notepad or any other text editor. Save it as a .TXT file ("Browse with Adobe Bridge Registry Hack.txt" is a good, descriptive name).
2. Make a copy of this file and change the filename extension of the copy from .txt to .reg
3. Double-click on the renamed file, and at the Registry Editor click "Yes" to install it to the registry.
4. Delete the renamed .reg file if you desire.
Right-clicking any folder in Windows Explorer should now show an additional option to launch Adobe Bridge as illustrated:
DISCLAIMER
Please back up your Windows Registry before attempting to install this routine. I will not be responsible for any problems caused by your failure to back up your Registry or to follow the directions correctly.
