Previewing SVG Files in Windows XP / Vista

Posted on April 11, 2009 - by leokowal

Previewing SVG Files in Windows XP / Vista

So you’ve had your Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot software for a while now and you’ve been collecting SVG files for quite some time. By now you have tens or hundreds of SVG files and you don’t know what’s what and which file is where. You can spend all day opening each file in Sure Cuts A Lot or some other program like FireFox, Inkscape or Illustrator, but that can be very time consuming.

Finally there is an easy solution that will make your life easier when it comes to previewing SVG files! The Windows File Explorer Plugin by Examotion allows you to preview thumbnail images of your SVG Documents directly within Windows’ File Explorer.

Instructions:

Click here to visit Examotion’s download page, be sure to only download the Windows® Thumbnail Plugin. Once you have downloaded the program, simply install it. Installation only takes a few seconds.
In Windows XP , with the folder that contains your SVG files open, click on the View option in your windows toolbar and select Thumbnails
In Windows Vista, with the folder that contains your SVG files open, click on the Views option in your windows toolbar and select “Extra Large Icons”, “Large Icons” or “Medium Icons”.

As long as you are in a folder that contains SVG files, you should now be able to see a preview of the actual SVG! Awesome! Check out the images below for a visual!

Note: The Examotion website does not show support for Windows Vista 64bit.

How to confirm your version of Windows Vista (32bit or 64bit): Click on the Windows Start Button and then right click on Computer and select Properties. Look for the System Type: to identify which version of Vista you are running.

Note: SVGCuts.com is not responsible for anything that happens to your computer as a result of installing this software. We have installed it and tested it on Windows XP and Windows Vista 32bit without any issues (As shown in the screenshots below). If you have any problems with the software, you should contact the manufacturer Examotion. This post is simply a recommendation of software. Remember, it is good practice to keep backups of all of your important documents and information.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 11th, 2009 at 8:33 pm and is filed under SVG 101. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

78 Comments

We'd love to hear yours!

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February 6, 2010

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leokowal said:

Deb, the new Sure Cuts A Lot 2.010 has a preview option.
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February 5, 2010

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Deb said:

Still hoping someone will find a program to view SVG’s with Windows 7 (64) PLEASE!!!! Help me…so tired of opening files to see what I have!
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January 28, 2010

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Robin said:

Now this is an answer to prayer! I’m a total newbie and have begun collecting some svg.’s but had to open each to see what I had. THANK YOU soooo much for sharing this link. I didn’t even find it doing an svg viewer search!
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January 22, 2010

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Dave said:

There’s a workaround to see the thumbnails in Windows Vista 64-bit. You have to run the 32-bit version of Windows Explorer. Create a shortcut (right click on your desktop and select “New”, then “Shortcut”), and for the location enter:

C:\Windows\SysWOW64\explorer.exe /separate

Unfortunately this does not work in Windows 7 64-bit because it doesn’t include a 32-bit version of Explorer.
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January 21, 2010

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Deb said:

I have Windows 7 64 bit. Can’t get this to work. Have you found a solution for Windows 7 yet. I had this on my old computer with xp and LOVED IT. New Computer but I sure miss this feature!!!

HELP PLEASE!!!
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January 13, 2010

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wregger said:

Windows7 Ultimate Rus/Eng 32bit — runs like a charm!

installed, restarted system — voilà!
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January 7, 2010

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Mirjam said:

This software is not compatible with Windows 7. We are researching an alternative.Has anyone found anything that works with windows 7? I would so love to hear. You would make me very happy! greetz Mirjam
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December 25, 2009

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leokowal said:

Hi Sonja, this software is not compatible with Windows 7. We are researching an alternative.
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December 21, 2009

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Sonja said:

I recently got a new computer with windows 7 & now I can’t view my svg files. I’m not good with computers & could use some help :O)
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December 16, 2009

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jean said:

I am new at all this,. I have microsoft 7 and does the program work on that? thanks, Jean
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November 9, 2009

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eduardo said:

show. easy to use and useful.

