cut files / rename files

[stig]

i'm new, so...

what is the most easy way to CUT files and paste them somewhere else in the finder? I know you can copy files and then delete the old one afterwards, but i think that's a double work no ?

can you only rename files in the finder?

if yes, is there a way to go faster to the map i'm workin in ?

tx

[Thank The Cheese]

Unlike Windows, you cannot Cut a file or folder, then paste it in another location using the Edit Menu commands. Apple tends to favour drag-and-drop methods, keeping with their logical, 'computers made for people' philosophy. The danger is that if you Cut a file, then copy another file before pasting the first, that file is erased from the clipboard and lost.

Having said that, I personally think you should be able to cut and paste files like in Windows, but it's not a huge deal.

The methods I use to move files are:

• Change to List or Column view so that both the source and destnation folders can be seen in the same Finder window, then click and drag the file(s) I want to the new location. (you can change the views at the upper-left of the Finder window, next to the Back/Forward buttons. If you can't see them, click the rectangular button at the top-right corner of the window to expand your options).
• Drag file(s) to the desktop, then change to the destination folder in the Finder and drag the file back from the desktop to the new location.
• Find the file(s) you want to move, then open a new Finder window (by double-clicking 'Macintosh HD' or whenever) and dragging from one window to the other (hold Command if moving between 2 seperate drives or it will copy the file).

Apparently OS X 10.5 is going to see some major changes to the Finder, so this may not be an issue for much longer

[Ifrit]

By holding the Command (Apple) key while dragging the file, you are moving the files instead of coying it. The plus sign (which indicates copying) disappears.

[dmetzcher]

Originally Posted by Thank The Cheese

The danger is that if you Cut a file, then copy another file before pasting the first, that file is erased from the clipboard and lost.

This is not accurate because, in Windows, there is no danger of this. Cutting a file in Windows, and then copying or cutting another, cancels the first cut request. The original file that you cut is not actually cut, it is marked as being the last thing for which a cut command was issued, and the icon changes to semi-transparent to show the user this. It is not removed, and remains where it is under a paste command is issued. A copy or cut command after the first cut command cancels the first cut command.

That being said, the Mac should have this. There really is no excuse. If they wanted to keep it away from novice users, they could make it an option that has to be turned on in some preference panel or in the Finder preferences. Every app supports it, and so should the Finder.

I use an Automator workflow for moving files. It's saved as a plugin for the Finder. Read up on this and create the workflow if you want. The downside is that it's ultra-slow, and you wait and wait...and then wait some more...for the dialog to appear that asks you where you want to move the file. It's only slightly helpful if you have to move a file very far down a directory tree. I hardly use it, but it's a good intro project for Automator, so you can check it out and learn a little more about using Automator to make life easier.

[SuperTyphoon]

Originally Posted by dmetzcher

This is not accurate because, in Windows, there is no danger of this. Cutting a file in Windows, and then copying or cutting another, cancels the first cut request. The original file that you cut is not actually cut, it is marked as being the last thing for which a cut command was issued, and the icon changes to semi-transparent to show the user this. It is not removed, and remains where it is under a paste command is issued. A copy or cut command after the first cut command cancels the first cut command.

That being said, the Mac should have this. There really is no excuse. If they wanted to keep it away from novice users, they could make it an option that has to be turned on in some preference panel or in the Finder preferences. Every app supports it, and so should the Finder.

I use an Automator workflow for moving files. It's saved as a plugin for the Finder. Read up on this and create the workflow if you want. The downside is that it's ultra-slow, and you wait and wait...and then wait some more...for the dialog to appear that asks you where you want to move the file. It's only slightly helpful if you have to move a file very far down a directory tree. I hardly use it, but it's a good intro project for Automator, so you can check it out and learn a little more about using Automator to make life easier.

Not only is the the file not lost and the cut command ignored, but if you accidentally cut a file you can press ctrl z or go the the trash bin and get it back in a second.

[Veljo]

If it helps, you can copy and paste files and folders.

[Thank The Cheese]

Originally Posted by dmetzcher

This is not accurate because, in Windows, there is no danger of this. Cutting a file in Windows, and then copying or cutting another, cancels the first cut request. The original file that you cut is not actually cut, it is marked as being the last thing for which a cut command was issued, and the icon changes to semi-transparent to show the user this.

true, true, but that's a problem in itself, because it is failed, confusing logic, which is one of the major problems with Windows. If you Cut a file, it should be cut altogether, otherwise it isn't really being cut, it's being "held" or "marked". Apple have obviously realised this, hence only allowing you to move with the mouse.

I realise the cut paste thing isn't too hard to grasp for you or I, because we know how to use computers, but people who don't know may get confused.

I think they should introduce a "Move..." item in the Edit menu. When you select a file(s), the Move... becomes active. When you select the item, a navigation window pops up and asks for a destination. This is logical and easy to grasp for beginners before they discover better ways.

[Mikuro]

Yeah, drag-n-drop is the only way to move files in the Finder. But there are two handy tricks that might not be immediately obvious:

1. When you drag a file, you can navigate through folders using "spring loaded folder". As you drag the file, hold it over a folder for a while, and it will spring open. You can hit the space bar while hovering over a folder to force it to spring immediately. This can be configured (and disabled) in the Finder's Preferences.

2. You can use Exposé while dragging. Begin the drag, hit F10, and then you can easily drop it into another Finder window that might have previously been invisible.