Choosing destination folder for downloads on a case-by-case basis

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Level 1

17 points

Choosing destination folder for downloads on a case-by-case basis

On a PC, regardless of the browser you are using, you can choose a specific destination for an item that you are downloading. You choose this on the fly, with each download.

The default operation for the Mac versions of any browser does not allow this. Someone told me the keys to press to pull up the entire Finder tree and during the download process, but I have forgotten the sequence. I believe it has to do with pressing "control" as you click on something. I can't recreate what I did before.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jun 20, 2010 2:37 PM

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Answer 1

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jun 20, 2010 3:14 PM in response to afmarcom

I do not know the keyboard download shortcut. Within Firefox Preferences, you can set up exactly where you want your downloads to go to on the "fly" by selecting the *"Always ask me where to save files."*

I have mine set to always download to the desktop. I do not bother with the downloads folder in my dock.

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Answer 2

The hatter

Level 9

61,031 points

Jun 20, 2010 3:06 PM in response to afmarcom

Firefox will do what you want, both platforms. Safari for Windows and Mac behaves like you describe.

And I agree and miss that Safari will not. Maybe someone thought it would prevent hidden downloads to other locations than wanted.

The Open/Save is also more limited in views, what you can do (rename, delete, move, etc) so Mac OS feels like its boxed in more, not as flexible or options available.

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Answer 3

afmarcom Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 20, 2010 3:33 PM in response to afmarcom

Got the answer! I got frustrated enough to call tech support. I didn't want to call at first, thinking I would be on hold for ten billion years. But guess what? I was on hold for thirty seconds! Yay, Apple!

Anyway, you "secondary click" (on Macs, you never say "right click") on the image or link you want to download. (Do this by clicking with two fingers or by using control-click.) Then a simple dialogue box will show up. If you don't like the choices you see, click the little blue arrow next to the "save as" box. A tree of your folders will appear.

Your browser will remember your choice the next time; at least, Safari and Firefox remember! I haven't tried it on Chrome. And now that I have a Mac, I do not intend to use IE ever again!!!!

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Answer 4

afmarcom Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 20, 2010 3:14 PM in response to The hatter

Actually, Firefox will not. It will give me a few limited choices of destinations (including "recent locations," because I HAVE done this before on my Mac, but I can't seem to remember the commands!)

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Answer 5

afmarcom Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 20, 2010 3:15 PM in response to CMCSK

Yes, I do have Firefox set to always ask. And it does, but I do not have the choice of EVERY folder on my Mac. This is the choice I need to see.

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