We all know that in order to select a file, we just need to drag the pointer on the file and click it. To move, copy or make changes for many items at once, we need to select multiple files. Multiple files may be present next to each other or present in nonadjacent format. There are two simple methods one can follow to select adjacent multiple files and non-adjacent multiple files. If you want to select multiple files on any application that follow MacOS guidelines, this post will guide you to select multiple files on Mac.
Select Multiple Adjacent Files on Mac
This method is to select multiple items that are next to each other.
- Select the first item, then press the Shift key and select the last item. All items in between the first and the last will be selected.
- You can also click the first item, press and hold the mouse button, or trackpad and drag over all the items.
Select Multiple Non-adjacent Files
If you want to select random items, follow the step.
- Press and hold the command key, and click the items you want to select using the left mouse click or trackpad.
Select All on Mac
To select all the files in a folder, click on one and press command-A
What can you do with the selected files?
- With the multiple files or items chosen, you can move them to a new location by dragging them.
- Press the Option key while you drag them to copy them instead of moving them to the new location.
- Press the Spacebar to invoke Quick Look and use the arrow keys to cycle through previews of the selected files.
- Right-click or Control-click on the files to display a dropdown menu to choose the options such as Rename, Open with a specific application or Move to Trash.
The methods described above work throughout macOS versions. Any application that follows macOS guidelines will allow you to select multiple files using Shift for adjacent files or Command for non-adjacent files.
Related: How to Find MAC Address on iPad [All Versions]
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