tks.
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November 4, 2009

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cindy said:

OMG.. You are a life saver. Thank you so so much for sharing this with us.
Cindy
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October 31, 2009

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Cindy Miller said:

Fantastic!! So much nicer. Thanks!!
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October 22, 2009

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Kim said:

OK, after a few moments of panic when my Windows operating system would not open because of errors, I shut it down a couple of times, got it up and running, copied and pasted and I can view my files WOO-HOO! Thank you for this site and all the wonderful information you share, and of course the freebies. Is there more information on how to make my own designs in inkscape?
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October 22, 2009

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Kim said:

Can’t do it, download, run, nothing, have Vista 32 bit, any other suggestions?
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October 19, 2009

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Rosy Dustbins said:

Brilliant! Thankyou for this link. The plug-in works a treat! I am running Windows XP service pack 3
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October 11, 2009

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Debbie Sheets said:

I tried it and it works great. Now do you have a similar way to view scut files?

Also, I am having trouble with multiple pages. When I open the second page and try to import my image it asks if I want to save and then my first page is gone. Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? I am new to this and maybe some of my playing just won’t work.
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October 8, 2009

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Rosetta Jenkins said:

Tks so much for sharing this opportunity. However, I still cannot view my files. I will try to uninstall and reinstall.
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October 7, 2009

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Joy said:

Thank you so much for sharing this information! I was not using the svg files as much because I couldn’t remember what each one was and it takes so long to open each one up! You have opened the door for me to use SCAL much much more!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
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September 24, 2009

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Melissa said:

I tried this as well with Vista 32bit and it is not working. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you for this wonderful site. I am just getting started and have learned so much.
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September 13, 2009

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Sonia said:

I tried this several times and it did not work for me. I am running Vista 16 bit.
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September 11, 2009

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Eric Smith said:

It appears it does work on Vista 64-bit (I’m using it) but it also appears it only works on XP SP2! I cannot get it to work on an XP SP3 system at all (tried a few actually) and I have no XP SP1 systems to test with.
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September 8, 2009

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NanaB said:

Thanks so much. The program really worked for me. I am a newbie at all this.
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August 27, 2009

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LauraK said:

I uninstalled it. It’s just really disappointing…That would be so useful if it would actually work.
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August 26, 2009

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leokowal said:

I would uninstall the application. Seldom does it cause problems, but I have seen it happen.
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August 25, 2009

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LauraK said:

I downloaded and ran the application, and every time I tell it to show thumbnails, the folder crashes. Very strange, considering I AM running Windows XP 32 bit.
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August 25, 2009

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leokowal said:

Zip files need to be unzipped so that you can see the contents in their natural state. A Zip file is not an SVG file, but rather a compressed package full of files.
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August 24, 2009

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Beverley said:

Thanks so much for all your useful tips..Have downloaded and works except certain files do not show Image on Icon..See that they are not SVG files but
Zip files….How do I use these with SCAL as am still very stupid when it comes to converting files…Only the SVG files come up on my SCAL Library…Can somebody please help…Also not all the SVG files show Images only certain ones..Will there be a reason for this?
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August 22, 2009

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Sandra L said:

I don’t know what I would do without your expertise, if I am stuck on anything you guys have the answers.
Thank you so much for all your efforts and the way that you explain everything is done in such a brilliant way. This makes my crafting so much easier and I learn all the time which keeps the Scottish brain cells working!
Regards to you all
Sandra
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August 9, 2009

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Balu said:

Thanks,I was having a hard time with svg files.I was using Carbide.ui while editing s60 themes to view svg thubnails in groups.
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August 6, 2009

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Carole N. said:

What a great help, Leo. I am finally getting some time to play with SCAL and my Cricut. I just installed this and it’s wonderful. I use Windows XP Pro.

