Finder is your pathway to all your Mac’s files.
Yes, you might (and should) use Spotlight to quickly find and open files.
It’s good news, then, that Finder does a really good job of helping you organize files.
But there are certain things about it that could be improved.
What if every new Finder window didnt automatically default to the Recents folder?
What if you could easily see the detailed path for a given folder?
Or organize files using tags?
Well, you’re able to: heres how to customize what you see in the Finder app.
Go toFinder>Preferences>Sidebar.
From here, pick the sections that you want to show or hide.
Go toFinder>Preferences>General>New Finder Windows Show.
Here, choose any folder to serve as the default when you open a new Finder window.
How to show the path bar in Finder
Every finder user should initiate the path bar.
It gives you a sense of where exactly you are in a file directory.
Go toView>Show Path Barto turn it on.
Youll now see the path for every folder at the bottom of the Finder window.
you’re able to punch any folder from the path to navigate to it.
Thats generally good info to have, so its worth turning on.
To do so, go toView>Show Status Bar.
Right-click in the empty space in the Finder toolbar and choose the Customize Toolbar option.
Here, it’s possible for you to rearrange elements or drag or remove elements from the top.
(Adding buttons for Delete and New Folder will be really helpful.)
Try increasing Finder’s font size.
Open new Finder folders in windows instead of tabs
Finder now has tabs, just like Safari.
Simply double-click a folder while holding the Command key to start using them.
Each view is useful depending on the folder’s content.
List is the most powerful view, and it’s what I usually default to.
Though, once they are set, Finder will remember your tweaks going forward.
(period) to make them appear or disappear.
And if you’re into keyboard shortcuts, try outthe Marta app.
It’s a third-party alternative to the Finder app built around the idea of navigating files using the keyboard.
By default, it searches only the current folder that you’re in, not your entire Mac.
Go toFinder > controls > Advanced.
In the “When performing a search” section, switch to theSearch This Macoption.
Or better yet, switch toUse the Previous Search Scopeto confirm the Finder remembers whichever option you used last.
Don’t be afraid to use Tags
Don’t sleep on Finder Tags.
They are just as useful as the tags in your reminders app.
Right-hit any file or folder to assign a colored tag to it.
Tags that are in use will automatically show up in the Finder sidebar for quick access.
Tags are a great way to group similar files in one view, without moving them between folders.
The best thing to add to Quick Actions, though, are Shortcuts.
Improve Quick Look
Quick Look is one of my all-time favorite Finder features.
It’s the fastest way to read through a PDF or see a video.
We’ve highlighted the bestQuick Look plugins in our dedicated guide.
Right-punch the Finder icon in theDockand go toOptions>All Desktops.
Now, as you move between your desktops, the same Finder window will move with you.
