How to move files between folders without two Finder windows on a Mac
Drop the files on the NotchStar Shelf, go to the destination folder in Finder, then drag the files out of the shelf into it. The shelf gives the files somewhere to wait while you navigate, so you do not need the source and destination windows open at once.
Steps
- In Finder, select the files and drag them toward the notch. It opens on the Shelf tab.
- Drop them on the dashed shelf zone, not on AirDrop.
- Navigate in Finder to the destination folder. The notch closes when your pointer leaves it. That is fine, since the shelf keeps its contents while NotchStar runs.
- Open the notch again and drag an icon from the shelf into the destination window. Repeat for each file.
- Press Clear when you are done so the shelf is empty for the next job.
What the drag does
Dragging a file out of the shelf hands over the original file, the same as dragging it from its source folder. Whether Finder copies or moves it depends on the usual macOS rules for the two locations. Check the destination afterwards before deleting the source.
Why not just use two windows
Two Finder windows work for one move. They become awkward when the files come from several places, when the destination is deep inside a folder tree, or when you need to look something up in between. The shelf works as a short pause in the middle of the job.
Limits
- References only. Moving or renaming the original while it sits on the shelf breaks its entry.
- Cleared on quit. Do not leave files you care about as the only trace of a job.
- Files only. Text and web images do not open the shelf.
- One drag per icon, with no multiple selection out of the shelf.
- It does not sort or rename. It is a waiting place, not a file manager. For finding what is taking space, see the Disk tool.
Right click an icon and choose Reveal in Finder if you forget where a file came from. The File Shelf page lists each control, and the shelf guide explains why a shelf beats stacking files on the Desktop.
