How can I make a Windows Explorer file preview screen in WPF?

Question

I'm working on an application that will have attachments, and I would like to create a type of display like in windows Explorer, where you choose a "Details" view, and also show the preview pane.

I would like to be able to show a thumbnail view of the attached file currently selected, based on the file extension.

Does anyone know where I can start to look for examples on how to pull this off?

I know Outlook 2007 can also do something similar using preview handlers. I think that’s going to be the direction I want to go in, but I'm not sure where to start.

Many thanks.

All Hail the Glory of the Hypnotoad!

Answer 1

While you could do it in WPF, you should not do it. Seriously: don't do it! - you would break many apps (including one of mine).

To do this without .NET, see here for a nice guide.

Answer 2

I think you can start here

http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/eyal/archive/2007/07/29/Hosting-vista_2F00_office-2007-previewers-in-winform-application.aspx

(the code is partially black on black, at least for me, but you can disable the styles or just copy it)