THANK YOU so much.
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July 31, 2009

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Jill said:

This is great! It is a timesaver. Thanks for the information!
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July 25, 2009

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stenojj said:

I too cannot view them – I only have the Inkscape icon. I’ve created a new folder, copy and pasted, and still nothing. My laptop is Vista 32 bit. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong either.
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July 17, 2009

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Julie R said:

LOVE THIS! Thanks.
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July 12, 2009

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Denise said:

Mary, Thank you so much for this information. I just downloaded it and absolutely love being able to see all of the files. Makes it much easier.
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June 28, 2009

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Anna said:

This is great information. However, I still need to figure out how to save the svg files, where to save them, and how to find them. Vista is giving me a few challenges to overcome. I am hopeful to get there and then use this information. Thanks so much for the time you put into this.
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June 26, 2009

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Sue said:

Thanks so much for this. It will save me sooooo much time.
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June 26, 2009

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Mary Stevenson said:

Ooops. Just found the instructions to uninstall. Sorry! I copied/pasted directions below, for anyone else who may want to uninstall it due to Vista 64.

You can uninstall a program from your computer if you no longer use it or if you want to free up space on your hard disk. You can use Programs and Features to uninstall programs or to change the program’s configuration by adding or removing certain options.

1. Open Programs and Features by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Programs, and then clicking Programs and Features.

2. Select a program, and then click Uninstall. Some programs include the option to change or repair the program in addition to uninstalling it. but many simply offer the option to uninstall. To change a program, click Change or Repair. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
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June 26, 2009

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Mary Stevenson said:

I was too quick to download it also–I have Vista 64. I don’t know how to uninstall. I went to control panel, but do not see “uninstall/install programs” listed.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
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June 25, 2009

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Kelly Logan said:

thank you so much. I have adobe bridge but I still can’t view the thumbnail.

Thanks again.

Kelly
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June 25, 2009

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leokowal said:

Sorry, don’t know of a solution at this point, other then Adobe Bridge, but you would have to buy an Adobe product like Photoshop or Illustrator to get that, and it is very expensive. I will try to find a solution though!
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June 24, 2009

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Kelly Logan said:

Any ideas for use with mac os x. I can’t see the thumbnails.
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June 21, 2009

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Karen said:

This was just what I’ve been looking for!! Thanks for all the great information—-I love your website!
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May 18, 2009

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Shutch3346 said:

Thanks !!! Thats is so nice to view all my files.
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May 14, 2009

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leokowal said:

Hi Lynn, I have not had any problems on the half dozen or so machines that I’ve installed it on and lots of people have had no problems as well. It is likely machine specific and probably a result of some sort of incompatibility. The Preview software maybe didn’t work well with something else that was already installed on your computer. Its hard to say the exact cause, but uninstalling should take care of it.
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May 14, 2009

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Lynn said:

I had major problems with my computer when I downloaded this. I love having it but don’t need the problems. Have you heard of others having problems with it?
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May 7, 2009

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Sandi said:

Thanks I did not know this!
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May 4, 2009

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Linda UK said:

Thank you so much for this link. So helpful.
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May 3, 2009

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Joan said:

Only half of my files will show pictures. The other half will only show the file icon. I have tried reloading them but they still will not work. Are they not SVG files? I get them all from svgfiles.com. Thanks so much for your help. It is so very very nice to at least have half the files with pictures!!!
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April 22, 2009

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Dee said:

Once again, you offer us something that is so useful and makes life so much easier. Thank you so much! May God bless you incredibly!
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April 18, 2009

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leokowal said:

I wish there was a way, but that would be on Craft Edge to develop as .SCUT files are proprietary Craft Edge files. I’m sure someone else COULD do it, but I don’t see it happening.
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April 18, 2009

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lesliefolks said:

this is totally awesome!! it helps soo much!! is there a way like this to show scuts? thanks for all the info!!
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April 18, 2009

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lesliefolks said:

thank you sooo much!!! i just did it and works perfect!!! ohh this will help so much!! im just not a good computer person so this is perfect!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
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April 17, 2009

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Michele said:

I tell you what, technology boggles the mind. Today I logged in and low and behold I can preview my svg files. Thanks Leo for hanging in there with me. This is great!
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April 15, 2009

