Every Mac user will spend a fair amount of time in Finder every day. Get more done with Apple’s files app with these Finder tips.
The best Finder tips at a glance
To keep your files and folders organized, Finder is the tool you need. The program seems simple, but it contains a large amount of functions below the surface. The Finder tips below will help you get the most out of it.
1. Show breadcrumbs
This function is disabled by default, but with the key combination ‘Command + Option (Alt) + P’ the status bar with breadcrumbs appears. This way you can see exactly where a file is located on your Mac.
2. Customize sidebar
The left sidebar of Finder shows favorite (and frequently used) locations such as Downloads, Documents, and Programs. By pressing ‘Command + Comma’ and going to ‘Sidebar’ you can determine which items are displayed.
3. Add columns
By default, Finder displays the columns ‘Name’, ‘Edited Date’, ‘Size’ and ‘Kind’. If you want to display more columns, such as the creation date, Ctrl + click on the column bar and make your selection.
4. Using tabs
Handy if, for example, you want to drag a file from one folder to another. Hold down Command and double-click a folder to open it in a new tab.
5. More extensive search
Open Finder and hit ‘Command + F’ to open the more extensive search function. Here you can add certain search criteria with the plus sign and make your search more specific with, for example, the creation or editing date.
6. Search in current folder
At the top, click on ‘Finder> Preferences> Advanced’ and from the drop-down menu (when performing a search) select ‘Search current folder’.
7. Adjust default folder
When you open Finder, a default folder opens. However, you can change it via ‘Command + comma’ and by going to ‘General’. Click the dropdown under Show in New Finder Windows to choose the folder you want.
8. Smart folders
These are directories that meet specific search criteria. You can create them by going to ‘File> New Smart Folder’ (Alt + Command + N) via the menu bar. Then enter the desired criteria with the plus sign.
9. Merge windows
You can create separate windows by dragging tabs from the Finder window. If it all becomes a bit too much, click on ‘Windows> Merge all windows’ in the menu bar.
10. Quickly view files
If you want to view a photo without opening it, press space for a preview. The key combination Alt + Command makes the preview full screen.
11. Preview
Since OS X Yosemite, you can preview files in all views. Click View> Show Preview in the menu bar to activate this handy feature.
12. Print files
You can send files directly to your printer from Finder. You can do this by pressing ‘Command + P’ or by going to ‘File> Print’ in the menu bar. This way you can print even faster.
13. Always open with
Finder itself is able to open files with the correct program, but you can also manually choose a program by clicking on a file and pressing ‘Command + I’. Then click on ‘Open with’ and choose a program from the drop-down menu.
14. Customize button bar
Via the menu bar and ‘View> Customize Toolbar’ you can adjust which items are in the Finder toolbar. Select favorite parts yourself and choose the display with text, symbols or both.
15. Change multiple file names
Hold down Command and select the correct files. Ctrl + click, choose ‘Rename X parts’ and determine which text you want to change where.
Also read: How to make hidden files visible in Finder