How do I copy a path or URI out of Finder?

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Level 1

8 points

How do I copy a path or URI out of Finder?

Is there any way to get Finder to copy the text version of the path of the directory it is viewing into the clipboard?

For example if have a finder window viewing /Applications/Tex is there some command to get finder to put some string like "/Applications/Tex" or "file:///Applications/Tex" or "/Computer/Macintosh HD/Appliations/Tex" into the clipboard so I can paste it into text files or the shell? On Windows XP the File Explorer displays the full path in a copyable pane. I have tried adding the path element to the Finder toolbar (which is very useful) but it does not seem to support copy or paste.

Thanks,
John Mount

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on Jul 28, 2007 7:32 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Malcolm Rayfield

Level 7

28,123 points

Jul 28, 2007 7:45 AM in response to ja_mount

Leave a TextEdit Plain Text format window open. Drag a file to the window and it will insert the path. The path will remain highlighted, so Command-C will put it into the Clipboard.

If you just need the file name, not the entire path, just select the file and use Command-C.

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Answer 2

Jul 28, 2007 7:48 AM in response to ja_mount

For certain apps - like TextEdit when in Plain Text mode - simply dragging the file/folder from the Finder window to the application window will insert the path.

For others, you can use PathSnagger.

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