How do I merge folders?

N

npriess

macrumors regular

Original poster

• Feb 23, 2009

• #1

Hi,

Sometimes I have had 2 folders with some content, which I would like to merge.

For example two itunes music folders. Is there any way to transfer all files from folder 1 to folder 2 but not overwrite those that already exist?

I do also have some documents folders where I would like to do the trick if it is possible.

 

miles01110

macrumors Core

• Feb 23, 2009

• #2

Why not just use drag and drop? If you have two files that have the same name. just click "Don't Replace."

 

TumbleDryer

macrumors 603

• Feb 23, 2009

• #3

miles01110 said:

Why not just use drag and drop? If you have two files that have the same name. just click "Don't Replace."

Click to expand...

Or 'replace' as they are both the same it doesnt matter. 🙂

 

BlueRevolution

macrumors 603

• Feb 23, 2009

• #4

Because this will not merge the folders. Windows does this; Mac OS X does not. How you would I don't know, except maybe to do it in Windows, but trying to combine them in Finder will only result in one folder completely deleting the contents of the other. There may be a UNIX command that can do this, but I don't know it.

Ah, I tell a lie. You can do this from Terminal by running:

sudo cp -Rn [drag the source folder into the Terminal window] [drag the destination folder into the Terminal window and backspace over the trailing slash]