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How to go directly to a specific folder in macOS Sierra

You can jump directly to a specific folder in macOS High Sierra if you wish. In the Finder, click the Go menu in the menu bar, then choose one of the following:

  • Enclosing Folder: Choose this option to open the parent folder for the current window. For example, if you’re in your Downloads folder, this option opens your All My Files, Documents, or other listed folders: Choose a folder from the list.
  • Library: Press and hold the Option key, then choose Library.
  • Recent Folders: Choose a folder from the submenu. (The submenu shows up to 10 recently opened folders.)
  • Go to Folder: Type the folder’s pathname (for example, /Library/Fonts/ or ~/Pictures/), then click Go.

 

A slash at the beginning of a pathname indicates that the starting point is the top level of your computer’s folder structure. A slash at the end indicates that this is a path to a folder, rather than a file.

 

A tilde (~) indicates your home folder. Most of your personal folders, such as Documents, Music, and Pictures, are in your home folder.

If you’re having trouble finding a folder, make sure you’re spelling its name correctly and typing the full path, including slashes.

You can also ask Siri to, for instance, “Open the home folder.”

(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages — where the images sometimes come from.)

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.