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    Mac Finder Basics

    Find files. Organize. Mac mastered.

    Open Finder

    • Click smiley face icon on dock.
    • Or click desktop, then "Finder" in menu bar.
    • New window opens.
    • Left = sidebar with locations.
    • Right = current folder contents.
    • Cmd + N = new Finder window.

    Sidebar locations

    • Recents — recent files.
    • Applications — all apps.
    • Desktop — files visible.
    • Documents — Word, Pages.
    • Downloads — from web.
    • iCloud Drive — cloud-synced.

    Find a file (Spotlight)

    • Cmd + Space — opens Spotlight.
    • Type any part of file name.
    • Searches entire Mac instantly.
    • Or magnifying glass top-right.
    • Or Finder search bar.
    • Use sentence: "photos from last week".

    Move + copy files

    • Drag file = move.
    • Hold Option + drag = copy.
    • Or Cmd+C to copy, Cmd+V to paste.
    • Cmd+X cuts file (rare on Mac).
    • Drop into Dock to open with app.
    • Cmd+Z = undo immediately.

    Make folders

    • File menu, then "New Folder".
    • Or Cmd + Shift + N.
    • Type name immediately.
    • Press Enter.
    • Drag files in.
    • Right-click for color-code label.

    Delete + recover

    • Drag to Trash bin (dock).
    • Or Cmd + Delete on file.
    • Click Trash to view.
    • Drag back to recover.
    • "Empty Trash" = permanent delete.
    • Time Machine restores deleted files.

    View options

    • Icons (default).
    • List — alphabetical with details.
    • Columns — show folder hierarchy.
    • Gallery — preview images.
    • Cmd + 1, 2, 3, 4 = switch view.
    • Cmd + + makes icons bigger.

    iCloud + Time Machine

    iCloud Drive automatically syncs Documents + Desktop. Time Machine — plug external drive once, set + forget. Backs up automatically. Recovers anything ever deleted. System Settings > General > Time Machine. $60 external drive = peace of mind for life.

    Mac Finder Basics | TekSure