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Build a folder that fills itself

A Smart Folder is a saved search that looks and behaves like a folder, and stays up to date without you touching it.

The files you need together are rarely stored together. A Smart Folder fixes that without moving anything: you describe what belongs in it and the Finder keeps the list up to date.

In the Finder, choose File → New Smart Folder (⌥ + ⌘ + N). Type something in the search field to start, then click the Add button (+) to add rules. Each rule is an attribute, a comparison and a value — kind, name, dates — and choosing Other in the attribute menu opens the complete list of attributes.

The rules stack, and the results update as you change them. When they are right, click Save, give the folder a name and tick Add To Sidebar. From then on it is one click away and always current.

The files never move. The folder is a saved question, not a place.


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