extract document type from folder

Hi, hoping to find you well.


Im trying to find a solution for a less time consuming method, that would allow me to extract a specific file type from a folder.


Lets say I have a folder, and inside that folder are many other folders with client data, but inside the client folder is an excel file which im interested in, is there a way to automate the extraction of all the excel files of all the client folders to another location?


So I don't have to go through all those folders and extract them one by one. I kinda tried using automator, but couldn't file an option to select a file type.


Cheers,

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on May 6, 2020 8:45 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 6, 2020 9:30 AM

With Finder Preferences to Search Current folder,

Open the topmost folder and enter the file extension into the search field. All of the matching files should be listed in the window. Select them all and move them to wherever you would like.


If you want to move them to another volume, like an external drive, you need to hold down the command key while dropping them so that they will move and not copy. If you are keeping them on the same drive, then just drag and drop.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 6, 2020 9:30 AM in response to Frank Ng

With Finder Preferences to Search Current folder,

Open the topmost folder and enter the file extension into the search field. All of the matching files should be listed in the window. Select them all and move them to wherever you would like.


If you want to move them to another volume, like an external drive, you need to hold down the command key while dropping them so that they will move and not copy. If you are keeping them on the same drive, then just drag and drop.

May 6, 2020 9:43 AM in response to Frank Ng

You can use Find Any File to search for any files with the appropriate extension on the volume you need to search. For example:


1 - Name contains xlsx


will get you these results:



Any files that are found can be dragged from the search results window to a folder on the Desktop or or wherever you want.


FAF can search areas that Spotlight can't like invisible folders, system folders and packages.


OR you can do it with Spotlight. Just open a new finder window and use the key combination of ⌘+F. Then use the following criteria:



Again you can drag from the search results window to a folder located anywhere you'd like.


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extract document type from folder

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