Make your life easier - Get a file path in macOS

?? Tech can make your life easier (sometimes) ??

?? A shortcut to find a file path in macOS

#letsfixmacostogether

As a developer I deal with file paths VERY often. For example, I download a bunch of CSV files, unzip, and need to run a script in that folder.

How do you go from a file in Finder to a path in the CLI?

One option is to remember the location and use auto-complete in the terminal (?? aka Symphony in tab-tab-tab-tab Minor ??).

But:

• macOS apps often open Finder windows in random locations, making it tedious to find the exact path.
• Rule #1 of productivity: your brain is for thinking, not remembering.

Trick #1: Use a keyboard shortcut

Highlight the file or folder, then type ?+?+c?(option-command-c).

?? Bam, the filepath is in your clipboard.

Note that the Finder team agrees this is useful, but they won't make it discoverable (like many things in the ecosystem).

Remember: the brain is for thinking, not remembering keyboard combinations you use twice a week.

Trick #2: Use an Apple Shortcut

Here is what it looks like:

Obvious, discoverable, simple.

Let's fix macOS together, you can install the shortcuts using this iCloud share:

?? https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/006a7a221ad14a278567d477b1c76ebf

If you want to re-create it yourself:

1. Create a shortcut, enable ?? Use as Quick Action and ?? Finder on the Details panel.
2. Add the action: Get Details Of File, pick File Path`
3. Add the action: Copy to Clipboard