Master the Art of Effortless File Manipulation on Mac

Key Takeaways

If you want to transfer files or folders from one folder to another on your Mac, you can use the "cut and paste" method, similar to Windows. However, the process may not be immediately apparent. In this guide, we will demonstrate how to do it.

Why Can't You "Cut" Files on a Mac?

Finder does not have a "Cut" option for files or folders when transitioning from Windows to Mac. However, we have a workaround that allows you to move files or folders in a manner similar to the "cut" and "paste" function in Windows. This method is comparable to the "mv" command in Linux.

Cut and Paste on Mac with a Keyboard Shortcut

A quick way to move files with a "cut and paste" action on a Mac is to use a keyboard shortcut. This shortcut works for a single file or for multiple files.

To utilize the shortcut, start by launching Finder. Click on the Finder icon (depicted by a smiling face) located in the Dock. Now, access the designated folder containing the desired item(s) for cutting. Proceed by either single-clicking the item or using your cursor to click-and-drag and select multiple items. Once the desired items are selected, press Command+C on your keyboard.

Next, open the folder where you want to "paste" your files and press Command+Option+V on your keyboard.

Finder will move the selected items from their original location and "paste" them into your current folder. It's quite handy.

Cut and Paste Files on Mac with a Finder Menu Option

If you prefer not to utilize a keyboard shortcut for cutting and pasting, there is an alternative available in the menu bar of Finder. To access this option, simply open the folder where the desired items are located. Then, choose the items you wish to cut and navigate to Finder's menu bar. From there, select Edit and click on Copy Items.

Navigate to the desired folder where you wish to paste the files. Then, hold down the Option key and click on Edit in the Finder menu bar. Finally, select Move Items Here from the drop-down menu.

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When the Option key is pressed while accessing the Edit menu, the menu items undergo a change. This behavior is applicable to numerous menus on macOS, not restricted to just this scenario.

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Your Mac will move the selected items from their original folder to the new folder that you chose above.

And that's how you "cut and paste" files (by moving them) on your Mac. Your Mac offers a copy and paste option, too, if you'd like to use it. Have fun!