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Why does closing a photo I have opened from a folder in finder then shut down finder totally ?

So I am new to Mac OS having been a windows users ( and DOS before that going back to the 80's ) so used to things working Microsoft's way. What I do not understand is when I am searching for photos ( Macbook Pro M4 Pro ) in a sub folder on my external drive, that after it opens, if I close it then the whole folder finder app shuts down too and I then have to go through and search and click through all my sub-folders again.


In Windows clicking on a photo opens a photo view app and leaves the file explorer open. So that I can click and repeat. I have 1000's of photo's I am trying to catalog from old drives and this process in Mac OS is slowing me down.


I thought Mac OS was photographer friendly. What am I doing wrong ?

Is there some setting I need to amend ?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Dec 21, 2024 2:32 AM

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10 replies

Dec 21, 2024 4:48 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

What Finder View are you using (not that it should matter)?

Again, what you describe isn’t normal.

Holding down the option key will close the Finder window. That’s all I can think of that would cause what you describe.


Not a workaround (previously suggested), but just possibly a more efficient workflow, use Quick Look to view the photo. With the icon selected, tap the spacebar. Tap again to close, or arrow/Tab to the next photo.

Dec 21, 2024 3:31 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

The notion that there could be malware on the External Drive is possible


Though, this seems to be introducing a new factor to this question, that could be taking your question into some Other Direction


To put this to rest


Please refer to the below links regarding Builtin Protects against such software


Mac app security enhancements


Protecting against malware in macOS





Dec 21, 2024 4:55 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

HighfieldClarets wrote:

Hi all,
Then review the photos ( i have worked out how to display them as larger icons ) but double clicking the photo opens the "Preview" app but closes the folder tree.

Normal



Update : I have now just tried doing it by right clicking the photo and selecting "Open With..." Preview. ( default ) and that allows me to view and then close the photo and remain in the folder display.

Good discovery there 👍



So is there a way I can get this to work in this way "as the default" ?

Not sure what you mean by " as the default "



Any recommendations on a comprehensive guide to transitioning from windows to MacOs ? That would help me learn the differences ?
Cheers
Mark

A general guide transitioning from MS Windows to macOS


Switched from Windows to Mac?


I would also follow along with the detailed instructions from @Barney-15E


Dec 21, 2024 3:06 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

Probably a segmentation fault or other sort of improper attempt to access memory. macOS will close the program to prevent it from doing something like escalating privileges. It's possible you have malware somewhere on external drive. Check your "Crash Reports" section in the Console app right after it happens there should be a log detailing the problem.


Alternatively, view your files some other way I suppose. Also don't feel bad, your explanation was clear enough no need to spin your wheels try to rephrase it.

Dec 21, 2024 4:23 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

Are you holding down the Option key when you open the file?

Does it do that with any other file type?

Does Finder crash or does the window just close?

macos is document based. It only opens an app once. Each window is a child of the one open instance, not a separate instance. Closing a window does not normally “shut down” the app.


In case you haven’t figured it out by the replies, what you are describing is not normal.

Dec 21, 2024 4:40 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi all,

Downloaded and ran Malware Bytes and no issues reported. To explain in detail again what I am doing. I click on the external drive icon ( a Crucial X10 Pro ) this pops up the finder window. I click on the folder, then down another folder, another folder , another folder ( very nested up to 6 or more levels ). Then review the photos ( i have worked out how to display them as larger icons ) but double clicking the photo opens the "Preview" app but closes the folder tree.


Update : I have now just tried doing it by right clicking the photo and selecting "Open With..." Preview. ( default ) and that allows me to view and then close the photo and remain in the folder display.


So is there a way I can get this to work in this way "as the default" ?


Any recommendations on a comprehensive guide to transitioning from windows to MacOs ? That would help me learn the differences ?

Cheers

Mark


Dec 21, 2024 11:41 AM in response to HighfieldClarets

If you are launching the Spotlight search from the menubar, then once you open a document...you can click the Spotlight Search again which will show you the last search results.


Or once you type your search, scroll all the way down to the bottom of the pseudo Finder window where you will find the option to "Search in Finder. Or just start the search from Finder.



Why does closing a photo I have opened from a folder in finder then shut down finder totally ?

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