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Have you ever needed to find the exact location of a file on your Mac? If you are new to Mac, you will find that Mac operating systems can be very different to Windows. A common question among Mac users, especially those who are new to the platform, is about finding the file path of a file. Knowing how to get a file path can be useful in various situations. In this article, we will be showing you how to get a file path of a file on a Mac, using a few easy-to-follow methods.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get File Path of A File in Mac
Before we dive into the methods to get file path on a Mac, it is important to understand why this is necessary. The easiest answer is that file paths are useful when navigating between folders and directories, locating files, and performing a wide range of activities. In some cases, you may need to provide a file path to a program to launch a file or complete certain operations. Here are some reasons why you might need to get file path on a Mac-
Some reasons are:
- To Copy or Move Files: You might want to use file paths to copy or move files from one location to another
- To Save Files: You might need to provide the file path to save the file to the correct location
- For Troubleshooting: In some cases, you might need to share the file path for troubleshooting issues
- To Open Files: Some programs require that you provide the file path to open files
- To Search for Files: You can use file paths to search for hidden files, backup files, and other files in your system.
Method 1: Using Finder
The first method we will look at to find the file path on a Mac is Finder. Finder is the main application you use in macOS for finding and managing files. Here’s how to use it to get file path on a Mac:
Step 1: Launch Finder on your Mac from the Dock.
Step 2: Navigate to the file you want to get the path of.
Step 3: Right-click on the file to bring up the context menu.
Step 4: Press the "Option" key on your keyboard, and then click on "Copy (item name) as Pathname."
Step 5: Open a text editor- Text edit or Microsoft Word.
Step 6: Paste the copied item. The path to the item will be displayed in the text editor.
Pros:
- The process is fast and easy to follow
- You don’t need to have any prior knowledge to follow these steps
Cons:
- You might not be able to use this method to copy all files
- You may need to be editing a file that lies beneath the file in its directory path
Method 2: Using Terminal
The second method on how to get a file path of a file in Mac requires the use of Terminal. Terminal is a built-in app on all Macs that allows you to control your computer with commands. Here’s how to get file path on a Mac using Terminal:
Step 1: On your Mac, launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Step 2: Navigate to the file you would like to view using Terminal, use the command "cd" to change the directory for where the file is stored.
Step 3: Drag and drop the file from Finder into the Terminal window. The path for the file will be displayed in Terminal.
Step 4: Hit Enter, and the path for the file will be displayed.
Pros:
- Tre second method utilizes the command line and gives you more control over the process.
- It can be faster if you are familiar with using Terminal.
Cons:
- It can be intimidating if you are not familiar with using Terminal.
- There is increased room for error in entering the correct commands.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut
This method is the easiest way if you don’t want to go digging around in Finder. This method helps you access the file path for any file you have selected on your Mac.
Step 1: Navigate to the file that you want to know the file path for.
Step 2: Click on the file to select it.
Step 3: Get the file path by pressing ("Command + i") or choosing File > Get Info
Step 4: The file Info window will appear, and you will see the file path under the "General" section.
Pros:
- This method is easy to remember.
- There are no advanced skills required to complete this method
Cons:
- The process may take more clicks if you have to access the menu panel.
- The path may be hidden behind other windows or hard to see based on the screen of your current window.
What to Do if You Can’t Get the File Path?
If none of the above methods worked for you, there are a few reasons. Firstly, you may not be able to gain access to the file you are searching for. It is also possible that the file might not exist in the location that you thought it existed. In that case, check the trash folder if you have deleted the file.
Bonus Tip
Finder lets you enable Path Bar, which takes the pain out of following the directory.
Pros:
- The path bar is easy to see and helps you track the directory you are following.
Cons:
- The Path Bar is disabled by default.
5 FAQs
Q1. What is a file path?
A1. A file path refers to the location of a file or folder in your computer’s directories and subdirectories.
Q2. Why does macOS hide the user’s Library folder?
A2. On macOS, sometimes the Library folder contains a lot of important system files that users can’t access. Hiding these files helps to keep them safe and reduces the chances of the user accidentally deleting or altering something they shouldn’t.
Q3. How do I check disk space on macOS?
A3. You can check for disk space by going to the Apple menu, selecting "About This Mac," then clicking on the "Storage" tab.
Q4. Can I adjust the folder settings on Mac?
A4. Yes, you can adjust the folder settings on Mac. Go to Finder preferences, then select the "Advanced" tab, and you can enable or disable various settings based on your preference.
Q5. How do I take a screenshot on a Mac?
A5. You can take a screenshot by pressing "Command + Shift + 3" on your keyboard. By default, the screenshot saves on your desktop.
Final Thoughts
Getting a file path on Mac can be useful in various situations. You can copy, move, open, or troubleshoot files more efficiently if you have the exact location of the file. In this article, we have detailed three methods on how to get a file path of a file on a Mac. While all these methods give you the same results, the one you choose will depend mostly on your preference and familiarity with Finder and Terminal. As always, it is important to use caution when making changes to your system, and if you are in doubt, seek advice from a professional.