MacOS 12 Finder: Instant 'Go To Folder' Like MacOS 10.14

Hey everyone! Ever since upgrading to macOS 12, many of you, including myself, have noticed a slight but annoying change in the Finder's "Go to Folder" functionality. In older versions like macOS 10.14 (Mojave), pressing ⇧⌘G (Shift-Command-G), typing in your desired path, and hitting enter would instantly whisk you away to that folder. But now? It seems like macOS 12 (Monterey) wants to play a little game of "let's list all the subfolders first!" before finally getting you where you need to go. This can be a real productivity killer, especially when you're dealing with long or complex paths. So, is there a way to restore that instant 'Go to Folder' behavior we all know and love? Let's dive into the details and explore some potential solutions and workarounds to get your Finder zipping around like it used to!

Understanding the Change in macOS 12 Finder

Let's be real, this change in the Finder's behavior in macOS 12 can feel like a major step backward. For those of us who rely on the "Go to Folder" command to quickly navigate through our file system, the added delay of listing subfolders can be incredibly frustrating. Why did Apple make this change? It's hard to say for sure. It could be related to indexing improvements, security enhancements, or simply a design decision that didn't quite land the way they intended. Whatever the reason, the impact on user workflow is undeniable. We've all been there: you're in a hurry, you know the exact path to the folder you need, and instead of instantly jumping there, you're stuck waiting for the Finder to display a list of subfolders you don't even care about. It's like waiting in line at the grocery store when you only have one item – you just want to get in and out! The good news is that while there's no single, definitive solution to completely revert to the old behavior, there are some strategies and tricks you can use to mitigate the issue and speed up your navigation. Keep reading, and we'll explore some of these options together.

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

Okay, so we've established that the "Go to Folder" in macOS 12 isn't quite as snappy as it used to be. But don't despair! There are a few things you can try to improve the situation and get back some of that lost speed. Let's explore some potential solutions and workarounds:

1. Autocomplete to the Rescue

One of the simplest ways to bypass the subfolder listing delay is to leverage the Finder's autocomplete feature. As you start typing the path in the "Go to Folder" window, the Finder will try to predict what you're typing and offer suggestions. If the correct folder appears in the autocomplete list, you can simply select it with your arrow keys or mouse and hit enter to jump straight to it. This can be significantly faster than waiting for the Finder to list all the subfolders. The trick here is to type enough of the path to make the correct folder the top suggestion. If the autocomplete is suggesting the wrong folders, keep typing until it narrows down the options. Autocomplete is your friend, use it wisely!

2. Drag and Drop (Yes, Really!)

This might sound a bit unconventional, but it can actually be quite effective in certain situations. If you already have a Finder window open to a parent folder of the destination you want to reach, you can drag and drop that parent folder into the "Go to Folder" window. This will automatically populate the path field with the parent folder's path. From there, you can simply add the remaining part of the path and hit enter. This method is especially useful if you're frequently navigating to folders within the same directory structure. It saves you from having to type the entire path from scratch each time.

3. Keyboard Maestro (For the Power Users)

If you're a fan of automation and want a more robust solution, consider using a tool like Keyboard Maestro. This powerful app allows you to create custom macros and shortcuts to automate various tasks on your Mac. You could create a macro that simulates the old "Go to Folder" behavior by automatically selecting the first item in the subfolder list after a short delay. This requires a bit of setup and configuration, but once it's done, you'll have a much faster and more seamless experience. Keyboard Maestro isn't free, but it's a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to streamline their workflow and boost their productivity.

4. Path Finder (A Finder Alternative)

For those who are truly fed up with the Finder's quirks and limitations, consider exploring alternative file managers like Path Finder. Path Finder is a powerful and customizable Finder replacement that offers a wide range of features and options not found in the default Finder. It allows you to customize the "Go to Folder" behavior to your liking and provides many other enhancements that can significantly improve your file management experience. Path Finder is a paid app, but it offers a free trial so you can test it out and see if it's right for you.

5. Shorten Your Paths (If Possible)

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. If you find yourself constantly navigating to folders with incredibly long paths, consider whether you can shorten those paths. This might involve renaming folders, reorganizing your file structure, or creating symbolic links to frequently accessed folders. Shorter paths mean less typing, less waiting for autocomplete, and overall faster navigation. It's a bit of a long-term strategy, but it can pay off in the long run.

Conclusion: Optimizing Your Finder Workflow

While the change in macOS 12's "Go to Folder" behavior can be a bit of a pain, it's not the end of the world. By using the strategies and workarounds outlined above, you can significantly improve your Finder workflow and get back to navigating your files quickly and efficiently. Whether you choose to rely on autocomplete, drag and drop, Keyboard Maestro, Path Finder, or simply shorten your paths, the key is to find a solution that works best for you and your specific needs. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches until you find the perfect combination. And remember, even small improvements can add up to significant time savings over the long run. So, go forth and conquer your file system! Happy finding, guys!