How to move a file with Finder

[dcaccount]

Hello,
I have following "problem" that I have never been able to solve.

I have a directory "download" with a file in "water bill " that I would like to move into the subdirectory "bills" of the directory "documents" which is at the same level as "download".

In the right Finder panel, I am in the directory "download" and I left click the file "water bill " to move it. On the left Finder panel I have the directories "download" and "documents".

Is there a way with the mouse to hold the file and to enter the subdirectory "bills" of the directory "documents" with just one step (without moving the files first into "documents" and then into "bills")?

If I try to move the "water bill" file onto the directory "documents" on the Finder left panel, it does not open or show its subdirectory like "bills" as I would like.

I hope I have been clear; can anyone advise how to proceed?

Thanks a lot,
daniele

 

[BrianBaughn]

First, check System Preferences>Accessibility>Mouse & Trackpad to see if "Spring-loading delay" is checked.

 

[dcaccount]

it is checked and it is in the middle of there range but it does not works on the favorites that I have on the left Finder panel?

Any idea?

Thanks,
daniele

 

[Ulenspiegel]

@dcaccount
Daniele,
I'd rather forget Finder for file management purposes.
You might want to try and make your life easier with Forklift, Commander One etc.

 

[997440]

I'm not sure that I'm completely understanding; sometimes I confuse myself.
Have you considered right-clicking "bills" and choosing "Open in New Tab"? Then you can drag "water bill" to the "bills" tab.

Still an extra step, but a quick one.

 

[noisycats]

it is checked and it is in the middle of there range but it does not works on the favorites that I have on the left Finder panel?

Any idea?

Thanks,
daniele

Perhaps try it again. All of my left panel finder icons spring load open after a second or so, but I have noticed the spring open can be a bit temperamental. It always works, eventually, but I have near perfect results if I hold my cursor in the "center' of the name of the folder to be opened. If I'm too high or low, even though I'm within the folder's backlight, nothing will happen. Now, this does not open the folder and reveal subfolders directly below (ala Windows) but will reveal the subfolders (or sub contents) to the right.

 

[dcaccount]

Perhaps try it again. All of my left panel finder icons spring load open after a second or so, but I have noticed the spring open can be a bit temperamental. It always works, eventually, but I have near perfect results if I hold my cursor in the "center' of the name of the folder to be opened. If I'm too high or low, even though I'm within the folder's backlight, nothing will happen. Now, this does not open the folder and reveal subfolders directly below (ala Windows) but will reveal the subfolders (or sub contents) to the right.

Thanks for advising.

True, I have been able to open the folder just once and never again. Can you better explain how to get it opened?
Thanks, daniele

 

[Gregg2]

Perhaps your Sidebar settings are corrupt. They can be reset.
You have to find your account's Library folder. Hold Option down and click Go. Select Library, then open the Preferences folder.
Find the file com.apple.sidebar.plist and delete it. Now Restart the computer.
Does that make it better?

 

[ActionableMango]

If you can't get the folder working right you could also use keyboard shortcuts to move the file.

Mac keyboard:
CMD-C
CMD-OPT-V

Windows keyboard:
WIN-C
WIN-ALT-V

 

[noisycats]

Thanks for advising.

True, I have been able to open the folder just once and never again. Can you better explain how to get it opened?
Thanks, daniele

Drag your file to be moved into the open finder window and place the moving 'arrow' directly over the name of the folder you want opened. Then without lifting your finger, move to the right pane and place over the folder you want to enter, keep repeating this until you get to the level you want, then release. Hope this helps. As others have noted, cut and paste also works, and third party 'finders' make it much easier.