Close all but the active Finder window

Submitted by Ivan on Fri, 2006-10-20 06:05.

WindowCleaner You probably know that you can close all windows at once by holding the Alt (Option) key while clicking the red close window button in the top left corner. Or simply pressing Apple-Alt-W (Cmd-Option-W).

But what if you want to close all Finder windows but the active one you're working in? I'm sure this obivious necessary feature will be built into some next iteration of OS X. Until then let me bring you a simpe AppleScript application WindowCleaner.

Just click on the image to download it and put it into your Application folder. Then drag it into your Finder's sidebar so you have it handy at all times. Now, whenever you want to clean up your windows, just click the WindowCleaner icon.

Attachment	Size
WindowCleaner.zip	20.92 KB

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So...

Submitted by Mintsauce on Fri, 2006-10-20 08:46.

When will we get a tabbed finder? Or is there a function I'm not aware of? This little app is schweet, by the way. Thank Ivan.

Tabbed finder is cool, but a

Submitted by Ivan on Fri, 2006-10-20 10:55.

Tabbed finder is cool, but a two column layout will be even better. Just like Norton Commander in the DOS days.

I've been yearning for a

Submitted by geoff on Fri, 2006-10-20 14:53.

I've been yearning for a lean and simple dual paned Finder since System 8. There is a Finder replacement that does this but I find it too big and clunky.

I used to love Norton Commander for it's customization and ease of use.

Nice.

Submitted by JimD on Fri, 2006-10-20 13:41.

By the way. You really shoud use the correct APPLE key names. ALT doesn't exist in Apple's world. The Windows Alt key is the Command key (or Apple key as you call it). The Windows key is Apple's Option key and the Windows Control key is also the Apple Control Key.

So In your article above, you're saying to press both Command keys + W, (which will do absolutely nothing), rather than Command + Option + W (which will close all the windows).

;-)

By the way, if you like/want tabbed Finder windows, try Pathfinder. It's a great Finder replacement that offers a ton of features!

Yes, you're right. I always

Submitted by Ivan on Fri, 2006-10-20 15:31.

Yes, you're right. I always should put at least in brackets the correct names for the keys. The only thing I don't get is — if Alt is option, why doesn't it say Option on the keyboard?

Option Key

Submitted by spongy on Sat, 2006-10-21 02:16.

On a Mac the Option Key = ALT (PC) it is labeled Option (it is also labeled alt)`.
The Command (Apple) Key = Control (PC)

Not Completely Correct

Submitted by Waleed on Sat, 2006-10-21 06:54.

The Command key is unique to the Macintosh.. Both Mac and PC have the Control key (CTRL).. As for the Option key, I think Apple typed "alt" just to make it look a bit closer to what PC users are used to, but I don't consider it the same at all as the way it's used in the Mac environment is different (Mac: can change the function of a button in a dialog box).

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz

there used to be a shortcut

Submitted by j truitt on Fri, 2006-10-20 15:20.

there used to be a shortcut for this in OS 9. i think it was apple-shift-option-w. doesnt't work is OS X.

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www.truitt25.com
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Spelling

Submitted by el_reverend on Fri, 2006-10-20 19:27.

Sorry thought I need to point out a little spelling mistake.
Until than let me bring you a simpe AppleScript application WindowCleaner.
'Than' used when introducing the second element in a comparison, while 'then' is used in context related to after; next; afterward;. Damn non-contextual spell checkers...
And then the 'L' in simple. Sorry I do this all day long - its an addiction.