Quicklook no preview

OS 10.12.6 SD 7.0.8
Preview of script files fails often. Sometimes after multiple attempts it will show. Even after showing a preview once if its invoked again it may be empty. Going on for months.

Resetting with qlmanage -r and qlmanage -r cache changes nothing.

Testing with debug almost always works… listing below

georges-Mac-mini:~ george$ qlmanage -d 1 -p /Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS\ My\ Files/date\ function.scpt
Testing Quick Look preview with files:
/Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS My Files/date function.scpt
[DEBUG] file:///Applications/iBooks%20Author.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator/ might shadow a plug-in with the same identifier and version (<QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator>)
[DEBUG] Preview test for file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/date%20function.scpt. Content type UTI: com.apple.applescript.script
[DEBUG] Previewing file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/date%20function.scpt. Content type UTI: com.apple.applescript.script. Generator used: <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator>
[DEBUG] Loading <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator>
[DEBUG] Previewing file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/date%20function.scpt finished
2019-07-13 09:27:20.256 qlmanage[3863:370608] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0x9203, name = ‘com.apple.coredrag’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
2019-07-13 09:27:20.441 qlmanage[3863:370608] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0xbf37, name = ‘com.apple.tsm.portname’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
2019-07-13 09:27:20.445 qlmanage[3863:370608] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0xc303, name = ‘com.apple.CFPasteboardClient’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
georges-Mac-mini:~ larry$

The following logged to the console…
Jul 13 09:40:33 Larrys-Mac-mini com.apple.xpc.launchd[1] (com.apple.quicklook[4284]): Endpoint has been activated through legacy launch(3) APIs. Please switch to XPC or bootstrap_check_in(): com.apple.quicklook

