How to Find Path of File/Folder on Mac & Copy it? 7 Easier Hacks!

Each file or folder in your Mac or Macbook has a path that begin with root directory, but it is not easier task to see it, but here we will show you about how to find a file path on Mac with using 7 hack. At the end, you will say that i can do it myself!!

When you want to create a folder or file on your Mac, then it is defined a path that is a exact location of your file on your Macbook. This path allows you get to any file on your systems as they represent full address of the file kept on your system

how to find file path on Mac

Why You Should Know the Full Path of File?

Knowing the full path of a file on a Mac can be important for several reasons:

Efficient Navigation: Easily locate and access files by following the directory structure.

Command Line Usage: Required for executing commands involving specific files in the Terminal.

Scripting and Automation: Essential for writing scripts and automating tasks programmatically.

Troubleshooting and Support: Helps others understand your file structure when seeking help.

File Sharing and Collaboration: Necessary for sharing files, especially if not in commonly accessible locations.

Security and Permissions: Crucial for checking and modifying file permissions accurately.

Integration with Applications: Some applications require full file paths for configuration or integration.

Backup and Recovery: Ensures accurate backup and recovery by specifying the correct file locations.

File System Understanding: Contributes to overall knowledge of the Mac file system for advanced users and administrators.

Why Can’t You Find the File/Folder Path on Mac?

You can’t find a file or folder path on a Mac due to several reasons:

Also Read: How to Create Folder on Mac/Macbook air? With 5 Easiest Ways!

  • The file or folder is hidden: Sometimes, files or folders might be hidden, making it difficult to locate them.
  • The file or folder is in a different location: If you’re looking for a specific file or folder, it might be located in a different directory, making it challenging to find the path.
  • The file or folder has a complex name: If the file or folder has a long or complex name, it might be difficult to locate it using Spotlight Searches or by browsing through files.

How to Get File Path on Mac & Copy It?

Here, in this section we will educate about how you can get file or folder path on your Mac with using easier 7 hacks; below mentioned all:

  1. Find File Path Using Finder in ‘Path Bar’
  2. Find File Path Using Context Menu
  3. Find File Path Using ‘Go to Folder’ Option
  4. Find a File Path Using Terminal
  5. Find File Path Using ‘Get Info’
  6. Find a File Path Using Spotlight
  7. Find a File Path Using Automator App
  8. How to Copy File Path on Mac as Shortcut?
  9. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
  • How do you find a full file path on MacBook?
  • How do you locate files on Mac?
  • How do you see all file locations on Mac at once?

Let’s Get Started!!

Find File Path Using Finder in ‘Path Bar’

This is very basic hack to check the full path of any file or folder along with “Finder Path Bar”. To do this:

  • Launch Finder App on your Mac
  • Then have to go View > Show Path Bar
  • Now you can check the file or folder current location in the “Finder” app at the below of same window. If Status Bar is appearing as well then <Path Bar> will be displayed directly upper it.

how to find file path on Mac

Alternatively, Use keyboard shortcut Press and holding <Option + Command + P> keys, then it will bring up exact file path looking as the breadcrumbs series at the below of your Finder window.

Find File Path Using ‘Context Menu’

It is another incredible way to reveal a file path on your Mac or Macbook with using of context menu in Finder window.

  • Firstly launch Finder app on your Mac
  • Next locate your file or folder and make right click on selected file then it will elevated context menu.
  • Now you have to hold down the <Option> key, and then you will see <Copy> and you can change it to <Copy {name} as Pathname>.

how to find file path on Mac

Find File Path Using ‘Go to Folder’ Option

This is straightforward trick to see a file or folder path from your Finder window. For this, you have to need “Go to Folder” option.

Here’s how!

  • Firstly launch Finder app by using of Spotlight and types ‘finder‘ into search bar.
  • When it opened then go to menu bar and choose <Go> menu.
  • Next this will elevate drop down menu then select <Go To Folder>

how to find file path on Mac

  • Further new dialog box will be appear, and then drag and drop your file or folder into path field.

how to find file path on Mac

  • Now you will get full file path on your Mac.

