Customize Finder Sidebar in OS X - Tips & Tricks
Customizing the OS X Finder Sidebar
Users of OS X are generally familiar with the Finder sidebar, which provides quick access to frequently used shortcuts, drives, and various locations. However, it’s often overlooked that this sidebar is highly adaptable and can be personalized to suit individual needs.
Upon initial launch, Finder presents a default sidebar configuration. The icons, as seen in OS X Yosemite, initially appear in a subdued gray tone. These displayed items represent Apple’s assumptions regarding commonly accessed areas, such as applications, documents, and the desktop.
Direct access to locations containing system files is restricted, but methods for adding custom shortcuts will be detailed shortly.
If the existing sidebar items are not to your preference, they can be removed with a simple drag-and-drop action. Click and drag an icon outward from the Finder window until it transforms into a dissipating smoke effect.
Releasing the mouse button at this point will remove the shortcut until it is re-added. Should you wish to retain the item, simply drag it back into the sidebar before releasing the mouse.
Conversely, to add a missing location to the sidebar, locate it within a Finder window and drag it into the sidebar area.
Adding a Folder to the Sidebar
For instance, the following example demonstrates dragging the "Movies" folder to the sidebar.
Dropping the folder in the desired location completes the addition. A shortcut to the Movies folder is now readily available within the sidebar.
Any location can be added to the sidebar, although not all will feature a unique icon. A standard folder, when added, will display the default folder icon.
Rearranging and Customizing Icons
The default order of items isn’t fixed. Existing elements within the sidebar can be dragged and rearranged as desired. Furthermore, many of the icons themselves can be altered.
This flexibility allows for a highly personalized Finder experience, optimizing workflow and quick access to frequently used files and locations. Customization of the Finder sidebar is a powerful way to enhance productivity on OS X.
Customizing Finder Sidebar Preferences
A streamlined method exists for incorporating preferred locations, such as those for music and movies. Begin by accessing the Finder preferences; this is achieved by pressing Command + ,.
Upon entering the Finder Preferences, navigate to and select the "Sidebar" tab.
Within the Sidebar options, users can freely add or remove items displayed in the sidebar.
Additional customization choices are available. For instance, the entire sidebar can be hidden if desired.
Simply locate the divider panel situated between the sidebar and the Finder window, and drag it until it securely snaps shut.
Alternatively, the divider can be dragged to the right, effectively increasing the sidebar's width according to user preference.
Modifying the Finder Sidebar Appearance
It is possible to revert the Finder sidebar to utilize colored icons, reminiscent of earlier OS X iterations. A straightforward method for achieving this involves employing cDock, a complimentary and open-source software application.
cDock, currently at version 7.1, has reorganized its settings; the desired options are now located within the "extra settings" section. Access these by clicking the "View" button.
With the extra settings displayed, select the "colored sidebar" option to activate the change.
Confirm your selection by clicking "Apply," and the sidebar will immediately update to reflect the new appearance.
After enabling the colored sidebar, further customization is available. You can introduce new icons, which will then be applied system-wide, allowing for extensive personalization.
The sidebar, while seemingly a minor component of the Finder, is a valuable tool for quickly accessing frequently used locations. These can include standard folders like Music and Movies, or any other directories you prioritize.
It’s a feature that is often overlooked, and its level of customizability may not be widely known. We trust this guide has been helpful. Your comments and inquiries are welcome; please share your thoughts in our discussion forum.