Operating systems generally have tools that allow simple and easy management of the resources or files that we have on our computers. If, for example, you use Microsoft Windows, the Windows file explorer will not be strange to you. If, on the other hand, we use a computer with Mac OS installed, we will find the Finder tool at our disposal. Historically, Finder has not only been used for file and disk management, but also for network management or launching various applications. Once we have seen the importance of this application, we will provide you with the knowledge about the keyboard shortcuts for Finder Windows on Mac OS.
It is important to point out that our tips will not only help you to navigate with the Finder browser, but that they will be useful in practically all available versions of Mac OS and OS X.
Keyboard shortcuts to keep in mind
File management shortcuts
First, we will focus on the shortcuts for Finder related to file management, such as opening and creating a folder, showing new windows, manipulating images, locating yourself within files … Once you master the basic shortcuts you can begin to emulate the skill of IT professionals.
| Keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Command + N | New Finder window |
| Shift + Command + N | New folder |
| Option + Command + N | New smart folder |
| Control + Command + N | New folder containing the selected item |
| Command + O | Open selected item |
| Command + T | New tab |
| Shift + Command + T | Show / Hide a Finder tab |
| Command + W | Close the window |
| Option + Command + W | Close all Finder windows |
| Command + I | Show Get information for the selected item |
| Command + D | Selected file (s) duplicated |
| Control + Command + A | Create an alias of the selected item |
| Control + Option + Command + A | Show original for selected alias |
| Command + R | Rotate an image 90 degrees clockwise |
| Command + L | Rotate an image 90 degrees counterclockwise |
| Command + Y | Quick Look Selected Item |
| Command + P | Print selected item |
| Control + Command + T | Add selected item to sidebar |
| Control + Shift + Command + T | Add the selected item to the Dock |
| Command + Delete | Move selected item to trash |
| Command + F | Open Spotlight Search |
| Command + E | Eject the selected device |
| Command + click on window title | Show path to current folder |
SEARCH VIEW OPTIONS
One of the purposes of shortcuts is one of the purposes of the shortcuts to view files in a comfortable way while doing a search. Here are the shortcuts that will allow you to view content in new and different ways.
| Keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Command + 1 | View as icons |
| Command + 2 | View as list |
| Command + 3 | View as column |
| Command + 4 | View as coverage flow |
| Shift + Command + P | Show / Hide preview pane |
| Right arrow | Expand the highlighted folder (list view) |
| Left arrow | Collapse the highlighted folder (list view) |
| Option + Command + Right | Expand the highlighted folder and all subfolders |
| Command + Down | Open the selected folder |
| Command + Up | Go back to the attached folder |
| Control + Command + 0 | Alternation groups |
| Control + Command + 1 | Group by name |
| Control + Command + 2 | Group by type |
| Control + Command + 3 | Group by last open date |
| Control + Command + 4 | Group by date added |
| Control + Command + 5 | Group by modification date |
| Control + Command + 6 | Group by size |
| Control + Command + 7 | Group by labels |
| Command + J | Show view options |
| Option + Command + P | Show or hide the path bar |
| Option + Command + S | Show or hide the sidebar |
| Command + / (Slash) | Show or hide the status bar |
| Shift + Command + T | Show or hide the tab bar |
| Shift + Command + (backslash) | Show all tabs |
| Control + Command + F | Enter or exit full screen |
«GO PRO»WITH FINDER SHORTCUTS
However, if we want to raise our level and impress our teammates with our skills we must go a little further. For them we must be fast, have the ability to access special locations and specific sites by simultaneously pressing several keys. Access the next level with the following shortcuts.
| Keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Command + [ (corchete izquierdo) | Volver a la ubicación anterior |
| Comando +] (right bracket) | Advance to the next location |
| Shift + Command + A | Open the applications folder |
| Shift + Command + C | Open the computer window |
| Shift + Command + D | Open the desktop folder |
| Shift + Command + F | Open recent files window |
| Shift + Command + G | Open Go to Folder command |
| Shift + Command + H | Open the folder beginning |
| Shift + Command + I | Open the folder iCloud Drive |
| Shift + Command + K | Open network window |
| Option + Command + L | Open download files |
| Shift + Command + O | Open document folder |
| Shift + Command + R | Open window AirDrop |
| Shift + Command + U | Open utility folder |
| Command + K | Open the Connect to Server window |
Disadvantages of using a keyboard
Despite how useful Finder shortcuts can be, it is still true that their use involves a certain level of difficulty. This is due to the inconvenience of having to remember countless key combinations to execute at least half of the previously proposed shortcuts. That is why our recommendation is aimed at finding a practical use for them. In other words, whenever possible we should at least remember the most important ones and the ones that we are most interested in using most frequently. In my personal experience I very often use shortcuts related to organizing content in the way that I prefer the most. We hope that our advice has been useful to you.