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Michele said:

I hate to say this but I give up. I’ve tried creating new folders and copying my svg files, but to no avail. This is a real bummer.
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April 14, 2009

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leokowal said:

A few people have created new folders and copied and pasted thier SVG files into the new folder. This seems to help and is likely due to the fact that windows creates a small “hidden” file that stores preview data for each icon and it turns out that when you put them in a new folder, it has a fresh slate and shows the preview because the preview data file has to be recreated.
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April 14, 2009

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Michele said:

I cannot get it to work. I downloaded the plugin and then ran it on my PC. Yes I have Vista 32 bit. Still cannot preview my SVG files. What am I doing wrong?
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April 14, 2009

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Dixie said:

I got it to work! I copied/pasted all the .svg files into a new folder and wala…that did the trick. Thanks for the link, this is going to be so slick to just look at the thumbnails instead of each file individually.

Thanks, Thanks, Thanks!!!!
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April 14, 2009

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celeste lombas said:

Leo
thank you so much for all your help. My fiance starting playing tryin to figure out how let me view svg as thumbnais. I can view them through Adobe Bridge It is awsome.
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April 14, 2009

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Rosie said:

Thank you so much for sharing how to view my svg’s – this will be great.
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April 13, 2009

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Dixie said:

I couldn’t get it to work. I have Vista 32 bit, downloaded the Windows thumbnail plug-in, saved it, then clicked run, went into the SVG folder and it’s still the inkscape logo on each of the folders when I click on Extra Large, Large, or Medium Icons. I even re-started my computer! Any suggestions?
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April 13, 2009

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Mary said:

Wow! This is great, it is so much faster seeing the actual thumbnail than it is to open each file separately! Thanks for the link.
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April 13, 2009

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leokowal said:

I just updated this post and included instructions on how to confirm your version of Windows Vista!
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April 13, 2009

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Lorraine said:

Big Hugs out to you for this program to view my SVG files. Most helpful. Of course everything you give us is most helpful. Thank you ever so much.
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April 13, 2009

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Linda from Vegas said:

I don’t know which bit I have on my lap top either. Still can’t view the files. Darn it!
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April 13, 2009

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Sharon said:

OMG thank you so much I haven’t even unzip my files I have collected cause I didn’t know who to bview them not I can get to work thank you so much
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April 13, 2009

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Jean Saporito said:

How do you know which bit you have? My laptop has Vista. I would love to be able to see what each file looks like.

Jean
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April 13, 2009

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Jana said:

Very helpful.. this will really help to keep me organized!
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April 13, 2009

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madtog said:

thanks so much for this, it’s great
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April 12, 2009

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Nicole Boyd said:

This is awesome! Thanks so much, this will make it easier for me to find my cut files.
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April 12, 2009

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Carol Adams said:

Awesome, thanks!!! It works great on my 32 bit vista
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April 12, 2009

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celeste lombas said:

Thank you so much for the time you hae put into this. I thought that would be the problem 64 bit is a big headache for me.
Have a great day
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April 12, 2009

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leokowal said:

Sorry Celeste, it looks like it may not work with Vista 64bit. I just looked at the manufacturer’s website and it does not mention support or non-support for Windows Vista 64.
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April 12, 2009

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celeste lombas said:

I did all of the above. Still only seeing the inkscape symbol. Could it be that I have 64bit. I am so frustrated. Thank you so much Leo.
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April 12, 2009

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leokowal said:

Make sure that when you are looking at your folder, click on the View option and make sure that you have Medium Icons, Large Icons or Extra Large Icons selected. List, Details or Small Icons will not display a preview.
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April 12, 2009

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Linda from Vegas said:

I have Vista on my laptop and all I can see since downloading the plug in is little Inkscape icons instead of pictures of my files. Any suggestions?
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April 11, 2009

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Carmen said:

Thanks very much! This WILL save a lot of time!

Carmen
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April 11, 2009

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Rap said:

Thanks! That’s really useful!