Register now for better personalized quote!

What is a MacOS Smart Folder and how do you create one?

Jan, 05, 2023 Hi-network.com

MacOS has a number of very handy features you might not know about. One such feature is called Smart Folders. You create these folders and configure exactly what you want to be housed in them, and MacOS will continuously update the folder as files are created or saved that match the criteria.

Recommends

The best Macs

Apple's Mac lineup can be confusing as the company transitions from Intel processors to its own Apple Silicon processors. But we're here to help.

Read now

Let me explain by way of an example. Say, for instance, you create and save a lot of documents with different applications and you want a folder that makes it easy for you to quickly access those documents. 

Instead of you having to manually save those documents in a specific location, smart folders will automatically categorize and display those files.

You can even get more specific with smart folders. Say, for instance, you regularly create, save, or open documents that contain the word Recipe. You could create a smart folder specifically for that. Open the folder and you'll see all your documents that contain the word Recipe. That's pretty handy.

Also: Don't waste money on these Apple products, January 2023 edition

You can create smart folders based on:

  • Last opened date
  • Last modified date
  • Created date
  • Name
  • Contents
  • Authors
  • Author email address
  • City
  • Codecs
  • Color profile
  • Composer
  • Contact keywords
  • Duration
  • File size
  • Fonts
  • Full Name
  • Genre
  • Group
  • Headline
  • And much more

The list of attributes you can use for a Smart Folder is quite lengthy, which means you can get very creative and specific with what you create. Once created, the contents of the folder will be continuously and automatically updated.

Also: How to use the new Quick Look feature in MacOS Ventura

Let me show you how to create a new Smart Folder. 

Requirements

The only thing you'll need for this is a MacOS device. I'll demonstrate on aMacBook Pro running MacOS Ventura. That's it, let's get smart.

Creating your first Smart Folder

1. Open Finder

Click the Finder icon in your MacOS dock to launch the Finder file manager.

2. Create a new Smart Folder

With Finder open, click File > New Smart Folder.

Creating a new Smart Folder is done within Finder.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/

3. Configure your new Smart Folder

Let's create a Smart Folder that will house files that contain the word "Recipe." In the resulting window, click + (the plus sign) near the top right of the window and, from the far left drop-down, select Contents and then type Recipe in the "contains" text field. You should see results automatically appear in the Finder window.

Creating a new Smart Folder in Finder.

Image: Jack Wallen

4. Save the Smart Folder

Once you've set the criteria, click Save, and, in the new pop-up, give the Smart Folder a name and click Save. If you leave the checkbox checked for Add To Sidebar, that Smart Folder will be easily accessible from the Finder left sidebar.

Naming and customizing your new Smart Folder.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/

And that's all there is to creating a MacOS Smart Folder. If you want quick access to files that fall under specific criteria that are saved across your folders, this is the best way to make that happen.

Apple

This powerful app tells you everything about your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook's batteryI can't recommend the 15-inch MacBook Air enough, even if it's not for meApple Watch upgrade time? How to choose between Series 8, Ultra, or waiting for Series 9I tried Apple Vision Pro and it's far ahead of where I expected
  • This powerful app tells you everything about your iPhone, iPad, or MacBook's battery
  • I can't recommend the 15-inch MacBook Air enough, even if it's not for me
  • Apple Watch upgrade time? How to choose between Series 8, Ultra, or waiting for Series 9
  • I tried Apple Vision Pro and it's far ahead of where I expected

tag-icon Hot Tags : Services & Software Operating Systems Mac OS

Copyright © 2014-2024 Hi-Network.com | HAILIAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED | All Rights Reserved.