Finder path guide
How to type or paste a folder path on Mac
In Finder, press Shift–Command–G to open Go to Folder, type or paste a path, then press Return. SADFinder keeps an editable address bar in every window and focuses it with Command–L.
Quick answer
In Finder, press Shift–Command–G to open Go to Folder, type or paste a path, then press Return. SADFinder keeps an editable address bar in every window and focuses it with Command–L.
Use Go to Folder in Finder
- Press Shift–Command–G
Finder opens the Go to Folder field.
- Type or paste the pathname
Use / for the disk root and ~ for your home folder, such as ~/Documents/Projects/.
- Accept a suggestion or press Return
Tab accepts a partial suggestion. Return opens the completed location.
Finder has a path tool, but not a browser-style address bar
Finder can show a path bar at the bottom of the window and can open a typed path through Go to Folder. The displayed path bar is primarily for navigation and context, not a persistent text field like the address bar in File Explorer.
Apple documents ~ as the home folder, / as the top level of the folder structure, and a trailing slash as an explicit folder path.
Use an editable path bar in every window
SADFinder displays the current path as an editable field. Press Command–L, paste or type a path, and press Enter to navigate.
Because it is part of the normal window, you can also copy the current path without opening a separate dialog.
| Action | Finder | SADFinder |
|---|---|---|
| Type a path | Shift–Command–G | Command–L |
| Show current path | Option–Command–P | Always-visible editable bar |
| Home-folder prefix | ~ | ~ |
Native Mac reference: Apple: Go directly to a specific folder.
Try the familiar keys
Use your own folders for seven days.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I paste a file path into Finder?
Press Shift–Command–G, paste the path into Go to Folder, then press Return.
What does ~ mean in a Mac path?
The tilde represents your current user's home folder.
Can Finder show the current path?
Yes. Choose View > Show Path Bar or press Option–Command–P. SADFinder instead provides an editable path bar in the window.