Can't find file path ... in an open file.

Question

Level 1

100 points

Can't find file path ... in an open file.

I have some old files, I can't remember where they are. I found one through spotlight, but clicking "command" it won't show the file path. I can open the file, but can't get info or anything to find the file path. There are other files I need in with this one whereever it is located, but how do I find the file path of an open file. I don't know the icon as I opened it through spotlight, and spotlight won't show the file path for some reason.

Thank you, appreciate any help.

Todd

Posted on May 9, 2015 6:08 PM

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Answer 1

Niel

Level 10

731,843 points

May 9, 2015 6:11 PM in response to Todd B.

When it’s open, command-click the document’s name in the title bar.

(127218)

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Answer 2

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 6:23 PM in response to Niel

Hi Niel ... thanks! that doesn't give me file math. Just open a window and says desktop, it's not on the desktop.

?

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Answer 3

BobHarris

Level 9

55,007 points

May 9, 2015 8:51 PM in response to Todd B.

Spotlight use Command-Option while the cursor is hovering over the file name in Spotlight

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Answer 4

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 8:58 PM in response to BobHarris

Hi Bob,

As I mentioned in the original post, it won't show anything. Cursor over it, push command or command control, nothing. Won't show file path.

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Answer 5

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,596 points

May 9, 2015 9:07 PM in response to Todd B.

If you open in Preview (or probably most other apps), you can get the file path by control clicking on the filename at the top of the window.

also if you hover your cursor over the end of the filename you should get a small downward pointing arrow

click that and you will get a small dialogue, click the 'where' item and a box will be revealed showing the path.

When you asked for the item in Spotlight did you scroll down to the 'Show all in Finder' line

you need to scroll down to find it.

Or in Spotlight when you hover over the file Command-Option click and a finder window will be revealed with the path shown.

Have you activated the Show Path Bar item in the View menu option in Finder.

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Answer 6

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 9:30 PM in response to Eau Rouge

Ok, no one's getting it yet. None of that works.

I can't open in preview, can't find the icon. I find it in spotlight, and can open it. But have no idea where it's located along with the other similar files I need.

Hovering over end of filename in spotlight does nothing, no arrow or dialog box.

Option / Command doesn't nothing ...

Show All in Finder, only gives this ...

Show path bar is greyed out, can't select it ...

I'm at a loss!!

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Answer 7

May 9, 2015 9:45 PM in response to Todd B.

In spotlight, you can highlight the file/ icon, holding the command key down, the file path will be at the bottom right of the window.

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Answer 8

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 9:45 PM in response to leroydouglas

The screen shot is of holding down command. It doesn't show the file path, that's what I keep saying.

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Answer 9

May 9, 2015 9:48 PM in response to Todd B.

A screenshot does not capture the file path- i had to take a photo of the screen.

However if it doesn't work for you it doesn't work

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Answer 10

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 9:48 PM in response to leroydouglas

I HOLD THE COMMAND KEY DOWN, FILE PATH DOES NOT SHOW

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Answer 11

May 9, 2015 10:01 PM in response to Todd B.

Do any of these options mentioned above work for any file that you know the location from a spotlight search? Forget the lost file for a moment.

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Answer 12

Todd B. Author

Level 1

100 points

May 9, 2015 10:00 PM in response to leroydouglas

Yes, normally works, and works now for some other files, won't for this one. File icon in spotlight is blank white, don't know if that matters.

File opens in Pages, can access it. Is there any other way to find the file path?

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Answer 13

May 9, 2015 10:09 PM in response to Todd B.

Spotlight: How to re-index folders or volumes - Apple Support

If your results indicate the file is on your Desktop but you say you can't see it there, use terminal.app to list all files hidden and unhidden on your Desktop.

Open Terminal first change directory to desktop, by entering and then return key:

cd Desktop

then

ls -a

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Answer 14

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,596 points

May 9, 2015 10:04 PM in response to Todd B.

Sorry Todd but you are not getting it.

You have to double-click on Show all In Finder.

Open something in Finder and then the Show Path Bar will no longer be greyed out. If you don't have something open you can't show its path bar!

From you Spotlightsearch the file is .docx, and will open in Pages. Are you opening in Pages?

If you are make sure it is not in Full Screen mode. So with the page open

you will see a little thumbnail and title of your doc, Control click that, and you WILL get a dropdown with the file path. Or click the little arrow on the right.