File sorting

[elf69]

I run both El capitan and sierra.

one of biggest things in sierra I like is it now sorts files/folders like windows.

Folder first then files.

El Cap does not and if sort by name it all over place with files and folders mixed.

Can the file manager from sierra be installed on el cap?

Both versions are great and well as you expect from apple just work.
but would like the file sorted in my el cap (and a friends from windows mac) to sort more like windows.

It's just what we are used to.

 

[KALLT]

There is frankly no elegant solution for this. Finder uses Spotlight under the bonnet for arranging/sorting files and folders. It uses the same arrangement of file types as Spotlight, which you can see in System Preferences. Before El Capitan, you could go to Spotlight preferences and re-arrange these file types, moving folders to the top. If you choose ‘arrange by kind’ in Finder, then it lists folders first. However, it also does that in Spotlight search results, so this affects Spotlight as a whole. Then there is also the problem that all your other files are arranged by kind as well, separating them even further (unless you uncheck them in Spotlight preferences).

With programs such as Prefs Editor, you can still do this. You can re-arrange the file types for the preference ‘com.apple.spotlight’, under ‘orderedItems’. There you simply look for the ‘DIRECTORIES’ entry and move it to the top. Then you save, log out and back in. Now it should list folders first in Finder and Spotlight, if you choose ‘arrange by kind’. That is the only way I know.

 

[elf69]

Thank you for that.

I think I will have to put up with it as I usually sort by name rather than kind.

Might need look at other file managers.
Got a free copy of forklift but not used it.

 

[MacUser2525]

PathFinder will do what you need plus more. I have used it for so long I forget when I started, it has free 30 day trial and is well worth the money to buy if you like it.

http://www.cocoatech.com/pathfinder/

Edit: And while I am thinking files management Default Folder X is another to look at.

http://www.stclairsoft.com/DefaultFolderX/