The Finder Path bar is a useful feature that provides users with an easy way to navigate their file system. When enabled, the Path bar displays the full path of the current folder you’re viewing, making it easy to move up and down the directory hierarchy. However, this feature is hidden by default, and many users are unaware of its existence. In this article, we will show you how to enable and use the hidden Finder Path bar on your Mac.

Enabling the Finder Path Bar

To enable the Path bar on your Mac, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Open a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon located in your Dock or by pressing Command + N.

Step 2. Click on the View menu located on the top menu bar.

Step 3. From the View menu, select the Show Path Bar option.

That’s it! You’ve successfully enabled the Path bar on your Mac.

Using the Finder Path Bar

Now that you’ve enabled the Finder Path bar, it’s time to learn how to use it. Follow these instructions to make the most out of this hidden feature:

1. Display the full path of the active folder:

Once you’ve enabled the Path bar, the navigation bar will display the full path of the currently active folder. You can use this Path bar to navigate up and down the folder hierarchy, making it easy to find and open any file or folder on your Mac.

2. Reveal folders in the hierarchy:

You can quickly reveal any folder in the hierarchy by using the Option key. Click on any folder in the path, and while holding down the Option key, right-click on the folder. A context menu will appear, allowing you to reveal that folder in Finder, or in a new window.

3. Edit the path:

You can edit the path in the Path bar. To do this, click on the path you want to edit, and the text will become selectable. You can then make changes to the path as needed and press Enter or Return to update it.

4. Show the hierarchy in the sidebar:

If you prefer to see the folder hierarchy instead of the Path bar, you can use the Finder sidebar. Click on View in the top menu bar, select Show Sidebar, and navigate the hierarchy from there.

Wrap Up

Enabling and using the Finder Path bar is simple, yet powerful. It provides you with an easy way to navigate your Mac’s file system, making it easy to find and open any file or folder. Try out this feature today and see how it can improve your productivity and workflow on your Mac.