For years, Finder has allowed you to display different views and arrange them according to different requirements. Think of sorting by name, type, opening date, etc. This is of course still the case, but there is a handy extra option available.
Since macOS Sierra it is also possible to display folders first, followed by files, documents and images. This brings a little more order to Finder and ensures that folders and files do not get mixed up.
Place folders at the top in Finder
- Open Finder
- Click on ‘Finder’ in the menu bar
- Select the ‘Settings’ or ‘Preferences’ option
- Open the ‘Advanced’ tab
Now at the bottom of ‘Make sure folders are at the top’, check the options ‘In windows when sorted by name’ and/or ‘On desktop’. Please note that the ‘On desktop’ option is only available since macOS Catalina.
After this, the sorting will be carried out immediately. The folders are therefore only placed at the top when you arrange by: name, type and on the desktop. You can adjust the ordering via Finder â–¸ Menu Bar â–¸ View â–¸ Arrange By…