Hello, fellows! Have a folder structure with files like u see below.
Can someone please advise how to exctract all files (and only files) from it?
Trying to do it with smart folder but dont see option to select files only.
iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 12.1
Use the Finder!!!!
Start from the top level folder containing all your files and subfolders.
1) Command-F to start a search.
2) Hold down the Option key and the "+" button at the right becomes "..."
3) Click this and will be able to choose a combination of criteria. All you have to do is this:
You now have a list of all the files in the folder hierarchy under the starting folder.
Open a new Finder window to the location where you want those files, select all and drag!
You can then delete all the (now empty) folders from the hierarchy.
Use the Finder!!!!
Start from the top level folder containing all your files and subfolders.
1) Command-F to start a search.
2) Hold down the Option key and the "+" button at the right becomes "..."
3) Click this and will be able to choose a combination of criteria. All you have to do is this:
You now have a list of all the files in the folder hierarchy under the starting folder.
Open a new Finder window to the location where you want those files, select all and drag!
You can then delete all the (now empty) folders from the hierarchy.
Method you advised above has one major fault - when folders moved, files they contain moved with them also. And my target was to extract files from these folders.
Your method becomes useful if you set filesize >0 as a filter. Then u get the whole list of folders and files (because folders not 0) and can copy files (not folders) to another folder as u described above.
movind folders will not work as files contained in them will also be moved in that case
Too complicated. There must be easier way.
For now, i fugured out this way:
Create smart album with condition "File size >0" -> u get the non-hierarhy, straight list of all files and folders contained.
Then sort by "Type". Then batch select manually everything exept folders and copy to another directory.
It's still too complacated though.
Are they photographs? Then if so you can do this with Graphic Converter
It has a generous free trial.
Have you tried or used Automator?
See: Automator User Guide for Mac – Apple Support (UK)
Hope it helps.
NO! I suggested moving the FILES, not the folders - notice the "None" in the image.
Whence you've done that, the folders will be left empty.
Delete folder structure, leave files only. Extract files from multiple folders to one folder.
