If you use the Finder application on your Mac, you are probably aware of the Favorites feature on the sidebar. It lets you quickly navigate to the places listed under it, but what if it doesn’t have the folders you use most often?
It’s not a problem because you can easily add the folders you frequently use to the favorites list by simply dragging and dropping them or using the Finder menu.
My name is Eric, and I am a computer enthusiast and software engineer. I love to use the power of computers to make our everyday lives easier. Adding your frequently used folders to the Favorites in Finder is something that can do this by saving time.
Keep reading if you want to see how to add a folder to Favorites in Finder on Mac. I will show you how below.
Contents
Enable Favorites in your Mac Finder
To see and use the Favorites section in the Finder sidebar, you must first make sure that it is visible. If you open Finder and see a sidebar on the left side with a Favorites section, you are good to go. If not, use the steps below to see the sidebar and Favorites.
The steps below assume that you already have Finder opened. If you don’t, just click on the Finder icon on the Dock at the bottom of your screen.
Step 1: In Finder, click on the View menu.
Step 2: Click on Show Sidebar.
Note: If Show Sidebar is dimmed and does not let you select it. Click on Show Toolbar.
Step 1: In Finder, click on the Preferences in the Finder menu.
Step 2: Click on Sidebar.
Step 3: Select at least one item to appear in Favorites, and this will allow the favorites section to show up on the sidebar.
Step 4: Close the Finder Preferences window.
Two Methods for Adding a Folder to Favorites in Finder on Mac
There are two methods for adding a Folder to the Favorites section in Finder. I will show you both of them below.
The steps below assume that you already have Finder opened. If you don’t, just click on the Finder icon on the Dock at the bottom of your screen.
Method 1: Drag and Drop
If you know how to drag and drop items on your desktop, you’ll have no problem with this method. A simple drag and drop to place your folder in Favorites, and you’re good to go.
Step 1: Use Finder to navigate to the folder you wish to add to Favorites.
Step 2: Once the folder is visible on the right side of the Finder app, select it, hold the left mouse button down and drag it to the Favorites section on the left side of the screen.
Step 3: Drop the folder on the Favorites section by releasing the left mouse button, and it will remain there.
You can also do this quickly using the Finder menu.
Step 1: Use Finder to navigate to the folder you wish to add to Favorites.
Step 2: Once the folder is visible on the right side of the Finder app, select it.
Step 3: On the Finder menu, click on File.
Step 4: Select Add to Sidebar, and the folder will get added.
FAQ
Below are some common questions I see when talking about the Favorites section in Mac Finder.
Can I Remove an Item from Favorites in Mac Finder?
Yes, removing a folder from Favorites takes just a couple of clicks. Right-click on the folder in Favorites to bring up the context menu and then select Remove from Sidebar, and it’s gone.
Does Adding an Item to Favorites in Finder, Remove It From Its Original Location?
No. When you drag the folder to your Favorites, it does not technically move it there. It just creates a shortcut to the folder under the Favorites section. So it does not remove it from the original place, and if you remove it from Favorites, it also does not delete the folder.
Can I Add Items Other Than Folders to Favorites in Mac Finder?
Yes, you can add files and applications if you want. Basically, anything you can drag and drop can be added there.
Conclusion
Adding folders to the Favorites section of Finder provides quick and easy access. You can do this with a simple drag and drop or use the Finder menu.
I hope the information above can help you. As usual, let me know if you have questions or comments. I would love to hear from you.
