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June 14, 2005
Finder | Move a file
As you are probably aware, there are many ways to accomplish the same task. Often people learn one way of doing things, and stick with it and make it a habit. When I started using OS X, I struggled with breaking old habits and learning new ones. I did this quite self-consciously because I just couldn't cope with the range of new options. I need a standard way of doing things.
Here's a relatively new and smart way of moving a file while avoiding wrestling with window clutter, ie. having a bunch of windows open which obscure each other. It's a good, standard approach.
How to move a file:
1. In Finder, navigate to the folder where you want to put the file - but don't open the folder. You'll know you are there when you can see the folder you want to put it in. We'll call this the destination folder.
2. Grab the destination folder and drag to the left sidebar of the Finder window.
3. Now navigate to the file you want to move.
4. Grab the file you want to move and drag and drop it onto the destination folder you added to the sidebar.
The file will be moved to the destination folder.
5. If the destination folder is not something you will go to, or add files to on a daily basis, you can remove it from the sidebar by grabbing it and dragging it to the right. Once it passes the divider marking the edge of the sidebar, you'll see a cartoon rendering of a puff of smoke appear under the folder and you can let go. It will disappear in a puff.
Tip: If you are unfamiliar with adding items to the sidebar, it's easiest if you add them to the very bottom of the list.
I found this approach a bit difficult initially, because I would normally think of the file first, then where I wanted to put it. So it took a bit of work to get in the habit of thinking first about where I wanted to put the file, then putting it there. Nonetheless, it's still better than opening multiple windows.
With these instructions Mom, I've used words that are verbs for fairly basic tasks, like grab, and drag and drop. I'm testing to see what I can get away with abbreviating, so do leave a comment to let me know which are meaningless nonsense.
Posted by Brad at June 14, 2005 08:57 PM
Comments
I understand any of the terms you have used. My problem is that I'm not sure what I would want to file. That is dificult for you to know to so what do you file in what folder or is that a personal question?
I've been pondering this and expected an inspiration - but no.
Posted by: Mom at June 17, 2005 02:50 PM
