I need to be able to navigate directories and load files without using openpanel because it's for an embedded application with no mouse and keyboard, just up/down/enter and a few other buttons.

So I need to find a way to create a symbol or a message or a list that contains or can cycle through all the filenames in a directory etc.
Basically I need to re-create openpanel without a mouse or keyboard!

@nuromantix Going through my stuff I found this by Ken Baker, that you might be able to adapt.....
It uses objects that work for windows under extended, but there are equivalents for other os and for vanilla.
You need to give it a starting directory, but can then select directories and files by index.......
find stuff.zip ... [bb_filebrowser.pd]
David.

Hmm thanks but i can't get it to do anything on my Mac.......
I think I will limit myself to a fixed file system and keep things relatively simple.

I have exactly the same problem

Maybe [folder_list] from the hcs library will help.