Finder App (Macbook Pro)

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Level 1

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Finder App (Macbook Pro)

Hi

This might sound dumb (sorry!)

I'm using an old Macbook (2014) running BigSur 11.7.10

If I 'amend' a file that I've accessed via the Documents Folder located in the 'Favourites' Menu in 'Finder', does that have the 'very same result' as if I'd, instead, gone to my Macintosh HD (via the 'Locations' Menu in Finder) to make the amendment? (In other words do both 'routes / paths' take you to the 'same' version of the file?)

I'm guessing that files accessed in the Documents Folder (under the Favourite Menu in 'Finder') are simply 'recently accessed' Mackintosh HD Files (i.e., the 'equivalent' of files 'Recently Opened' on the Macintosh HD).

I'm only asking because, when I opened a file on the Mackintosh HD (that I'd amended and saved earlier today via Finder / Favourites / Documents), the amendment I made did not appear.

Is the safest 'habit' for amending files, to go: Finder / Locations / Mackintosh HD / User etc., rather than Finder / Favourites / Documents, or should it not matter?

When I asked AI, the reply received seem to imply it was worth double-checking with the Community.

Thanks in advance for any response (appreciated).

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 7:04 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 8

37,079 points

Oct 30, 2024 8:25 AM in response to clickfix

Yes, the Documents folder found under the side bar heading 'Favorites' should be the same that you would navigate to using the Locations > Macintosh HD/... route.

Your Documents folder, located in your Home folder, can also be accessed via the Finder menu bar – Go > Documents, or the shift-command-O keystroke (⇧⌘O) when Finder is up front.

There is not a 'safest' method for amending files. You simply need to ensure that you are getting to the right file at the right location. Files with the same name may reside in different folders in many locations. It's up to you to maintain the order that you can work with comfortably.

Use the Finder on Mac - Apple Support

I find that enabling Finder > View > Show Path Bar (option-command-P keystroke ⌥⌘P) can be helpful when navigating folders as it displays the path to the current folder at the bottom of the folder window.

You may also find it useful to put a shortcut to the Documents folder in your Dock so it is always at hand.

Add other folders to the Dock - Apple Support

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