Finder for Mac

Finder how-to guides

Every Finder guide we have, newest first. Each one lists the menu path, the shortcut and what to do when it does not work.

Person sorting work files on a laptop, the kind of desk where you learn how to add a tag to a file in Finder on MacEasy · 2 minHow to add a tag to a file in Finder on Mac: step by stepAdd a tag to a file in Finder on Mac by selecting it, clicking the Tag button, and typing a name. Shortcuts, fixes and macOS notes included.Man at a Mac learning how to change the default folder for new windows in FinderEasy · 3 minHow to change the default folder for new windows in Finder on Mac: step by stepLearn how to change the default folder for new windows in Finder on Mac using Finder > Settings > General, plus fixes when it does not stick.Person at a desk learning how to change the sidebar in Finder on MacEasy · 4 minHow to change the sidebar in Finder on Mac: add, remove and reorder itemsHow to change the sidebar in Finder on Mac: show or hide it, edit Favorites, reorder items, and fix a missing section. Steps for current macOS.Man at a desk using a Mac laptop to organize files, the kind of work where an alias in Finder on Mac helpsEasy · 2 minHow to create an alias in Finder on Mac: macOS 27 steps, shortcuts and fixesLearn how to create an alias in Finder on Mac with File > Make Alias, Control-Command-A and Option-Command drag. Includes fixes for broken aliases.Person at a desk using a MacBook to show hidden files in Finder on MacEasy · 1 minHow to show hidden files in Finder on Mac: shortcut, Terminal method, and fixesHow to show hidden files in Finder on Mac: click a Finder window, press ⇧⌘. to show them, press it again to hide. Terminal steps and fixes inside.A person at a laptop, working through folders while figuring out how to show the path bar in Finder on MacEasy · 2 minHow to show the path bar in Finder on Mac: quick steps for recent macOSLearn how to show the path bar in Finder on Mac using View > Show Path Bar, the ⌥⌘P shortcut, or a quick Option-key peek at the bottom edge.Person using a MacBook at a desk, scrolling through photo files in a Finder window on MacEasy · 5 minHow to use gallery view in Finder on Mac: steps, shortcuts and fixesLearn how to use gallery view in Finder on Mac. Switch with Command-4, browse with arrow keys, keep it on a folder, and fix common problems.Person at a desk on a MacBook, learning how to use the preview pane in Finder on MacEasy · 3 minHow to use the preview pane in Finder on Mac: show, resize, and fix itLearn how to use the preview pane in Finder on Mac. Turn it on with View > Show Preview, resize it, and fix missing thumbnails fast.