NR2D
Level 1 (35 points)
Mac OS X

Q: Moving files in macOS Sierra

In previous OS X versions to move a file from a thumb drive or other external drive I could just highlight the file. Then I would hold the "command" key and press my track pad and move the file. Since upgrading to macOS this doesn't seem to work. Any ideas?

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Sep 27, 2016 6:03 PM

by NR2D,Solvedanswer
NR2D NR2D
Level 1 (35 points)
Mac OS X
A:

Ok I figured it out. I have to click and hold the arrow on the file and then press the "command" key to move the file. Before I press and hold the "command" key then highlight the file with the arrow and move it.

Posted on Sep 30, 2016 8:42 AM

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NR2D

Q: Moving files in macOS Sierra

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  • Helpful answers

  • by norm123,

    norm123 norm123 Sep 28, 2016 2:45 PM in response to NR2D
    Community Specialists
    Sep 28, 2016 2:45 PM in response to NR2D
    Hi NR2D,

    I understand that after updating to macOS Sierra you're unable to move files to an external drive by holding command while dragging the file. I know it's nice to have quick access to this functionality, so I'm happy to help.

    Looking at this article, this functionality should still be around:

    macOS Sierra: Organize files in folders
    Move files to a different disk: Press and hold the Command key, then drag the files to the disk.​

     


    Since this is not working for you, there's some troubleshooting we can do to isolate the issue. First, let's have you boot to Safe Mode to see if it works there:

    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support

    Afterward, use a new user account to test your issue:

    How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac - Apple Support

    If you continue to have this issue after going through these resources, then you can reset your SMC which can help with system issues like this:

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!

  • by BigTex3g,

    BigTex3g BigTex3g Sep 29, 2016 7:29 PM in response to norm123
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 29, 2016 7:29 PM in response to norm123

    Trying to drag and drop files and they are copied, not moved. I searched help and it says to use the command key to copy files. I want to move files not copy them. I tried both methods and they both create copies.

  • by NR2D,Solvedanswer

    NR2D NR2D Sep 30, 2016 8:42 AM in response to norm123
    Level 1 (35 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 30, 2016 8:42 AM in response to norm123

    Ok I figured it out. I have to click and hold the arrow on the file and then press the "command" key to move the file. Before I press and hold the "command" key then highlight the file with the arrow and move it.

  • by BigTex3g,

    BigTex3g BigTex3g Sep 30, 2016 11:45 AM in response to NR2D
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 30, 2016 11:45 AM in response to NR2D

    Thanks for the solution NR2D. Just to clarify for other readers in the community, click on the file you want too move and keep holding down the mouse/trackpad. Then press and hold the command key and drag the file to it's destination and release. The file will then be moved and not copied. This will also work when selections multiple files (I did try it). Hold the command key to select the files to move. Once selected, click and hold (you must hold or the other files will be deselected) on one of the files and then press and hold the command key while dragging the files to their destination. I hope this helps and that my instructions are clear.

  • by ZEMAN,

    ZEMAN ZEMAN Oct 3, 2016 4:02 AM in response to BigTex3g
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 3, 2016 4:02 AM in response to BigTex3g

    HI

    Hold the command key to select the files to move. How? I used to select multiple files selecting the first file, holding arrow ⇧ and then the last one. Tks

  • by BigTex3g,

    BigTex3g BigTex3g Oct 9, 2016 10:37 AM in response to ZEMAN
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 9, 2016 10:37 AM in response to ZEMAN

    The method will depend on which view you are in. List view or icon view. In list view, you select the first file in the list you wish to move and hold down the shift key and select the last file. Everything in between will be selected. In icon view, you can click in the white space to the left of the first file and drag a selection box around all the files you wish to select. If the selection includes a file you do not wish to select, you can hold down the command key and click on that file to deselect it.

    See the following link for explanations that include screen shots:

    http://osxdaily.com/2013/09/16/select-multiple-files-mac-os-x/

  • by henrikfromdk,

    henrikfromdk henrikfromdk Oct 22, 2016 5:25 AM in response to NR2D
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 22, 2016 5:25 AM in response to NR2D

    Just drag the file using the mouse/pad. Just before you release the file at the destination folder, press and hold CMD key while releasing the mouse button. This removes the sign. = add. When is not there the file is moved.

  • by ccm2048,

    ccm2048 ccm2048 Oct 22, 2016 8:30 AM in response to NR2D
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Oct 22, 2016 8:30 AM in response to NR2D

    Please disregard. My original post was unhelpful.