What is best way to Organize the Apps Folder?

[jusacruiser]

What is the best way to organize Apps in the Applications Folder?

I have dozens of apps and it is becoming impossible to find anything?

 

[Mal]

The best way is to not organize the folder itself, as many apps need to be left in their original locations. Instead, create another folder, with whatever subfolders for categories of apps, and then make aliases inside that folder to your apps. That way you can organize all you want without moving the apps from their default locations.

jW

 

[colourfastt]

Or use Spotlight to open the apps.

 

[DoghouseMike]

Or use Spotlight to open the apps.

That, or quicksilver, which is waaaaaayy better-http://qsapp.com/

 

[snberk103]

The best way is to not organize the folder itself, as many apps need to be left in their original locations. Instead, create another folder, with whatever subfolders for categories of apps, and then make aliases inside that folder to your apps. That way you can organize all you want without moving the apps from their default locations.

jW

Or use Spotlight to open the apps.

The best bit is.... you can do both.

I have a couple of folders for little photo utilities (aliases inside) 'cause I may not use them often enough to remember their names. And Spotlight for the rest. The keyboard shortcut is cmd+spacebar -> [first few letters of application name]. Make yourself use the Spotlight for a 5 days, and I'm 90% sure you will love opening your applications this way. But you have to do it enough times so that it becomes 2nd nature. A keyboard shortcut isn't a shortcut if you have to think about it....

 

[shyam09]

Or use Spotlight to open the apps.

That, or quicksilver, which is waaaaaayy better-http://qsapp.com/

we can't forget about Alfred!!

 

[Mackilroy]

we can't forget about Alfred!!

Seconded, I use Alfred quite a bit.

 

[Fresh Tendrils]

The best way is to not organize the folder itself, as many apps need to be left in their original locations. Instead, create another folder, with whatever subfolders for categories of apps, and then make aliases inside that folder to your apps. That way you can organize all you want without moving the apps from their default locations.

jW

This is the best solution. The only thing I would add is that you might want to then add the subfolders to the dock for quick access. Of course, if you have Lion you can just use Launchpad to do the same.

Spotlight's good, but it won't help you if you need to browse your apps to see which one you need [ex which game to play]

 

[jusacruiser]

Thanks for all your comments....One more question

Thanks for all your comments.

I would like the simplest all in one solution for managing app folders. Which one of these does it best?

a. spotlight
b. quicksilver
c. alfred
d. does "Agile" have a solution? all of their products are great.

 

[Gregg2]

I've never used Alfred. I like the do it yourself solution offered in post #2. Why pay for software if I can do it? (OK, so is Alfred free?)

 

[shyam09]

Thanks for all your comments.

I would like the simplest all in one solution for managing app folders. Which one of these does it best?

a. spotlight
b. quicksilver
c. alfred
d. does "Agile" have a solution? all of their products are great.

I've never used Alfred. I like the do it yourself solution offered in post #2. Why pay for software if I can do it? (OK, so is Alfred free?)

Alfred IMHO;
to answer your question, alfred is free in a yes and no way.
this link will explain everything
http://isource.com/2011/01/21/review-alfred-app-for-mac-os-x/

alfred is free, but if you want to beyond the powers of typical stuff, you can buy the powerpack [12 pounds]

i suggest you explore those two links and the alfred site

i honestly think alfred wins!

 

[kirsch92]

Alfred, Alfred, Alfred.

 

[coops]

I still love my Dragthing....

http://www.dragthing.com/

what the dock should be ;-)

screenshot of my setup... I group my apps in columns, for instance VLC down to Burn with a folder beneath them containing shortcuts to all my other video related apps for further access. The folder tab can also be chosen or direct to it by mousing up to that area of top of screen - i've got it all setup on autohide.