Aug 4 2010
Mac Tip: Command-Drag-and-Drop to Move files… not Copy
Sometime when you’re dragging files from one drive to another, experiment with holding down some of the command keys (Shift, Control, Option and Command) and you’ll notice that the cursor will change to indicate that you’re about to do something a little different than the usual.
If you hold down the Option key as you drag-and-drop files, you’ll create copies of those files whether you’re dragging from one drive to another or even within the same directory. The cursor changes to show a plus in a green bubble to let you know what’s about to happen.
If you hold down the Option and Command keys while dragging and dropping files, the cursor will be appended by a little curved arrow—the same curved arrow that you see on files at are aliases to other files…because that is what you are about to create. You won’t actually move the file at all but you’ll instead create a kind of link to the original accessible from the alias.
But if you hold down the Command key while you drag-and-drop, you’ll see now change to the cursor at all. Odd, since this maneuver does do something special. Usually when you move files from one folder to another within the same drive, the file disappears from where it was and will now be found in the place where you dragged it.But, if you drag a file from one drive to another, you make a copy—the same file on both drives…unless… Unless you hold down the Command key while you drag the file. Then you move the file. It is removed from its original resting place and is now to be found only in its new home.
Just a little tip for you.