If you are using a Mac, you might be familiar with the path bar that displays the path to the currently browsed folder. By default, the path bar shows the entire path from the root directory to the current folder, which might not be very useful if you only ever browse your home directory. Fortunately, there is a way to set the path bar to be relative to the home directory, which makes it much more practical.
How to Set the Path Bar to be Relative to Home Directory
To set the path bar to be relative to the home directory, you need to open the Terminal window and enter the following command:
defaults write com.apple.finder PathBarRootAtHome -bool TRUE; killall Finder
The changes will take effect immediately. Now when you browse a folder, the path bar will only display the path from the home directory to the current folder, which is much more convenient.
How to Restore the Default Path Bar
If you ever want to restore the default path bar that shows the entire path from the root directory, you can do so by entering the following command in the Terminal:
defaults delete com.apple.finder PathBarRootAtHome; killall Finder
You can also drag and drop files anywhere on the path bar to move them to that location, which can be very useful. And remember, you can always display the full path in the title bar of the Finder window.
Benefits of Setting the Path Bar to be Relative to Home Directory
- The guide is free to read.
- You can browse your home directory more conveniently.
- The command is easy to execute and the changes take effect immediately.
FAQ
What is the benefit of setting the path bar to be relative to the home directory?
Setting the path bar to be relative to the home directory makes browsing your home directory much more convenient, as it only displays the path from the home directory to the current folder.
Can I drag and drop files on the path bar?
Yes, you can drag and drop files anywhere on the path bar to move them to that location, as long as you hold down the Option key before copying the file from the mouse button.
How do I restore the default path bar?
To restore the default path bar that shows the entire path from the root directory, you can enter the command “defaults delete com.apple.finder PathBarRootAtHome; killall Finder” in the Terminal.
Is this guide available for all Apple devices?
Yes, this guide is applicable for all Apple devices running on Mac OS or iOS.
Final Note
If you have any questions about setting the path bar to be relative to the home directory, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly. Please note that this guide is for educational purposes only, and if you find any misinformation, kindly let us know. Additionally, if you have any alternate methods, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us through our contact page.
