How To Copy A File Path On Mac In 6 Ways [Quick & Easy]

author avatarIvelin Krastev Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Before we dive in

Before we dive in, let's make sure you stay safe online. We created SpyHunter because your security matters to us.

Protect your computer today — download SpyHunter right here! Check out our top tips below to keep your computer safe and secure.

Download SpyHunter

Have you ever needed to share or use the file path of a document, folder, or image on your Mac but didn’t know how to copy it?

Knowing how to copy the path of files and folders on a Mac can save you time and effort. Fortunately, macOS offers several simple ways to grab the full path of a file or folder quickly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 6 easy methods to copy file paths.

Ready to make file management on your Mac smoother? Let’s dive in!

This Article Contains:

Why copy a file path?

Copying file paths on a Mac is a quick and efficient way to share the exact location of a file or folder within the file system.

This can be especially helpful when you need to reference files in Terminal commands, locate files for software or development purposes, or simply share the file path with others.

By copying the complete path, you ensure that the recipient knows precisely where the file is stored.

Additionally, being able to copy file locations streamlines tasks like navigating directories, moving files, or linking assets in various applications, saving time and reducing errors.

How to copy a file path on Mac?

Knowing how to copy file paths on Mac can save you time and simplify your workflow.

Below, we’ll explore multiple easy and efficient ways to get the full file path of any file or folder on macOS so you can choose the method that best suits your needs.

Now, let’s get into it!

Use Finder’s context menu to “copy path”

One of the easiest ways to copy path on Mac is through the Finder window using the context menu.

It’s quick and straightforward, requiring just a couple of clicks.

  1. Open Finder and navigate to the file or folder whose path you want to copy.
  2. Right-click (or Control-click) on the file or folder to open the context menu.
  3. Hold down the Option key to reveal the hidden option. See how the standard Copy option changes.
  4. Click Copy [filename] as Pathname to copy the file path to your clipboard.
  5. Paste the copied path wherever you need it.
copy pathname in mac context menu

This method is the most intuitive for Mac users who prefer to work within the Finder and offers a quick way to access the complete path without any fuss.

Copy a file path with the Path Bar in Finder

Finder provides many efficient ways that you can use to find file path on your Mac.

  1. Open a new Finder window and select View from the menu bar.
  2. Choose Show Path Bar to enable a bar at the bottom of each Finder window.
show path bar finder menu action
  1. Navigate to the file or folder in Finder, and the entire folder path will appear at the bottom of the window.
file path on mac finder path bar
  1. Right-click on the path bar to copy any part of the directory path that you need. The copied pathname will be the complete path to the file or folder.
copy as pathname menu action

This method provides a clear, visual way to navigate through folders and select the exact location of any file or folder, making it an excellent option if you want to understand the file system hierarchy while working.

Use the Get Info window to copy any items path

Another simple method to find file path on your Mac computer is using the Info window.

This option is built into macOS and offers more detailed information about any file or folder.

  1. Open Finder and locate the file or folder you want.
  2. Select the file, then press Command + I to open the Get Info window. You can also show the right-click menu and select Get Info.
get info menu action
  1. In the General section, you’ll see the Where field which shows the path name to the enclosing folder.
get info window
  1. Copy the folder path to your clipboard, then add the file name to get the complete item path.
copy pathname menu

This approach is helpful for those who prefer to manually extract the file path while also checking other details, such as file size or permissions, in the Info window.

Copy file paths with the Terminal app

For users who regularly use Terminal, copying a file path through drag and drop is a quick and efficient way to get the full file path without typing it manually.

  1. Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
  2. Open Finder and locate the file or folder whose path you want to copy.
  3. Drag the file or folder from Finder and drop it into the Terminal window.
  4. The full path will automatically appear in the command line of Terminal.
copy a file path using terminal

This approach is excellent for users who are comfortable with Terminal and want a fast way to transfer a file path without manually navigating through folders.

Use the Go to Folder to copy a file path

The Go to Folder feature in Finder allows you to easily copy the file path by dragging a file or folder into a dialog box.

  1. In Finder, click on Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder… or press Command + Shift + G.
  2. Once the dialog box opens, click the [X] button to clear the current path.
  3. Drag the file or folder from Finder into the search bar.
go to folder search box
  1. The complete file path of the file or folder will automatically appear.
  2. Copy the displayed file path from the text box and paste it wherever needed.

This method is handy when you want to access or share a file path without hunting through directories.

Create an Automator Service to copy file path

For those who prefer automation, creating a custom Automator service can make copying file paths a one-click action. This service will appear in your Finder‘s context menu and save you time in the future.

  1. Open Automator from Applications > Automator.
  2. Create a new Quick Action and set it to receive selected files or folders in Finder.
  3. Search for the Copy to Clipboard action from the Library and add it to the workflow.
copy to clipboard automator workflow
  1. Save the service with a name like Copy File Path.
save quick action as copy path
  1. Now, when you right-click on any file or folder, you’ll see the service in the Quick Actions section of the context menu.
copy file path quick action

This method is excellent for Mac users who frequently need to copy file paths and want to speed up their workflow with a simple custom tool.

Conclusion

Copying a file path on a Mac is an essential task for both everyday users and those working in more technical environments.

