How does Dropbox install the App Icon + "Move to Dropbox" global context menu item in Mac OS X Finder?

Question

When Dropbox is installed on Mac OS X, it installs a "Move to Dropbox" context menu item when right-clicking on any item in Finder:

I would like to install a similar menu item for other my own app. Specifically, I would like an "Open in AppName" menu item that allows me to quickly open files in the app without wading through the "Open With..." menu mess.

I have found ways to add Automator services for these actions.

However, these are installed at the bottom of the menu, in "Services". They also do not have an app icon, which is key for quickly visually finding the correct menu item in the list.

I would instead like to exactly replicate the "Move to Dropbox" menu item:

• App Icon is displayed.
• Near top of context menu, not at the very bottom.

What method does Dropbox use? How can I replicate it for my own app?

Does one need to include code for this menu item in the app itself?

Is it possible for the user to add such a menu item for any app, similar to automator/services, without touching the app's code?

Answer 1

Dropbox is currently using Finder Sync extension. You can do all of that using it. Very simple to integrate and implement.