Hi all.
Just realised that dragging a file icon, in the Finder, from folder to another folder no longer moves the file: it creates an alias!!!
What the f?$ is going on???
Thanks.
iMac (27-inch, Late 2012), macOS Sierra (10.12), Power Mac G5 (Dual 1.8), old iMac,, iPod touch, iP
You don't need any modifier keys held down and you don't need to use cmd-c, cmd-v.
You can drag and drop to move as long as you have write permissions on the original enclosing folder, or the folder does not otherwise have a restriction that prevents removing files from the folder.
If this is happening within your home folder, try this: Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder - Apple Support
Some system folders have been locked down such that you don't have write permissions, or otherwise prevent you from deleting files from those folders. You cannot move from those folders. An alias will be created in this case.
The modifier keys can be used to alter default behaviors of copying across volume boundaries and moving within volume boundaries.
In the case of folders that prevent you from deleting the files, you can use the modifier keys (Command) to change from making an Alias to Copying the file.
You don't need any modifier keys held down and you don't need to use cmd-c, cmd-v.
You can drag and drop to move as long as you have write permissions on the original enclosing folder, or the folder does not otherwise have a restriction that prevents removing files from the folder.
If this is happening within your home folder, try this: Resolve issues caused by changing the permissions of items in your home folder - Apple Support
Some system folders have been locked down such that you don't have write permissions, or otherwise prevent you from deleting files from those folders. You cannot move from those folders. An alias will be created in this case.
The modifier keys can be used to alter default behaviors of copying across volume boundaries and moving within volume boundaries.
In the case of folders that prevent you from deleting the files, you can use the modifier keys (Command) to change from making an Alias to Copying the file.
It does that for folders you do not have write permissions on. If you can't write, it cannot delete from that folder, so it cannot move the file.
If you have write permissions on the original folder, you should still be able to move the file.
Hold down the command key while dragging this should alter the default behavior
You can drag and drop to move as long as you have write permissions on the original enclosing folder, or the folder does not otherwise have a restriction that prevents removing files from the folder.
Barney, a Drag and Drop only moves on the same disk. It copies if transferring to a different disk. That is without the use of a modifier key that enables Drag and Move operation to a different disk.
Barney, don't know why you are in a snit. Prior to what I posted, I tested what you stated on a machine running High Sierra 10.13.x. What I described is what actually happens. Drag and Drop on the same disk will move folders or files. Drag and Drop to another disk only copies them without using the modifier key.
As for write permissions a file or folder may have them, but if they are protected by the SIP then you cannot move or copy them without disabling the SIP.
Now, you are simply arguing your remarks defensively. Sorry I made them.
Sorry I made them.
So am I.
Nice left-handed slap, Barney. You're in the true holiday spirit. 😟
It never did move a file. Dragging was and is part of a Copy operation unless you dragged the file to another location on the same disk drive. To prevent unauthorized transfers of certain protected files the system now creates an alias. You can still copy the file by using COMMAND-C then pasting it elsewhere using COMMAND-V. All OS X files including applications are considered protected files, for example.
Kappy wrote:
You can drag and drop to move as long as you have write permissions on the original enclosing folder, or the folder does not otherwise have a restriction that prevents removing files from the folder.
Barney, a Drag and Drop only moves on the same disk. It copies if transferring to a different disk. That is without the use of a modifier key that enables Drag and Move operation to a different disk.
You really need to read what I wrote, try to comprehend, ask for explanation if needed, and above all, attempt to move an Apple application file out of Applications (for an example of what I am describing).
There is no mention of another disk in the original question, but I explained the default behavior in my follow-on post as both you and iLogger have confused the issue.
Changes in Sierra began the lockdown of certain folders which results in the behavior described by the OP. It has gotten more expansive in High Sierra.
Normal function of the Finder will allow drag and drop to move a file as long as you do not cross volume boundaries. It will further prevent you from moving a file out of a folder that has some restriction on it that would prevent you from deleting the file. In that case it now makes an Alias in certain situations. The command key will alter that behavior to copy the file in the case that the Finder chooses to make an alias.
Dragging a file icon (Finder) creates an alias instead of moving!