The following listing of plugins…
georges-Mac-mini:~ george$ qlmanage -m plugins
plugins:
org.7-zip.arj-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.keynote.sffkth -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.symantec.diskdoubler-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.powerpoint.pot -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.lizardtech.djvu -> /Library/QuickLook/djvuql_static.qlgenerator (1.0)
public.cpio-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.audio -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Audio.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.iwork.pages.sfftemplate -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.binhex-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.adobe.illustrator.ai-image -> /System/Library/QuickLook/EPS.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.plain-text -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.x509-printable-encoded-archive -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator (55079.50.4)
com.apple.xcode.archive -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
com.apple.ibooks-folder -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator (1)
com.rarlab.rar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.movie -> /Library/QuickLook/Video.qlgenerator (1.9.2)
public.bzip2-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.keynote.key -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.iphone.mobileprovision -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
com.apple.ical.bookmark -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iCal.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.rsa.pkcs-12 -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator (55079.50.4)
com.apple.keychain -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator (55079.50.4)
com.apple.applescript.text -> /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator (7A80 - loaded)
org.debian.deb-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.data -> /Library/QuickLook/WebVTT Quick Look plugin.qlgenerator (1)
public.archive.lha -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.macitbetter.segmented-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.numbers.sffnumbers -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.devon-technologies.metadata.think3 -> /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator (1.0)
public.archive.bzip2 -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.3d-content -> /System/Library/QuickLook/SceneKit.qlgenerator (386.13)
com.apple.notes.externalrecord -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Notes.qlgenerator (719.81)
com.smileonmymac.textexpander.backup -> /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.9)
org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.sheet -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
public.xar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.tnef -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.ichat.ichat -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iChat.qlgenerator (5500)
public.x509-certificate -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator (55079.50.4)
com.apple.ibooksauthor.book -> /Applications/iBooks Author.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.iwork.numbers.numbers-tef -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.localized-pdf-bundle -> /System/Library/QuickLook/LocPDF.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.adobe.encapsulated-postscript -> /System/Library/QuickLook/EPS.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.mail.emlx -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Mail.qlgenerator (3273)
com.apple.ical.bookmark.todo -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iCal.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.ical.ics.event -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iCal.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.xhtml -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Web.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.property-list -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.microsoft.excel.xlt -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.iwork.keynote.sffkey -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.iconset -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Icon.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.template -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.pict -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Clippings.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.application-and-system-extension -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
public.vcard -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Contact.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.adobe.pdf -> /System/Library/QuickLook/PDF.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.xcode.strings-text -> /Library/QuickLook/StringsFile.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.itunes.ipa -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
public.zip-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.idpf.epub-folder -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator (1)
com.microsoft.cab-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.rtf -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.iwork.pages.pages-tef -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.package -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Package.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.item -> /Library/QuickLook/WebVTT Quick Look plugin.qlgenerator (1)
public.disk-image -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
public.iso-diskimage -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.word.stationery -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
public.webp -> /Library/QuickLook/WebpQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.iwork.pages.sffpages -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.apple.iwork.keynote.key-tef -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.slideshow -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.addressbook.person -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Contact.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.iso-image -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.numbers.sfftemplate -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.presentation.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.webarchive -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Web.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.7-zip.7-zip-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.devon-technologies.metadata.thinkpro -> /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.private.live-photo-bundle -> /System/Library/QuickLook/LivePhoto.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.gnu.gnu-zip-tar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.safari.history -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Bookmark.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.keynote.key -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
public.comma-separated-values-text -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.template.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.devon-technologies.metadata.think -> /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.mobileprovision -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
com.apple.systempreference.prefpane -> /System/Library/QuickLook/StandardBundles.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.ichat.transcript -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iChat.qlgenerator (5500)
public.archive.arj -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.addressbook.group -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Contact.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.macbinary-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.provisionprofile -> /Library/QuickLook/ProvisionQL.qlgenerator (1.4.0)
org.7-zip.lha-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.document -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
org.tukaani.tar-xz-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.chm-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.pages.pages -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.sun.java-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.iwork.keynote.kth -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.template -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.corel.brush -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.applescript.script-bundle -> /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator (7A80 - loaded)
org.bzip.bzip2-tar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.internet-location -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Clippings.qlgenerator (720.7)
dyn.ah62d4rv4ge81q7dy -> /Library/QuickLook/WebVTT Quick Look plugin.qlgenerator (1)
com.apple.iwork.numbers.numbers -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
org.gnu.gnu-zip-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.disk-image -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.ical.ics -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iCal.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.template.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.latenightsw.osa.bundle -> /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator (7A80 - loaded)
com.smileonmymac.textexpander.setlocation -> /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.9)
org.idpf.epub-container -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator (1)
public.image -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Image.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.allume.stuffit-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
net.maxon.cinema4d.c4d -> /Applications/Adobe After Effects CC 2017/Plug-ins/MAXON CINEWARE AE/(CINEWARE Support)/lite/CINEMA 4D Lite.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/CINEMA 4D.qlgenerator (1.1)
public.tar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.mail.email -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Mail.qlgenerator (3273)
public.archive.cab -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.slideshow.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.iwork.numbers.template -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.microsoft.word.doc -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.apple.ical.ics.todo -> /System/Library/QuickLook/iCal.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.safari.bookmark -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Bookmark.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.redhat.rpm-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.powerpoint.ppt -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
org.7-zip.nsis-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.smileonmymac.textexpander.snippetgroup -> /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.9)
com.microsoft.advanced-systems-format -> /Library/QuickLook/Video.qlgenerator (1.9.2)
com.apple.finder.pictclipping -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Clippings.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.font -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Font.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.oasis-open.opendocument.text -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
public.html -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Web.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.presentation -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
public.xml -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.bom-compressed-cpio -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.sheet.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.smileonmymac.textexpander.backuppkg -> /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.9)
org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.template.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.smileonmymac.textexpander.settings -> /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator (1.9)
com.apple.application -> /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator (7A80 - loaded)
org.openxmlformats.presentationml.template -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.stuffit.archive.sit -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.rtfd -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Text.qlgenerator (720.7)
org.bzip.bzip2-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.microsoft.powerpoint.pps -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
public.json -> /Library/QuickLook/QuickLookJSON.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.microsoft.excel.xls -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
public.svg-image -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Web.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.xar-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.document.macroenabled -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.microsoft.word.dot -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator (32)
com.devon-technologies.metadata.note -> /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator (1.0)
com.apple.finder.textclipping -> /System/Library/QuickLook/Clippings.qlgenerator (720.7)
com.apple.iwork.pages.template -> /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator (166)
com.macitbetter.zip-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
org.tukaani.xz-archive -> /Volumes/WD_8TB/Backups/Mac SSD 250/Applications/BetterZip.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/BetterZipQL.qlgenerator (1448)
com.apple.applescript.script -> /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator (7A80 - loaded)

