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  • Working with Finder

OS X Mavericks

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Working with Finder

Working with Finder

If you use a Mac, you'll use Finder whenever you want to navigate to a file. You'll also be able to control how your files are displayed, making it easier to find what you need.

The Finder window

To start navigating, you'll first need to open a Finder window. There are two main ways to do this:

  • Double-click any folder on the desktop.
    Screenshot of OS X MavericksDouble-clicking a folder
  • Click the Finder icon on the Dock.
    Screenshot of OS X MavericksOpening Finder

The Finder window is divided into three main parts: The contents of the current folder; the Sidebar, which you can use to choose a location; and the Toolbar, where you can customize the way the contents are displayed.

Screenshot of OS X MavericksThe Finder window

Your home folder

In the Finder sidebar, you will see shortcuts to folders that have names like Documents, Downloads, Music, and Pictures. These folders are part of your account's home folder. To keep your files organized, you may want to use these folders instead of putting everything on the desktop. If you don't see all of these folders in the sidebar, you can open your home folder to view them.

To open your home folder:

  1. Make sure you are in Finder (the left side of the menu bar should say "Finder").
  2. In the menu bar, click Go, then select Home.
    Screenshot of OS X MavericksOpening the home folder
  3. Your home folder will open in a Finder window.
    Screenshot of OS X MavericksThe home folder
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