Auto-arrange icons in a folder window

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Level 1

8 points

Auto-arrange icons in a folder window

Hi there,

am pretty new to Leopard, so this is a newbie question caused by migrating from XP to Mac. In windows, I have the option to auto-arrange icons in a windoze explorer window. So whenever I move files elsewhere, the remaining file icons would shuffle around to fill the void. Is there anything in Leopard that does this as well?

Of course, I have the Finder Window set as "icons". This issue of course does not arise when it is set as "list", columns" or "cover flow".

Small problem I know....

Any help would be appreciated!

BeateW

Posted on Dec 13, 2008 8:09 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Dec 13, 2008 9:24 AM in response to BeateW

while in a finder window go to view->show view options. in the resulting popup click on "arrange by" and choose one of the options to arrange the view by like by name or by kind. then the icons will arrange according to your choice and you'll get the behavior you want if you move something in or out of that folder.

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Answer 2

nerowolfe

Level 6

13,090 points

Dec 13, 2008 9:22 AM in response to BeateW

In the icon view, click the little Action Gear and select what you wish.
You can select "Keep Arranged By" or click "Show View Options" for even more options.

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Answer 3

BeateW Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2008 9:39 AM in response to nerowolfe

Thanks for the tip, but this is slightly odd: When I click on the Action gear, my options are:
- new folder
- new burn folder
- open
- get info
- clean up
- arrange by
- view options

And "Arrange By" has these submenus:
- Name
- Date Modified
- Date Created
- Size
- Kind
- Label

The view options cover the same icon arrangement options, plus "snap to grid". Haven't found anything that suggests "auto-arrange" or "keep arranging like this" or similar.

I'm running MAc 10.5.5, if that is of any help.

I'm befuddled....

BeateW

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Answer 4

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Dec 13, 2008 1:19 PM in response to BeateW

BeateW wrote:
V.K.

done what you said - works a treat - THANKS a lot!

you are welcome!

BeateW

PS thought I come back to report, as you guys must solve gazillions of problems and only a fraction of people say thanks... 🙂

actually, while i don't keep track of percentages, I'd say that most people do.

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Answer 5

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Dec 13, 2008 9:48 AM in response to BeateW

use "arrange by" from the view menu->show view options. it doesn't say auto-arrange but it will do just that.

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Answer 6

BeateW Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 13, 2008 1:02 PM in response to V.K.

V.K.

done what you said - works a treat - THANKS a lot!

BeateW

PS thought I come back to report, as you guys must solve gazillions of problems and only a fraction of people say thanks... 🙂

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