A good reason to save AppleScripts as text files using the .applescript extension.

Both Finder Preview and Quicklook work fine for me running Script Debugger 7.0.8 (7A80) on macOS 10.14.5.

One possible explanation is a buggy .qlgenerator file. That can tie up the process.

A wormy apple
.applescript is the biggest problem… .scpt .scptd work most often, scripts saved with osacompile dont ever show a preview. I have an archive of many older os9 scripts that never show either, no big deal.
The listing for plugins showed them from an external backup drive, although today it only listed the boot volume, then subsequent calls showed the externals again. I looked for documentation, I dont see why it would look outside the boot volume. May just need to launch with script.

Compiled scripts only show a preview if one is saved with them — that’s a feature of Script Debugger. (For .applescript files, the unformatted text can be read by the QLImporter if no formatted preview is saved.)

In theory an importer could decompile the scripts itself, but that would mean showing previews would potentially launch applications targeted in the scripts.

1 Like

After dumping some backup files, archiving some apps…
I zipped the script debugger app and I can now preview .applescript always without fail.
with debug it shows “QLGenerator Text.qlgenerator” is used. **Edit: the text in quotes was wacked
As soon as i put script debugger back it goes back to the same problem.
Which is no preview. if I open a scpt file and save it with script debugger it may or may not display it.

Pretty much just giving up for now.
**Edit so heres the question. Why does it work without script debugger?
Also do you have a pointer to modifying the SD plist to disable it from taking over the applescript format.

