File management in OSX Yosemite - I am buried in nests

[appleperson1]

Hi,

I've got a number of projects on the go and i've got lots of files for each one. Each file also needs to be in a different sub sub sub sub folder, and it's really difficult to manage. I just find myself constantly wading through folder nests trying to find files. It's a pain.

I tried a couple of different Finder alternatives and they weren't much help.

I feel like this must be the sort of thing where there's lots of work being done and I just can't find it. There MUST be a new and innovative way of navigating through and storing and managing files on a computer. I just don't know what it is...

Anyone?

Thanks!

 

[crashoverride77]

Hi,

I've got a number of projects on the go and i've got lots of files for each one. Each file also needs to be in a different sub sub sub sub folder, and it's really difficult to manage. I just find myself constantly wading through folder nests trying to find files. It's a pain.

I tried a couple of different Finder alternatives and they weren't much help.

I feel like this must be the sort of thing where there's lots of work being done and I just can't find it. There MUST be a new and innovative way of navigating through and storing and managing files on a computer. I just don't know what it is...

Anyone?

Thanks!

Why don't you try tags in finder
You can colour tag your different projects/files wherever they are in finder, you can name the tags like you want (e.g new, recent, old, etc), and they will always be in Finder sidebar. It's super convenient and will greatly improve your workflow.
https://support.apple.com/kb/PH19080?locale=en_US

Also don't forget that Spotlight is your best friend.

 

[robgendreau]

Yeah, using the info in folder names to organize files is extremely restrictive.

Not only try tags, but a good tag manager like Yep or Leap, or other software.

Those also are great for document management, sort of like an Aperture/iPhoto for non-image files.

Another that is great for this is DevonThink. Way way better for managing documents than the Finder.

And finally, Default Folder X. Since one inevitably needs to dive into the file structure in dialog boxes, make it easier on yourself with this utility.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Hi,

I've got a number of projects on the go and i've got lots of files for each one. Each file also needs to be in a different sub sub sub sub folder, and it's really difficult to manage. I just find myself constantly wading through folder nests trying to find files. It's a pain.

I tried a couple of different Finder alternatives and they weren't much help.

I feel like this must be the sort of thing where there's lots of work being done and I just can't find it. There MUST be a new and innovative way of navigating through and storing and managing files on a computer. I just don't know what it is...

Anyone?

Thanks!

I would try TotalFinder (http://totalfinder.binaryage.com) which is a plug-in for Finder. It has colour labels that might help to orginize your folders etc.

 

[appleperson1]

THanks for those thoughts. There's so much third party software out there and it's hard to figure out how to use it all.

I think for now I might just try using tags in Yosemite (which I wasn't sure of before) and i've installed Quicksilver to see if that helps.

Thanks again!

 

[crashoverride77]

THanks for those thoughts. There's so much third party software out there and it's hard to figure out how to use it all.

I think for now I might just try using tags in Yosemite (which I wasn't sure of before) and i've installed Quicksilver to see if that helps.

Thanks again!

Yeah tags is pretty sweet, give it a go.
If it still does not fullfill your needs than maybe look for alternative finder apps like people have mentioned above. Also don't forget that spotlight is there to help

 

[crashoverride77]

Hi,

I've got a number of projects on the go and i've got lots of files for each one. Each file also needs to be in a different sub sub sub sub folder, and it's really difficult to manage. I just find myself constantly wading through folder nests trying to find files. It's a pain.

I tried a couple of different Finder alternatives and they weren't much help.

I feel like this must be the sort of thing where there's lots of work being done and I just can't find it. There MUST be a new and innovative way of navigating through and storing and managing files on a computer. I just don't know what it is...

Anyone?

Thanks!

Gave tags a go yet? Let us know how it goes

 

[dyn]

You problem isn't Finder or any of the replacements but your folder structure. If you nest things that deep you'll end up with those problems in any filemanager and any document management system. You need to think of a flatter structure, make it simpler. Tags can aid in this as well as a different filenaming convention.