Create a shadow Applications folder with lndir

Dec 15, '03 09:29:00AM

Contributed by: LWB

In the good old days of OS 9, one could move programs anywhere on the drive. Unfortunately with OS X, (Apple) programs need to be in particular places for updates to work properly. Using lndir (which I think comes with XFree86 via fink) you can make a 'shadow' directory of Applications, and organize them to your hearts content!

The command, assuming lndir is installed is:

 % cd
 % mkdir shadow
 % /usr/X11R6/bin/lndir /Applications ~/Shadow
This will make the shadow directory in your home folder, and populate it with links to the real applications which reside in /Applications. Next sort the files as you like eg: productivity, multimedia, etc. You can then drag the Shadow directory onto the Finder sidebar in 10.3 for quick (organized) access.

For those who hate eyesores:
 % sudo /Developer/Tools/SetFile -a V ~/Shadow
Note: you will have to enter the admin password. This will make the Shadow directory invisible to the Finder.

Comments (11)


Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20031208202347207