georges-Mac-mini:~ george$ qlmanage -d 4 -p /Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS\ My\ Files/Scrape\ Alamanac.applescript
Testing Quick Look preview with files:
/Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS My Files/Scrape Alamanac.applescript
[DEBUG] Registering for public.audio
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.safari.bookmark
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.safari.history
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.finder.textclipping
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.finder.pictclipping
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.pict
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.internet-location
[DEBUG] Registering for public.vcard
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.addressbook.person
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.addressbook.group
[DEBUG] Registering for com.adobe.encapsulated-postscript
[DEBUG] Registering for com.adobe.illustrator.ai-image
[DEBUG] Registering for public.font
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator> for org.idpf.epub-folder
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator> for com.apple.ibooks-folder
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/iBooks.qlgenerator> for org.idpf.epub-container
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.ical.bookmark
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.ical.bookmark.todo
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.ical.ics
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.ical.ics.event
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.ical.ics.todo
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/iChat.qlgenerator> for com.apple.ichat.ichat
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/iChat.qlgenerator> for com.apple.ichat.transcript
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.iconset
[DEBUG] Registering for public.image
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.private.live-photo-bundle
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.localized-pdf-bundle
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Mail.qlgenerator> for com.apple.mail.email
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Mail.qlgenerator> for com.apple.mail.emlx
[DEBUG] Registering for public.movie
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Notes.qlgenerator> for com.apple.notes.externalrecord
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.word.doc
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.word.dot
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.word.stationery
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.excel.xls
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.excel.xlt
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.powerpoint.ppt
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.powerpoint.pot
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for com.microsoft.powerpoint.pps
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.document
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.template
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.document.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.wordprocessingml.template.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.sheet
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.template
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.sheet.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.spreadsheetml.template.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.presentation
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.template.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.template
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.presentation.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.slideshow
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for org.openxmlformats.presentationml.slideshow.macroenabled
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Office.qlgenerator> for public.comma-separated-values-text
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.package
[DEBUG] Registering for com.adobe.pdf
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/SceneKit.qlgenerator> for public.3d-content
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator> for public.x509-certificate
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator> for public.x509-printable-encoded-archive
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator> for com.rsa.pkcs-12
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /System/Library/QuickLook/Security.qlgenerator> for com.apple.keychain
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.application
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.systempreference.prefpane
[DEBUG] Registering for public.plain-text
[DEBUG] Registering for public.rtf
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.rtfd
[DEBUG] Registering for org.oasis-open.opendocument.text
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.property-list
[DEBUG] Registering for public.xml
[DEBUG] Registering for com.apple.webarchive
[DEBUG] Registering for public.html
[DEBUG] Registering for public.xhtml
[DEBUG] Registering for public.svg-image
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iBooksAuthor.qlgenerator> for com.apple.ibooksauthor.book
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.numbers.numbers
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.numbers.sffnumbers
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.numbers.numbers-tef
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.numbers.sfftemplate
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.numbers.template
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.pages.pages
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.pages.sffpages
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.pages.pages-tef
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.pages.sfftemplate
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.pages.template
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.keynote.key
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.keynote.key
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.keynote.sffkey
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.keynote.key-tef
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.keynote.sffkth
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Library/QuickLook/iWork.qlgenerator> for com.apple.iwork.keynote.kth
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/QuarkXPress 2018.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/QuarkXPress.qlgenerator> for com.quark.xpress.v6
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/QuarkXPress 2018.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/QuarkXPress.qlgenerator> for com.quark.xpress.doc
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/QuarkXPress 2018.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/QuarkXPress.qlgenerator> for com.quark.copydesk.doc
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator> for com.smileonmymac.textexpander.backup
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator> for com.smileonmymac.textexpander.snippetgroup
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator> for com.smileonmymac.textexpander.settings
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator> for com.smileonmymac.textexpander.backuppkg
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/TextExpander.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/TextExpanderQuickLook.qlgenerator> for com.smileonmymac.textexpander.setlocation
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Adobe After Effects CC 2017/Plug-ins/MAXON CINEWARE AE/(CINEWARE Support)/lite/CINEMA 4D Lite.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/CINEMA 4D.qlgenerator> for net.maxon.cinema4d.c4d
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator> for com.apple.application
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator> for com.apple.applescript.text
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator> for com.apple.applescript.script
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator> for com.latenightsw.osa.bundle
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator> for com.apple.applescript.script-bundle
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator> for com.devon-technologies.metadata.think3
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator> for com.devon-technologies.metadata.thinkpro
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator> for com.devon-technologies.metadata.think
[DEBUG] Registering <QLGenerator /Applications/DEVONthink Pro.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/DEVONthink Quick Look.qlgenerator> for com.devon-technologies.metadata.note
[DEBUG] Preview test for file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/Scrape%20Alamanac.applescript. Content type UTI: com.apple.applescript.text
[DEBUG] Previewing file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/Scrape%20Alamanac.applescript. Content type UTI: com.apple.applescript.text. Generator used: <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator>
[DEBUG] Loading <QLGenerator /Applications/Script Debugger.app/Contents/Library/QuickLook/SDGenerator.qlgenerator>
[DEBUG] Previewing file:///Volumes/WD_3TB/Documents_Ext/_Development/AppleScript/__AS%20My%20Files/Scrape%20Alamanac.applescript finished
2019-07-22 09:23:06.023 qlmanage[47916:2891127] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0x9403, name = ‘com.apple.coredrag’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
2019-07-22 09:23:06.461 qlmanage[47916:2891127] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0xc13f, name = ‘com.apple.tsm.portname’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.
2019-07-22 09:23:06.467 qlmanage[47916:2891127] *** CFMessagePort: bootstrap_register(): failed 1100 (0x44c) ‘Permission denied’, port = 0xc503, name = ‘com.apple.CFPasteboardClient’
See /usr/include/servers/bootstrap_defs.h for the error codes.

For the record!
This turned out to be Sierra or rather it disappeared after installing High Sierra.