RSS Feeds
Leopard's Finder Makes It Easier to Find Your Files
Posted by Adam Pash at 9:00 AM on October 31, 2007
While it's still no where near the powerful file explorer that the shareware alternative PathFinder is, the new and improved Finder does include several feature enhancements that—though they might seem superfluous and superficial at first glance—are actually pretty fantastic. Not only do new features like Cover Flow and Quick Look rank high on the snazzy scale, but they—along with a few other feature enhancements—make it that much easier to find the file you're looking for as quickly as you can.
In general, most of the Finder enhancements are all about file transparency, helping you grasp not only what the file's name is, but also what lies inside the file. Icon previews, Quick Look, and Cover Flow literally showcase the file contents whenever possible. The Path Bar (though long overdue) shows you exactly where the file you're looking at is located.
One other great Finder feature that I was unable to try because I've just got the one Mac here is the screen sharing feature. Much like iChat's integrated screen sharing, Finder can also start screen sharing sessions. Unlike iChat's screen sharing (which works with any iChat buddy), Finder's screen sharing feature works with any Mac on your network. I've only got the one Mac at home so I couldn't try this out, but I'd imagine that since the other user has to be on your LAN, it should work like a charm.
If you've put the new Finder through the paces, let's hear your likes and dislikes in the comments.
Tags: file management | finder | gallery | leopard | mac osx | mac osx leopard
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
DannoHung
Posted 11:35 PM 30/10/07
Hmm, I must've only tried it in fullscreen mode, which sadly doesn't support arrow keys.
DannoHung
Adam Pash, LH Senior Editor
Posted 9:12 PM 30/10/07
@DannoHung: Yeah, you can just use the left and right arrows if you're viewing a quick look in Cover Flow or up and down otherwise.
Adam Pash, LH Senior Editor
DannoHung
Posted 9:06 PM 30/10/07
Does anyone know if there's a way to flip through a series of images using Quicklook? I find it really annoying to have to load up a bunch of images in Preview in order to view them in succession. Seriously, that was something that windows got SO right with the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.
DannoHung
Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor
Posted 8:01 PM 30/10/07
Addendum: As Adam said, the Path bar really is a handy replacement for/complement to the Path button. Still not on by default, though!
Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor
Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor
Posted 7:56 PM 30/10/07
Three things:
First, I LOVE that when you rename a file, only the filename is selected, not including the extension. So nice.
Second, I'm shocked that the Path button isn't included on the Finder chrome by default. (Here's how to add it.) So useful.
Third, I'm annoyed iDisk was included on the left hand bar by default, even if you've no .Mac and no plans to subscribe to it ever. Unchecked!
Otherwise, two thumbs up for the new Finder. Now I feel like I have iTunes windows open everywhere.
Gina Trapani, Lifehacker Editor
DiscoPopStar
Posted 7:39 AM 31/10/07
I like QuickLook, but it seems to be lacking a few things...
1) ability to page through images in full screen
2) cmd-backspace doesn't send the file to trash
3) Can't preview Office 2007 (.docx) files
DiscoPopStar
bachfan23
Posted 4:27 PM 31/10/07
Though I don't have Leopard (yet - I may get a part time job at an Apple store and hopefully I can snag the discount), I have to take issue with the "greatness" of PathFinder. I have used both Finder and Pathfinder for several years, and I find both to be excellent ways to view file organization.
However, I must admit that more often than not, I use Spotlight in Finder to find a file because I want to know its *contents*, not its attributes. Moving files around? Pathfinder. Getting the file I need quickly? The new Finder seems geared towards that.
bachfan23
skamuel
Posted 1:57 AM 31/10/07
The screen sharing feature is not limited to accessing from Macs only. If you enable VNC sharing, you can view your Leopard screen from any VNC client out there (I guess) includen VNsea on the iPhone.
skamuel
seancm
Posted 9:20 PM 30/10/07
I like the improvements that they have made to the finder, but there is one thing that still absolutely drives me nuts...I can not stand my directories mixed up with my files, please allow me to put all directories at top. Perhaps I used WIndows too long before making the switch, but even linux's various file managers list the directories first.
seancm
noftheta
Posted 7:07 PM 31/10/07
I don't understand why people think Finder looks like iTunes.
Finder > iTunes. It's so much better in every way...its sidebar makes sense...
noftheta