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Ivan's picture

Resize columns in Finder

Finder iconThe fastest way to browse your directories in OS X is clearly the column view that you access by pressing Apple-3.

However in this view long file names are usually partially hidden, which can be a problem. Worry not, there is an easy way to resize the width of these columns. Just drag the separator line at the little handle at the bottom. This operation will only change one column at a time.

If you want to change all of them press Alt while resizing. This will not only resize all columns at once, but also makes the new width the default setting for all windows.

polygraf's picture
1 pencil

And another handy trick: if you double click on the handle, the column will resize to match the longest file name in the directory. Alt + double click and all columns will resize to match the longest file name in each respective directory.

Ivan's picture

Thanks! :)

ipure's picture
159 pencils

I knew there had to be a way to do this! thanks!

kayjummac's picture
1 pencil

Thank you, thank you, thank you, I've been looking for this information for awhile!!!

KellyR's picture
393 pencils

Niiiiice - jeez, wish I'd known this a long time ago (by the way, works on OS 10.4, so this isn't just a Leopard or Snow Leopard feature if anyone was thinking that).

Kilik's picture
70 pencils

THANK YOU 1,000 times!!!

I was annoyed to no end by constantly having to resize each column. I'm forever indebted to you! LOL

jHouse's picture
1421 pencils

? And if you want to close a finder window, hit the little X?

Jack

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BRANDING | PRINT | WEB
www.jhousedesign.com
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qwertyale's picture
263 pencils

as some guys did at this point...
other Finder views:

icon view: apple (command) + 1
details view: apple (command) + 2
column view: apple (command) + 3
coverflow view: apple (command) + 4

Ivan's picture

Thanks! That's very useful.

qwertyale's picture
263 pencils

the ALT trick is awesome...

rossgram's picture
45 pencils

You said 'alt' ... ;-)

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