Find a File Path Using ‘Terminal’

Terminal app also lets you to get file, folder or directory path. Here’s how.

Also Read: How to Change Folder Colors on Mac? Using 2 Simple Methods!!

  • Firstly you have to navigate Applications > Utilities
  • Then open Terminal
  • Making ensure you are working as Super User, then type <sudo su> and press Return
  • Now you have to use this command <find / -name [filename]>
  • Next press Enter key, {your Terminal can consume few seconds for revealing your result, but it will bring up few lines with starting “operation not permitted”, you can avoid them.}
  • Now you get location of your file or folder that your are finding and choose its path.
  • Alternatively, if you drag and drop your file onto terminal window then you will get full path of your file.

Find File Path Using ‘Get Info’

  • Whenever you make right click any file or folder on your Mac or Macbook, then it will bring up context menu, select <Get Info> option.
  • Next this will reveal all information about your file or folder including file name, file type, file size, and file path.

how to find file path on Mac

  • Now you can get file path next to <Where> option.
  • For Copy this path: Select path with dragging your mouse pointer and then use key from your keyboard to copy it.

Find a File Path Using ‘Spotlight’

If you are using latest version of Spotlight on your Mac then it lets you to see location of your file or folder with it. Here’s how.

Launch Spotlight, and then type keyword for finding your file or folder. You can use arrow on keyboard for getting to highlight the item and having to hold <Command> key.

get path of a file in mac

Now you are able to see a file path for file or folder visible until your free Command key.

Find a File Path Using ‘Automator App’

Automator app offers several amazing features that are not presenting on your Mac or Macbook. Automator app also lets you to see a file path on your Mac. Here’s how!

  • Firstly Go to Applications > and find Automator app.

get path of a file in mac

  • Now launch Automator on your Mac, and it will ask you that where you want to make new service, it can use anywhere, but you can use as default folder.
  • Further this will ask you what type of document, you want to like make. Now choose <Quick Action> and select <Choose> button.

how to find file path on Mac

  • In the next window, you will require to set two options at the upper of Automator window. You setting should be <Workflow receives current files or folders in Finder>.
  • When this process is done, you can use Action search field on the left side of your screen to find <Copy to Clipboard>.

how to find file path on Mac

  • Now your service is ok, and once saves and name your automation, move back to Finder.

How to Copy File Path on Mac as Shortcut?

To copy a file path on a Mac using a keyboard shortcut, follow these steps:

Also Read: How to Password Protect Folder in Mac? Using 3 Easier Methods!!

  • Open Finder and navigate to the file or folder you want to copy the path for.
  • Right-click (or Control+Click) on the file or folder in the Finder
  • While in the right-click menu, hold down the Option key to reveal the “Copy [item name] as Pathname”
  • Select the option, and the file or folder path will be copied to your clipboard.
  • You can then paste the copied path wherever you need it.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How do you find a full file path on MacBook?

To find the full file path on a MacBook, right-click the file, select “Get Info,” and the path is displayed in the “Where” section. Alternatively, use Terminal with pwd.

How do you locate files on Mac?

To locate files on a Mac, use Finder’s search bar, entering file names or keywords. Utilize advanced search options, like file type or date modified. Alternatively, employ Terminal for command-line searches using find or locate commands. Spotlight search (Command + Space) provides quick access to files and applications.

How do you see all file locations on Mac at once?

To see all file locations on a Mac, use the Terminal. Use commands like find / -name “filename” to search the entire system for a file or ls -R /path to list all files in a directory and its subdirectories.

Final Words

Now, we can hope that you have completely learnt about all easy methods about how to find a file/folder path on Mac and copy it with using 7 simplest hack. If you loved this article, then don’t forget to share it along with friends and family members over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

If you have any experience, tips, tricks, or query regarding this issue? You can drop a comment!

Have a Nice Day!

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