The Finder sidebar on Mac is a handy tool for quick access to files and folders. It sits on the left side of Finder windows. You can customize the sidebar to show your most-used items. This makes finding and opening files faster and easier.
The sidebar has different sections like Favorites, iCloud, and Locations. You can add or remove items from these sections. This lets you set up the sidebar in a way that works best for you. You can also change how big the sidebar is by dragging its edge.
To show or hide the sidebar, use the View menu in Finder. You can also use a keyboard shortcut. Adding your own folders to the sidebar is as simple as dragging them there. This puts your important stuff just one click away.
Finder Sidebar on Mac: A Complete Guide
The Finder Sidebar on macOS is one of the most useful tools for navigating your Mac quickly and efficiently. It provides instant access to folders, drives, network locations, and tags—saving time and reducing clicks. This guide explains what the Finder Sidebar is, how it works, and how to customize it to fit your workflow.
What Is the Finder Sidebar?
The Finder Sidebar is the vertical panel on the left side of any Finder window. It acts as a navigation hub, letting you jump to commonly used locations without browsing through folders manually.
If you don’t see the sidebar, you can enable it by opening Finder and selecting: View → Show Sidebar
Sections of the Finder Sidebar
The sidebar is divided into several sections, depending on your macOS version and settings.
1. Favorites
This section contains shortcuts to commonly used folders, such as:
- AirDrop
- Applications
- Desktop
- Documents
- Downloads
- Home folder
You can open any item with a single click.
Tip: Drag any folder into Favorites to add it.
2. iCloud
If you use iCloud, this section shows:
- iCloud Drive
- Shared folders
- iCloud-enabled apps
This makes it easy to access files synced across your Apple devices.
3. Locations
Locations displays connected devices and storage, including:
- Internal hard drive or SSD
- External drives and USB flash drives
- Network drives and servers
- iPhone or iPad (when connected)
Eject external drives safely by clicking the Eject icon next to them.
4. Tags
Tags allow you to organize files visually using color-coded or custom labels. Clicking a tag in the sidebar shows all files with that tag, regardless of location.
You can rename, delete, or reorder tags from Finder settings.
How to Customize the Finder Sidebar
Customizing the sidebar helps you focus on what matters most.
Show or Hide Sidebar Items
- Open Finder
- Click Finder → Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions)
- Select the Sidebar tab
- Check or uncheck items you want to appear
Reorder Items
- Click and drag items up or down in the sidebar to rearrange them
- You can also drag items between sections in some macOS versions
Add Folders to Favorites
- Drag any folder from a Finder window into the Favorites section
- This creates a shortcut, not a duplicate
Remove Items from Favorites
- Right-click the item and select Remove from Sidebar
- Or drag it out of the sidebar until you see the remove icon
Useful Finder Sidebar Tips
- Open in a new tab: Hold Command (⌘) while clicking a sidebar item
- Open in a new window: Hold Option (⌥) while clicking
- Quick file move: Drag files directly onto sidebar folders
- Resize sidebar: Drag the vertical divider to make it wider or narrower
Troubleshooting Finder Sidebar Issues
Sidebar Is Missing
- Open Finder
- Select View → Show Sidebar
Items Not Appearing
- Go to Finder → Settings → Sidebar
- Ensure the relevant items are checked
Sidebar Not Updating
- Restart Finder: press Option (⌥), right-click the Finder icon in the Dock, and choose Relaunch
Why the Finder Sidebar Matters
The Finder Sidebar is more than just a navigation tool—it’s a productivity booster. With a properly customized sidebar, you can:
- Access important folders instantly
- Organize files more efficiently
- Reduce clutter and confusion
Final Thoughts
Mastering the Finder Sidebar on Mac can significantly improve how you work with files every day. Spend a few minutes customizing it, and you’ll enjoy faster navigation, better organization, and a smoother macOS experience.
Key Takeaways
- The Finder sidebar offers quick access to files and folders
- You can add or remove items to customize the sidebar
- Showing, hiding, and resizing the sidebar is easy
Using the Finder Sidebar
The Finder sidebar on Mac is a handy tool for quick access to files and folders. It offers easy navigation and customization options to suit your needs.
Accessing the Sidebar
The sidebar is on the left side of Finder windows. To open a new Finder window, click the Finder icon in the Dock. If you don’t see the sidebar, go to the View menu and select “Show Sidebar”. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command+Option+S to toggle the sidebar on or off.
The sidebar has different sections like Favorites, Locations, and Tags. These help you find files fast. You can resize the sidebar by dragging its right edge left or right.
Customizing the Sidebar
You can change what shows up in your sidebar. This makes it fit your needs better. To do this:
- Open Finder
- Click “Finder” in the top menu
- Choose “Settings”
- Select the “Sidebar” tab
Here you can pick what items to show or hide. Just check or uncheck the boxes next to each item. You can add or remove things like your desktop, documents, and downloads folder.
Adding and Managing Items
To add items to the sidebar:
- Drag and drop folders or files to the Favorites section
- Right-click an item and choose “Add to Sidebar”
To remove items:
- Right-click the item and select “Remove from Sidebar”
- Drag the item off the sidebar
You can also make aliases (shortcuts) of files or folders and add them to the sidebar. This gives you quick access without moving the original item.
Efficient Navigation
The sidebar makes moving around your Mac faster. Click any item in the sidebar to jump to that location right away. This saves time when working with files in different places.
You can also use Smart Folders in the sidebar. These are saved searches that update on their own. They help you find files based on rules you set up.
Integrating with iCloud
The sidebar can show your iCloud Drive. This lets you access files stored in the cloud. You can drag files to the iCloud section to upload them. You can also see shared folders and files from other Apple devices.
To turn on iCloud in the sidebar:
- Open Finder Settings
- Go to the Sidebar tab
- Check the box next to iCloud Drive
This makes working with cloud files as easy as local ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Finder sidebar on Mac helps users access files quickly. It can be changed to fit different needs.
How can one customize the Finder sidebar in macOS?
To change the Finder sidebar open Finder settings. Click the Sidebar tab. Check or uncheck items to show or hide them. This lets you pick what shows up in the sidebar.
What steps are involved in adding a location to the Finder sidebar?
Adding a spot to the sidebar is easy. Just drag a folder to the Favorites section. You can also right-click a folder and choose “Add to Sidebar.” This puts the folder in easy reach.
How can a user hide or show the Finder sidebar on a Mac?
To hide or show the sidebar click View in the menu bar. Then pick “Hide Sidebar” or “Show Sidebar.” You can also use the Option + Command + S keys to toggle it on or off.
What should be done if the Finder sidebar is not visible?
If you can’t see the sidebar check if it’s hidden. Go to the View menu and click “Show Sidebar.” Make sure the Finder toolbar is visible too. The sidebar needs the toolbar to show up.
How does one edit or modify entries in the Finder sidebar?
To change sidebar items open Finder settings. Go to the Sidebar tab. Check or uncheck boxes to add or remove items. You can also drag items to move them around in the sidebar.
Where can one find sidebar widget settings on a Mac?
Sidebar settings are in System Settings. Click on Desktop & Dock. Scroll down to find Sidebar items. Here you can turn on or off different widgets that show up in the sidebar.