There are plenty of ways to copy file paths on Mac OS. Choose the method that best fits your workflow, and soon, you’ll be copying file and folder paths in no time.

Each method offers something unique, ensuring that you have the right tool for the task, whether you need a quick copy or prefer something more automated for long-term use.

Share this post on your favorite social media
author avatar

Ivelin is a Mac security expert who works hard to keep computers safe. He helps develop SpyHunter for Mac, a tool that fights off new cyber threats. With a lot of experience, Ivelin knows a lot about keeping Macs safe and makes sure people can use their computers without worry.

Keep Your Mac Fast and Secure
Optimize your Mac and stay malware-free with SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter For Free

For a better understanding of our policies, please review our Free Trial Offer below, EULA, and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

SpyHunter Free Trial: Important Terms & Conditions

The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac, offering comprehensive malware detection and removal functionality, high-performance guards to actively protect your system from malware threats, and access to our technical support team via the SpyHunter HelpDesk. You will not be charged upfront during the Trial period, although a credit card is required to activate the Trial. (Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are not accepted under this offer.) The requirement for your payment method is to help ensure continuous, uninterrupted security protection during your transition from a Trial to a paid subscription should you decide to purchase. Your payment method will not be charged a payment amount upfront during the Trial, although authorization requests may be sent to your financial institution to verify that your payment method is valid (such authorization submissions are not requests for charges or fees by EnigmaSoft but, depending upon your payment method and/or your financial institution, may reflect on your account availability). You can cancel your Trial by contacting EnigmaSoft’s payment processor (identified in your confirmation email) or EnigmaSoft directly no later than two business days before the 7-day Trial period expires to avoid a charge coming due and being processed immediately after your Trial expires. If you decide to cancel during your Trial, you will immediately lose access to SpyHunter. If, for any reason, you believe a charge was processed that you did not wish to make (which could occur based on system administration, for example), you may also cancel and receive a full refund for the charge any time within 30 days of the date of the purchase charge. See FAQs.

At the end of the Trial, you will be billed upfront immediately at the price and for the subscription period as set forth in the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details) if you have not timely canceled. Pricing typically starts at $72 for 3 months (SpyHunter Pro Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac). Your purchased subscription will be automatically renewed in accordance with the registration/purchase page terms, which provide for automatic renewals at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. Please see the purchase page for details. Trial subject to these Terms, your agreement to EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

For payment on the automatic renewal of your subscription, an email reminder will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered before your next payment date. At the onset of your trial, you will receive an activation code that is limited to use for only one Trial and for only one device per account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and for the subscription period in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details), provided that you are a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. For paid subscription users, if you cancel, you will continue to have access to your product(s) until the end of your paid subscription period. If you wish to receive a refund for your then current subscription period, you must cancel and apply for a refund within 30 days of your most recent purchase, and you will immediately stop receiving full functionality when your refund is processed.

For CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS, please see the notice provisions:
NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS: Per the California Automatic Renewal Law, you may cancel a subscription as follows:

  1. Go to www.enigmasoftware.com and click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
  2. Log in with your username and password.
  3. In the navigation menu, go to "Order/Licenses." Next to your order/license, a button is available to cancel your subscription if applicable. Note: If you have multiple orders/products, you will need to cancel them on an individual basis.

Should you have any questions or problems, you can contact our EnigmaSoft support team by phone at +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA Toll-Free) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International) or by email at support@enigmasoftware.com.
How do you cancel a SpyHunter Trial? If your SpyHunter Trial was registered via MyCommerce, you can cancel the trial via MyCommerce by logging into the MyAccount section of MyCommerce (see your confirmation email for further details). You can also contact MyCommerce by phone or email to cancel. To contact MyCommerce via phone, you can call +1-800-406-4966 (USA Toll-Free) or +1-952-646-5022 (24x7x356). You can contact MyCommerce by e-mail at ordersupport@mycommerce.com. You can easily identify if your trial was registered via MyCommerce by checking the confirmation emails that were sent to you upon registration. Alternatively, all users may also contact EnigmaSoft Limited directly. Users can contact our technical support team by emailing support@enigmasoftware.com, opening a ticket in the SpyHunter HelpDesk, or calling +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International). You can access the SpyHunter HelpDesk from SpyHunter's main screen. To open a support ticket, click on the "HelpDesk" icon. In the window that appears, click the "New Ticket" tab. Fill out the form and click the "Submit" button. If you are unsure of what "Problem Type" to select, please choose the "General Questions" option. Our support agents will promptly process your request and respond to you.

———

SpyHunter Purchase Details
You also have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter immediately for full functionality, including malware removal and access to our support department via our HelpDesk, typically starting at $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter Basic Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac) in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details). Your subscription will automatically renew at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase subscription and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user and for which you will receive a notice of upcoming charges before the expiration of your subscription. Purchase of SpyHunter is subject to the terms and conditions on the purchase page, EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy and Discount Terms.

———

General Terms
Any purchase for SpyHunter under a discounted price is valid for the offered discounted subscription term. After that, the then applicable standard pricing will apply for automatic renewals and/or future purchases. Pricing is subject to change, although we will notify you in advance of price changes.
All SpyHunter versions are subject to your agreeing to our EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. Please also see our FAQs and Threat Assessment Criteria. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.