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chabig

macrumors G4
Sep 6, 2002
10,634
8,256
You would have to switch back to Windows, where the desktop icons appear on the left side by default. It does that because early in computer industry history, Microsoft set about copying the Mac, but to prevent accusations of direct copying they pretty much built it as an upside-down and backwards copy of the Mac.

If you consider how western culture communicates, we read left to right and top to bottom. That makes the top and left side real estate more valuable. Thus, Mac apps open windows at the top and left by default. The right side of the screen was therefore more open and available, and it makes sense that icons go over there. Windows has it backwards.

You might appreciate these tips for Windows switchers: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204216
 

jbarley

macrumors 601
Jul 1, 2006
4,023
1,890
Vancouver Island
So the OP wants something like this...
doable maybe, just not practical.

Screen Shot 2019-03-19 at 3.03.21 PM.png
 

fisherking

macrumors G4
Jul 16, 2010
10,791
5,193
ny somewhere
anyone can move their desktop icons to the left. the point seems to be, when you make a new folder (for example) it shows up on the right. outside of an app (or hack?)... no way to default to the left.
 

RayBir

macrumors newbie
Mar 14, 2019
18
4
Sweden
When i right click on the "left" side of the desktop to add a new folder, it appears.... on the left side, allways has done. Just a matter of moving it where i want and then "cleaning up".

Just my two pennies worth.
 
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fisherking

macrumors G4
Jul 16, 2010
10,791
5,193
ny somewhere
When i right click on the "left" side of the desktop to add a new folder, it appears.... on the left side, allways has done. Just a matter of moving it where i want and then "cleaning up".

Just my two pennies worth.

does no one read the OP post? of course that happens, and, of course, you move things to the left (or to the center, or top, or bottom, or...). this is not the same as items defaulting to the left...
 

RayBir

macrumors newbie
Mar 14, 2019
18
4
Sweden
does no one read the OP post? of course that happens, and, of course, you move things to the left (or to the center, or top, or bottom, or...). this is not the same as items defaulting to the left...
You said it defaults to the right when you create a new folder, which is correct, but using the mouse you can click on the left and thats where it will be. Thats why i don't use the "normal" method: "file/new folder". Another wasted 2 pennies.

Anyway, seems like there is no solution as per the request..... i guess.
 

fisherking

macrumors G4
Jul 16, 2010
10,791
5,193
ny somewhere
You said it defaults to the right when you create a new folder, which is correct, but using the mouse you can click on the left and thats where it will be. Thats why i don't use the "normal" method: "file/new folder". Another wasted 2 pennies.

Anyway, seems like there is no solution as per the request..... i guess.

fair enough. making a new folder from the menu puts it on the right; right-click puts it near the cursor...
 
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