How to copy file paths on Mac

The method of copying file paths on a Mac may seem strange at first glance, but it is very practical. For example, when editing a document in collaboration with others, sending a file path is more efficient than hard work to interpret file locations; programmers may also need to specify the exact location of a file in some programs. This article will introduce eight ways to easily copy file paths on your Mac.

What is Mac file path?

File paths help you or a third party find files on your computer system. It is like a map that describes the path or directory to access files in a file system structure. For example, a file named "Portfolio.docx" saved in my "Downloads" folder has the file path on my Mac /Users/mac/Downloads .

Send file paths in different formats

The Mac comes with tools that can only send file paths in one format. With Setapp's Path Finder, you can choose from six formats: UNIX, HFS, Windows, terminal, URL, and name.

Free trial security test How to copy file paths on Mac

There are multiple ways to copy file paths on your Mac. You can use the tools you bring to macOS and they are very easy to use. If you need more flexibility and functionality, third-party applications can help.

Method 1: Find file path through the information window

All files saved on your Mac record their extension, size, creation date, last modified date, and location on your computer. All this information is displayed in the "Information" window of the file.

The method of using the "Information" window to get the directory path in your Mac is as follows:

1. Find the file you want and right-click it.
2. Select Show Introduction or press Ctrl I on the keyboard.
3. Under General, the In field contains the file path.
4. Copy the file path.

Note that the file path copied from the Information window does not contain a file name. This means that each file in the Downloads folder will have the same path, such as /Users/username/Downloads . The following method solves this problem.

Method 2: Get the file path from the Mac context menu

A Mac's context menu refers to the overlay that pops up when you right-click a record, folder, or application on your MacBook. It usually provides additional details or metadata about the object you click on.

Press and hold the Option key on the keyboard to edit menu options. When copying a file path from the context menu, the path is more detailed than the path copied from the Information window. The operation method is as follows:

1. Right-click the file in Finder.
2. Hold down the Option key and select Copy "[File Name]" as pathname.
3. Note: [File Name] is your file name.
4. Paste the file path to the location you need.

Method 3: Copy different file path formats in just a few clicks

While all the built-in features and tools in macOS allow you to find and copy file paths, you are limited to one format. Path Finder allows you to view and change hidden files, manage files in a dual-pane view, collect files in a temporary stack, and compare and synchronize folders across disks.

The application allows you to copy file paths (UNIX, HFS, Windows, Terminal, URL, Name) in up to six formats. Here is how to get the file path in your Mac:

1. Install and open Path Finder.
2. Right-click the file in the application window.
3. Place the cursor on Copy Path and select any file path format.
4. Paste the file path to the location you need.

Path Finder can also be set as the default file browser on your Mac. This will be a very useful tool for users who feel that Finder is restricted or work with the command line.

Method 4: Display file path through terminal

Another reliable way to get the path to a Mac file is through the terminal. It is a system application through which you can communicate with macOS using the command line interface (CLI). The terminal is mainly used by developers and advanced users. If you fall into any of these categories, here is how to get the path to a file in your Mac:

1. Open the terminal.
2. Drag the file into the terminal window.
3. Copy the path that appears and paste it to the desired location.

Method 5: The fastest way to find Mac files

Another secure third-party app, HoudahSpot, allows you to find files on your Mac at lightning speed. With HoudahSpot, you can combine different criteria to find files, search for files even if you don't know the file name, save frequent searches as templates, and use the quick view and preview features to view files.

The method of using HoudahSpot to get the path of a Mac file is as follows:

1. Download and open HoudahSpot.
2. Enter any file name in the search bar and press Enter.
3. Select the file you want to share.
4. Right-click the file name at the bottom of the window.
5. Click Copy Path and paste to the location you want.

Method 6: Use "Go to Folder" to copy the file path

Most people use Finder's "Go to Folder" command only when they want to find the file's include folder. However, you can also use this tool to find and copy the path to the Mac directory. To do this, just follow these steps:

1. Open Finder from Dock.
2. Find "Go" in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Go to folder...".
4. When the window appears, if necessary, click x in the upper right corner of the text box to clear the current field.
5. Drag the file you want to share into the search box.
6. Copy the file path and paste it where you need it.

Note that this method prevents access to the current Finder window. The simple workaround is to right-click on the Finder icon > "New Finder Window" to open a new Finder window. After that, you can drag the file from Finder to copy the Mac file path.

