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How to Select Multiple Files on Mac: When using macOS, it is incredibly simple to pick numerous files at the same time, which enables you to copy, transfer, or delete multiple objects in a short amount of time. We will teach you a variety of selection methods that may be used on your Mac for a wide variety of applications, files, and other types of content. Using the Finder, selecting a file is a simple process. The only thing you need to do is click on it when the mouse pointer is hovering over it. What happens, however, if you try to pick numerous files at the same time? You will be able to save time by copying, deleting, or moving them all at once with this tool.
Dealing with a big number of files generates a lot of clutter. Making an attempt to choose all of them at the same time can be an even more difficult task if it is not done correctly. There is a possibility that you will wind up deleting them, transferring them to a different place than you had intended, or generating many copies of the files overall. Understanding how to pick multiple files on a Mac is really necessary in order to prevent making these mistakes. Throughout the course of this book, we intend to provide an answer to this question. here are the steps how to Select Multiple Files on Mac.
How to Select Multiple Files on Mac

Click and drag
- This is the most intuitive method for selecting files that are next to each other.
- Click on the first file you want to select.
- Hold down the Command key.
- Click and drag your mouse over the other files you want to select.
- All files within the dragged area will be highlighted, including the first one you clicked.
Command-click
- This method allows you to select non-adjacent files.
- Hold down the Command key.
- Click on each file you want to select, one at a time.
- Each click will add or remove the file from your selection, regardless of its position.
Shift-click
- This method helps you select a range of files quickly.
- Click on the first file you want to select.
- Hold down the Shift key.
- Click on the last file you want to select.
- All files in between, including the first and last ones, will be highlighted.
Select all
- If you want to select every file in a folder or window, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + A.
- This is a quick way to select all files, regardless of their location.
Filter files
- If you’re looking for specific files, you can use the search bar in the Finder window.
- Type in your search terms and press Enter.
- Only files that match your criteria will be displayed.
- You can then select the desired files using any of the methods mentioned above.
The Importance of Selecting Multiple Files on Mac
- Time Efficiency: Selecting multiple files allows users to perform actions on a batch of items simultaneously, saving time compared to individually handling each file. This is crucial when managing large datasets or folders.
- Batch Operations: Multiple file selection enables users to apply actions, such as copying, moving, or deleting, to an entire group of files at once. This simplifies tasks that would otherwise be tedious and time-consuming.
- Organization and Sorting: When dealing with numerous files, being able to select multiple items facilitates organization. Users can group files together and apply sorting or labeling options to streamline file management.
- Bulk Editing: Many applications on Mac support bulk editing features when multiple files are selected. This is particularly useful for tasks like renaming files, changing file attributes, or applying common edits simultaneously.
- Drag-and-Drop Operations: Selecting multiple files allows users to drag and drop them into folders or applications, providing a seamless and intuitive way to transfer or process multiple items at once.
- Enhanced Productivity: Whether you’re working on creative projects, managing documents, or handling media files, the ability to select and manipulate multiple files simultaneously enhances overall productivity.
- Streamlining Workflow: For tasks that involve multiple files, such as creating a multimedia presentation or organizing photos, selecting multiple files simplifies the workflow and makes the process more user-friendly.
Third-Party Tools for Advanced File Selection
Tool Name | Description |
---|---|
Path Finder | Feature-rich file manager with advanced selection and customization. |
Forklift | Dual-pane file manager with advanced selection options and tools. |
TotalFinder | Enhances Finder with additional features, including advanced selection. |
Commander One | Dual-pane file manager with advanced file selection and management. |
XYplorer | Windows File Explorer alternative with powerful file selection tools. |
Double Commander | Cross-platform file manager with advanced file selection features. |
MuCommander | Lightweight, open-source file manager with dual-pane and selection tools. |
TagSpaces | File organizer with tagging system for advanced categorization. |
Conclusion
MacOS is a system that is easy to understand and operate, and it simplifies a wide range of tasks by making them straightforward to carry out. That includes choosing multiple files at the same time and sorting them in alphabetical order. Here is a guide that will show you how to pick several files on a Mac, with four various alternatives depending on what you are trying to accomplish. If you need to move some things around on your computer, this guide will help you.
Questions and Answers
To select all items, press Command-A. Find objects within a document or open a Find window by pressing the Command-F key. Using the Command-G shortcut, you can locate the subsequent instance of the item that was discovered earlier. Pressing Shift-Command-G will allow you to locate the prior occurrence.
At the same time that you are holding Shift and Command, press ← and then →. Selecting a whole line, which is also referred to as a paragraph, is accomplished by: At the point where the pointer is at the end of the line: You can choose to include the newline at the end of the line by using the right arrow key for this option.
Pick a word to use: Put a double click on the word. Choose a paragraph to read: To read the paragraph, click three times. Pick a section of text to read: You can pick the text you wish to select by first clicking in front of the first character, then holding down the Shift key on your keyboard and clicking at the end of the first character.