How to Move (not Copy) Files from External HD?

[6749974]

Normally: when you drag a file from an external drive to the Desktop (for example), the file will copy (meaning the file remains on the external HD AND the desktop)

Is there a way to JUST drag the file and it moves, rather than copies? (like an option, or a keyboard shortcut?)

 

[aristobrat]

Drag, and before you drop, pressing the OPTION key should toggle a green + icon on your cursor. If it's there, then it'll do a copy operation when you drop. If it's not there, it'll do a move operation.

 

[dadudeness]

Or cmd+c to copy and cmd+alt+v to paste

 

[BrianBaughn]

Or cmd+c to copy and cmd+alt+v to paste

Yes, if you select the edit menu and hold down the "Option/alt" key you'll see the change in the copy and paste commands that cause it to move finder items instead of copying.

 

[6749974]

Yes, if you select the edit menu and hold down the "Option/alt" key you'll see the change in the copy and paste commands that cause it to move finder items instead of copying.

Or cmd+c to copy and cmd+alt+v to paste

Drag, and before you drop, pressing the OPTION key should toggle a green + icon on your cursor. If it's there, then it'll do a copy operation when you drop. If it's not there, it'll do a move operation.

Thanks to all three of you. This little trick will improve my workflow greatly. Thanks again!

 

[Fishrrman]

I've found that the "usual keyboard tricks" by which to move files (instead of copy them) are often flaky -- in that sometimes they work, and other times they don't.

Sometimes it's just easiest to copy the files you intend to move, then verify that the copy was good, and then delete the originals.

Another way that DOES work is to use PathFinder's "move" option.

I can't understand why Apple didn't put a "Move..." command into the Finder's File menu. Would make things much easier.

 

[mildocjr]

source directory: right click copy
destination directory: right click then hold down option and click move

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hold the command key (⌘) while you drag the file from the external drive to the target location.

 

[6749974]

Thanks guys!