Method 7: Create a "Copy Path" service in Automator

Automator is a built-in macOS application that allows you to easily automate repetitive tasks. Here is how to copy the Mac path using Automator:

1. Open Automator from Launchpad.
2. Select Quick Action.
3. Select the option "Workflow Receive Current"
4. Select File or Folder.
5. Select "Finder" from the menu.
6. Scroll down the Actions menu in the left window to find Copy to clipboard.
7. Drag this module to an empty area of ​​the window.
8. From the Automator menu bar at the top of the screen, click File > Save.
9. Name your new automation and save it (I named it "Find File Path").

Now that you have created a new automation, here is how to use it:

1. Open the Finder application from Dock.
2. Right-click the file you want to copy.
3. Select Quick Action from the context menu.
4. Select the new automation you created (our name "Find File Path").
5. Paste the file path to the location you need.

Learning to copy file paths using Automator may seem complicated, but once done, it will eventually become the fastest way to do it. If you like to take shortcuts, this tool is for you.

Method 8: Use Spotlight to find file paths

Spotlight finds items on computer systems. These could be applications, documents, folders, or emails. You can also search for the network of items you typed in Spotlight. But few people know that they can also use Spotlight to find and copy Mac directory paths. The method is as follows:

1. Navigate to the folder containing the relevant files.
2. Click and hold the file with one hand.
3. Press Command Spacebar on the keyboard with the other hand.
4. Use the first hand to drag the file into the Spotlight search bar.
5. The file path will automatically appear in the search bar.
6. Copy to your Mac's clipboard and paste it where you need it.

This approach requires flexibility and may be inconvenient for most users. For example, you must operate both the keyboard and the mouse. Additionally, Spotlight disappears after you click anywhere close to it, and you may have to start over. Pay attention to the previous path when you start over, because it has the potential to merge with the new path you are trying to copy.

How to find large and old files

If the file you are looking for has been saved on your Mac for a long time or the file is large, there is a quick way to find it. CleanMyMac is designed to free up drive space by deleting cluttered files. The app also allows you to scan and clean up malware on your Mac, batch update and uninstall applications, and optimize your Mac's performance. To find large and old files using CleanMyMac:

1. Download and open CleanMyMac.
2. Click My Messy Files (on the left side of the window) > Scan.
3. Click View All Files > Large and Old Files.
4. Select the file you want and delete it if you don't need it.

To free up more space, check out Duplicates and Similar Images – they are located directly below Large and Old Files. There may be a lot of extra space hidden there!

Solved: How to copy paths on Mac

While finding and copying file paths on a Mac is not a common topic of discussion among most people, it is a hidden trick that can make working on a computer or working with a team easier. This feature is supported by built-in tools such as the Information window, the Context Menu, the Go to Folder, the Terminal, the Automator, and the Spotlight.

At the same time, you can also rely on easy-to-use third-party applications. Some examples include Path Finder, HoudahSpot, and CoreShell. You can choose the option that suits you best based on your computer knowledge level and personal preferences. These tools are best for those who use files frequently, and finding file paths is just one of many useful features of these applications.

If you decide to use intuitive third-party apps, you can install all of them from Setapp, a powerful collection of subscription-based applications for Mac. On Setapp, there are definitely applications that meet your needs. Additionally, you can try all Setapp applications for free for seven days without any fees. The trial version will convince you!

FAQ

How to find the current path of a folder on your Mac?

You can find the path to a folder just like you would find the path to a file. For example, use the Context Menu, right-click the file in Finder. Next, hold down the Option key and click "Copy "[File Name]" to path name". Paste the file path to the location you need.

How to find file paths for Python on Mac?

To find a Python path on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open the terminal. You can open a terminal using "Spotlight Search" or navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter "python3" and press Enter. This will start the Python 3 interpreter in your terminal window.
3. Enter the command import sys; print(sys.executable) and press Enter. This line of code indicates that the interpreter shows the path to the Python executable file on the system.
4. Wait for the terminal to display the path to the Python executable file.

This path indicates the location of the Python interpreter on the Mac.

How to get the relative path of a file on a Mac?

The relative path does not display the full address of the file, but rather shows its location relative to the folder you are currently in. For example, if you are in /Users/yourname/Documents and want to access /Users/yourname/Documents/Work/Ideas.txt , the relative path to the file is Work/Ideas.txt .

This means you can copy the absolute path and then manually edit it to get the relative path. To do this, right-click the file or folder while holding down the Option key, and then click Copy [File Name] to Path. Then paste it and delete the path part before the current directory.

The mentioned application

Path Finder HoudahSpot CleanMyMac Core Shell

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