Finder on Mac is often underestimated as merely a file viewing application, but it holds several hidden features that can significantly enhance your daily workflow. Over the years, Apple has refined Finder, introducing numerous functionalities that many users are unaware of. By mastering these Finder tips, you can integrate powerful features into your routine without needing to install additional software.
Personalize Your Finder Sidebar
The first tip is to customize your Finder sidebar to better suit your needs. The left panel in Finder includes various shortcuts that can be rearranged according to your preferences. Simply drag items in the sidebar to change their order, including sections like “Favorites” and “Locations.” One of the most useful functionalities is the ability to remove unused items, such as Recent Tags. To do this, click the Finder button in the menu bar, select Settings > Sidebar, and uncheck any unnecessary items. You can also drag any folder into the Favorites section for quicker access to frequently opened folders.
Optimize Default Search Location
Another helpful tip is to adjust the default search location in Finder for improved efficiency. By default, searches in Finder display results from the entire Mac, which can be time-consuming. To streamline this, go to Finder Settings > Advanced and select the “Search the Current Folder” option. This way, search results will only display files from the active folder. Additionally, there’s a hidden advanced search mode that allows for multiple search filters. After entering your keyword, click the “+” button below the search bar to access these filters.
Automate Trash Management
Storage management is crucial, especially for MacBook users with limited capacity. The next tip involves setting up your Trash to clean itself automatically. Deleted files remain in Trash, taking up space. To resolve this, enable the “Remove items from Trash after 30 days” feature found in Finder Settings > Advanced. This ensures that any files that have been in Trash for 30 days are permanently deleted without manual intervention.
Streamline File Extraction and Preview
When extracting zip files, Mac does not automatically delete the original archive, which can lead to clutter. To manage this, you can access the Archive Utility through Command-Space, then navigate to Settings and select the option to “move archive to Trash” after expanding. This setting will ensure that zip files are automatically removed after extraction, keeping your folders tidy.
Another fantastic feature of macOS is Quick Look, which lets you preview files without opening them. However, it doesn’t allow for folder previews unless you install a plugin called Folder Preview, available for $1.99. For more advanced needs, Folder Preview Pro at $9.99 offers capabilities like copying, pasting, and directly previewing files within folders.
Utilize Quick Actions and Security Features
For those transitioning from Windows, you might miss the cut-and-paste functionality. Mac does have this feature, but it’s not immediately obvious. To move files, copy them with Command-C, then navigate to the destination folder and press Command-Option-V. Alternatively, use the Edit menu and select “Move Item Here.” If this option is absent, right-click in the empty area of the destination folder while holding the Option key.
Finder also includes Quick Actions for various file types. For instance, you can remove the background from an image without opening it by right-clicking on the image and selecting Quick Actions > Remove Background. The Quick Actions menu contains additional tasks tailored to the file type.
Customize Finder Toolbar and Background
To enhance usability, you can customize the Finder toolbar by right-clicking in an empty area and selecting “Customize Toolbar.” You can drag the “Path” button to the toolbar, allowing you to view the full folder path from any location in Finder. You can also add the AirDrop button to expedite file sharing, typically involving multiple clicks.
Lastly, you can change the background of the Finder window. This feature is only available in the “Icons” view. Open any folder, press Command-1 to switch to Icons view, and then Command-J to access View Options. Under the “Background” section, you can select “Color” to change the background color or “Picture” to add a wallpaper. Note that the wallpaper does not automatically adjust to window size, which may leave some empty space when resizing.
By mastering these ten Finder tricks, Mac users can work more efficiently and stay organized. From personalizing the sidebar to automating storage management and enhancing security, all can be achieved without extra software. For those eager to explore further, paid plugins like Folder Preview offer deeper preview capabilities. Combining built-in settings with third-party plugins makes Finder a powerful tool for daily productivity.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/10-trik-finder-mac-untuk-tingkatkan-produktivitas-kerja
