macOS files & folders permission

[LitoFrame]

Hello, I just installed jExifToolGUI-x86_64-macos-1.7.1-with_jre.dmg to macOS Big Sur. I can't load files from Downloads, Documents, etc folders. It looks empty. I gave the app the Full Disc Access, but it didn't help. I can load files from other folders. Thanks! Krisz

[hvdwolf]

I already searched the web and saw that Big Sur introduced some new "features" and how to adapt/correct to that, but I can't find anything about this specific issue. But please be a bit more specific: You type: "I can't load files from Downloads, Documents, etc". Does this mean you can't load images from any folder within your own user home folder? Or can you load from some folders inside your users home folder? And from which "other folders" can you load? Outside your user home folder?, network shares?, USB-sticks?

[mrtngrsbch]

I think that problem is not only Big Sur. When you install an application in Catalina you must also give permission to the applications to read/write in those folders. Normally, when installing an application, MacOS asks if you want to give R/W permissions to these folders

[LitoFrame]

I think this is valid for Catalina as well, but I didn't install the app on Catalina, so not 100% sure. I checked in more details from where I can or cannot load images. I can load images from my home folder, but I can't load from Desktop, Documents, Downloads. I can load images from every other folder which are in the internal hard drive. I can't load files from external drives. It seems to me I can't load images from folders where masOS ask special permission (system preferences --> Security & Privacy --> Privacy --> Files and Folders.

[hvdwolf]

@mrtngrsbch You mention that also on Catlina you have to give R/W access in those folders. When I installed a complete fresh version of Catalina on my Macbook I also had to install jExifToolGUI completely fresh again. It simply worked.

What actions did you need to do to give the app access? Please explain so I can also share it in the manual and the Releases page.

[mrtngrsbch]

When I installed JGT in Catalina I had no problems. But nowadays, when I install some application, MacOS asks me permission for RW from those folders. It's probably due to a security update in the middle of Catalina, which I don't know, and also exists in Big Sur.

[LitoFrame]

For me I even gave the app full disk access I can't open images from certain folders. Normally apps ask if they need a permission of a folder, but this app don't ask permission for me.

[mrtngrsbch]

For me I even gave the app full disk access I can't open images from certain folders. Normally apps ask if they need a permission of a folder, but this app don't ask permission for me.

Look at the Big Sur side... I imagine you might have the same problem with other applications. I suppose

[LitoFrame]

I never had this kind of problem with any app before with Catalina or Big Sur. If any app need the permission I get an alert and I give them... Maybe this is a bug effects only for me:), anyway this is not a big deal, because I keep my photos a folder where the app has permission.

[hvdwolf]

Hi,

I changed the bundle slightly. I added comments for the downloads folder, desktop folder, documents folder, removable media and network volumes, when MacOS asks for access, It is a "blind shot" and I have no idea whether it works, as I get access everywhere without questions.

"no java" version: https://mega.nz/file/9JF20LxB#bugDHkBEnZJGU_1kWBSM5U272h9Ler-Bs9TDMUaMuEo full java version: https://mega.nz/file/ZdEgmJyI#gsn7CuHomkei8fNixbiyIhMB5VEy3uGHE2JFuqABY9k

For some info, see this link: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/bundleresources/information_property_list/nsdesktopfolderusagedescription

[alko05]

I recently installed jExifToolGUI on a Mac mini with Monterey 12.6. When I start jExifToolGUI from the Applications folder with a double click, I can't access various folders like Documents and Downloads in the image or directory chooser. When I start jExifToolGUI from a command line in Terminal with /Applications/jExifToolGUI.app/Contents/MacOS/jexiftoolguijExifToolGUI, I can see these folders in the chooser.

[jordancrowe]

I recently installed jExifToolGUI on a Mac mini with Monterey 12.6. When I start jExifToolGUI from the Applications folder with a double click, I can't access various folders like Documents and Downloads in the image or directory chooser. When I start jExifToolGUI from a command line in Terminal with /Applications/jExifToolGUI.app/Contents/MacOS/jexiftoolguijExifToolGUI, I can see these folders in the chooser.

Just tried it with release dmg version 2.0.2 on MacOS 12.6.6 and can confirm I was able to access an external HDD by starting the app in the terminal without any admin privs, which did not work starting the app from /Applications in finder