what folders should not be in my mac library

Replace: Selecting the Replace option will cause any file in the destination folder that has the same name to be replaced by the file from the source folder. Stop: As the name implies, selecting this merge option halts the merge function entirely no files will be moved from the source and no files in the destination will be replaced. As an example, if both the source and destination folder had a file named ExampleFile, then after the move, the destination folder would contain files named ExampleFile and ExampleFile 1. Keep Both: When a file name matches, both versions are kept in the destination folder, with the file that came from the source folder having a version number appended to its name. When one or more file names in the source folder match one or more file names in the destination folder, then the Finder will present four options in a dialog box for how to merge the files into the destination folder.Īctually, you’ll only see three of the four merge options the last one is hidden, but we’ll show you how to access it. (The default options for merging files conceal a fourth option that can be accessed under certain conditions.) If the files you’re moving are unique, that is, the names don’t match any of the files currently in the destination folder, then no merge option is presented, and files are simply moved to their new home in the destination folder. When moving or copying files (we’re primarily going to refer to moving files, though you could also be copying files) from a source folder to a destination folder, there are a number of options for how file merging is performed. But we’re going to start with just the Finder we use every day, and try out some of its merging options. Of course, there are quite a few third-party utilities that can perform the merge function for you there are even some Apple utilities that can assist in this undertaking. Seems simple enough, but for a long time this type of basic file/folder manipulation was beyond the capabilities of the Mac’s Finder. When there are two files with the same name, you want the most recent version to be used, and the older one to be replaced. In either case, the goal is to unite the two folders so they contain all of the files found in each one. Or perhaps you’re working on a project on just one Mac, but you have a folder for the currently active project, and one for the updates you’re planning to perform.

It seems to happen quite often when you have a project you’re working on in two different locations, say at home and at work. While there are a few issues that are often mentioned, the one we’re going to address here is how to merge folders that have the same name. One of the shortcomings of the Finder is the lack of options when it comes to managing folders and their content.

What folders should not be in my mac library