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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window Desktop
As discussed in this earlier hint, you can open your sidebar folders in new windows by simply command-clicking on them. Last night, while working with the toolbar (and fuming over Apple's decision to remove pop-open spring-loaded folders from said toolbar), I discovered that you can also spring-open a sidebar folder in a new window.

As you might have guessed, you can open a sidebar folder in a new window by command-dragging an item into it. The only thing that makes this a bit tricky is that the Finder interprets a command-drag as a 'move' command if you happen to be dragging across drives or partitions. Since I don't trust the Finder's command-drag move very much (I prefer to copy, verify, and then erase on my own), I modify the process just a bit: command-drag as usual, then hover and wait (or press the spacebar) and watch the sidebar folder pop-open. At that point, I release the Command key, insuring that I get a copy and not a move when doing this across drives or partitions.

As you can see at left, you can control the size and shape of the popped-open window by setting it first -- open the folder in question in its own window, change its size and display type as you wish, then close it. When you pop it open, it should pop up with the settings you established.

Although this still isn't quite as nice as having a spring-loaded folder in the toolbar, it mostly replaces the functionality. I hated having my chosen Finder window disappear, just because I wanted to file something via drag and drop.
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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: frankxiv on Apr 09, '04 11:48:47AM

You don't "trust" the Finder's command-drag move????

What exactly does that mean? You think the Finder is going to lose your file?

Also, you can get a copy by simply holding down the option key once you get to the final destination folder before releasing the mouse button.

Later, Frank



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: rammjet on Apr 09, '04 01:25:58PM
If the window you are dragging from is in List view, then the target folder will open in a new window.

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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: gregpare on Apr 09, '04 02:10:03PM

This just seems like a bug to me. The above poster is right, it does work in list view, but not in icon view.



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: Barney-15 on Apr 09, '04 03:34:25PM

I guess I'm confused. I don't need to hold down the command key to get sidebar folders to spring open. I just drag an icon to the folder and it springs open to whatever view I last set it at.

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Jim



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: gommino_2000 on Apr 09, '04 04:16:23PM

This hint opens up the destination folder (i.e. the spring loaded one) in a new windows, so you can still see the original.



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: osxpounder on Apr 12, '04 12:00:02PM

Same for me: I didn't have to do or change anything, nor hold down any keys --- just drag an icon over to the sidebar, and the folder in the sidebar opens in a new window. I'm confused, too. Seems like it works just fine sans extra keystrokes, on my box.

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osxpounder



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: osxpounder on Apr 12, '04 12:02:58PM

Oh, and btw, when I do this with the mouse [no keystrokes], it not only pops up the folder from the sidebar but leaves my current folder in place, too.

Perhaps this is connected with the setting in Finder Preferences, "Always open folders in a new window", which I have enabled.

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osxpounder



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: powerbookg3user0 on Apr 12, '04 03:49:23PM

Yes, it does! I said this a while ago!

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Takumi Murayama



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: jedik on Apr 09, '04 06:10:28PM

Actually, it works either in the icon view or list view. And even in column view. If you *don't* press the COMMAND key, it will open the folder in the current windows, otherwise it will open a new windows. Even further, it doesn't matter if your are dragging a file from the current windows or from somewhere else.

By default, in any case, dragging a file in the *same* disk will move it, but if you press the OPTION key, the Finder will copy the file, as it was supposed to do.

But there is a catch (wich worth reading this tip and trying everything above): using the command key to spring-load the folder in a new window will open it using its actual folder setting, i.e., the ones you've chosen before closing it the last time. I was very annoyed that when copying or moving files using spring-loaded folder the Finder would open *only* the first folder using its settings. The next folders would be opened in the icon view almost always, what would make it almost impossible to find the correct place to drop the file when there are lots of folder/files. But if you use the COMMNAND key, every folder will open in a new window *and* using its actual configuration/setup, just like the old good OS 9! :) :) :)

Cheers!

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:: Jedi Knight ::
-- Mac Rules! --



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Open spring-loaded sidebar folders in a new window
Authored by: powerbookg3user0 on Apr 09, '04 07:36:07PM

Well can't you select "Always open folders in a new window" in the Finder Preferences to get the same result? It works for me.

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Takumi Murayama



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