Ways to Cut and Paste Files inside the OS X Finder [Downloads]

One of the most key features missing from Mac OS X is the flexibility to cut and paste files within the Finder; possible only copy and paste. With two handy Automator Services, though, you’ll do either through simple keyboard shortcuts.

Inspired by reader John’s tip on a $5 app that added this functionality, I set out to create my own, free option (that didn’t require an app running within the background). Unfortunately, it doesn’t work exactly as the cut and paste functionality in Windows, however it’s about as close as we could get. The principle difference (on the skin, at the least) is that you just’ll should assign a further keyboard shortcut to pasting cut items than you utilize for copied items. Here’s methods to set it up.

First, download this zip file containing two Automator Services (Cut File and Paste File) and extract them in your ~/Library/Services/ folder (if it doesn’t exist, you are able to create it). Then, open up a Terminal and kind in this command:

Next, go into System Preferences, hit Keyboard, and go to the Keyboard Shortcuts tab. Hit the plus button to add a new shortcut. Choose Finder for the applying, ” Cut File” (without quotes) for the menu item and anything you would like for the shortcut-I exploit Command+Shift+x, which is analogous to the normal shortcut for Cut. Then, hit the plus button again and do an analogous, but with ” Paste File” (no quotes) as the menu item and anything you wish as the shortcut (I exploit Command+Shift+V).

Now, if you would like to cut and paste a file (or multiple files) from Finder, just select them, hit Command+Shift+X, go to the folder where you have to paste them, and hit Command+Shift+V. The original file won’t be trashed until you paste it, so in the event you forget to paste it, it won’t leave. Unfortunately, this only works for files for the time being and not folders.

Note that I just wrote this today, so make sure you’re backed up after you try using it, because you never know what small errors might need creeped in. And obviously, while you notice any errors in my code, let me know within the comments!

Update: Unfortunately, there’s an issue with the paste script that makes it only usable on my computer. For now, so that they can use it, you are able to open up Paste File in Automator, remove the .cuttemp folder from the first action, and replace it along with your own (you’ll should show hidden files and drag it from your desktop into the first action’s box). I’ll update the post after I fix the difficulty.

Update 2: Everything must be working now. The simplest snag you would hit is in the event that your primary hard disk shouldn’t be named ” Macintosh HD” . I’ll work on it and spot if I will’t find otherwise, but most of the people needs to be okay. Alternatively, you could open up the Paste script in automator and replace the cuttemp folder within the ” Get Specified Finder Items” action together with your own.

Source

This post is tagged: cut, files, finder, paste, Ways