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Questions tagged [finder]

Mac OS X's default file manager and desktop shell

Finder Logo

Finder is the default file manager and desktop environment in Apple's Mac OS X. In addition to being a file manager, it acts as a shell. It is responsible for allowing the user to launch and close applications, mount network drives, etc.

626 questions
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Enter to open a file in Finder

I find the Cmd + O shortcut to open a file in Finder unintuitive. Does anyone know how to change it? I'd like to set it so that enter opens a file instead of going into rename mode.
rz.
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How can I get an address bar in Finder?

I'm used to knowing where all my files are. Is there a way to get an address bar to show up in Finder in OS X (10.5+) like in Explorer in Windows or Nautilus in GNOME? I also want to be able to copy the address bar. Perhaps the workflow is different…
wag2639
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Open folder for a given path in Mac OS X

Let's say I have a path to a folder in a text document or in the clipboard, for example: /Users/Joe/Documents/workspace/test How can I quickly open this folder in Mac OS X? In Windows I could open the Run-dialog, paste the path into the input box…
Florian Fankhauser
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4 answers

Trying to unzip file

When trying to unzip a file, I ghet the following error: Archive: file.zip skipping: file.bla need PK compat. v4.5 (can do v2.1) Can any one help?
Pedro Cora
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5 answers

Make OS X's Quick Look work for custom file extensions

I find Finder's Quick Look feature (launched with Space) very useful, but it works only for a limited number of file extensions. In work I often get .properties, .conf, .ddl and other files which are essentially text, yet in Quick Look their content…
Nikita Rybak
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14 answers

Trying to delete directory with "rm -rf", but get message that it's not empty

I've tried deleting a directory using "rm -rf" and I'm getting the message "Directory not empty": Bens-MacBook-Pro:please benjaminhocking$ ls -lart empty_directory/ total 16 drwxr-xr-x 5 benjaminhocking staff 170 Aug 27 14:46 . drwxr-xr-x 3…
Ben Hocking
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Show hidden files on OS X except .DS_Store

I want to see all hidden files on my Mac except .DS_Store. Is there a way to do that?
Alan
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63
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18 answers

Easiest way to create a new text file in a Finder window on OSX

OK, so if I'm browsing directories in OS X Finder, what's the easiest way to create a new text file? Right now I have to either open TextEdit, click around until I get to the same directory I'm in, or I have to open a terminal window, cd to the…
Jason S
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How do you open a folder in OSX using the keyboard?

On Windows, pressing Enter when you highlight on a folder in Windows Explorer will open that folder. Same on Linux. On OSX, pressing Enter when you highlight a folder edits the folder's name (like F2 on Windows and Linux). Is there a keyboard…
Daniel T.
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How to merge (and not replace) folders when copying on the Mac?

There's a similar question about windows. This is the same, but for mac. By the way, it's odd there's no question on this yet, since it seems like it's the most hated thing on Mac OS X. If I try to copy or move a folder to somewhere it already…
cregox
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How to cut files on Finder on Mac OSX 10.9 Mavericks?

I can't cut files on Mac OSX 10.9 Mavericks after upgrade. I can only copy and delete them. Why? How can I fix this?
Dmitry
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1 answer

How to auto-arrange/clean-up files for ALL folders in OSX Mountain Lion

I have figured out how to make folders auto arrange their contents. This is achieved in Finder->View->Show View Options (or cmd+J). From the newly opened window, setting the arrange by dropdown will set the folders behavior from then on. But it is…
drewwyatt
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9 answers

Create a symbolic link in the Mac OS X Finder

Is there a way to get the same functionality as the unix command ln -s in the Mac OS X Finder (OS 10.5)? I want to be able to create symbolic links while working in Finder windows without opening the Terminal. Note that the Make Alias command in…
Michael Schneider
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12 answers

Copying and pasting the path within Finder

I've recently moved to the Mac from Windows as my primary machine. One feature I'm really missing is the ability to quickly navigate between folders. I used to do this under Windows by copying the path from one Explorer window and pasting it into a…
Alex Angas
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How do I "cut" a file on OS X?

I'm a newbie on the Mac world and I'd like to know if it's possible to cut a file using a shortcut (like Ctrl+X on Windows).
user4292
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