Do you have two folders with the same name, but they have a combination of new, old, and copied files? You would most probably be selective in the way you merge them. Here, you will go through the most useful guide on the Mac OS merge folders feature.
It is easy in Mac devices to have two folders when required just one. It can happen with any macOS user, no matter whether you’re an experienced computer user or a beginner. When would you need to blend two folders, and how to do that? Here, we’ll answer it.
Why Do You Need to Merge Folders?
Combining two folders will help in taking the content of one folder and moving it to another one. When you’re tired of organizing files on Mac, you will want to create folders and merge similar ones. It might be helpful when you are collaborating with others.
Some folders might contain duplicate files or several versions of identical files. In that situation, it is not as simple as dragging and dropping the files. Folders can be merged in numerous ways. Which way you will opt to rely on the number of files involved. Of course, you can also take a different approach and delete certain files or apps to make things easier for yourself. A video below explains how to do that:
Combine Folders With Finder
To combine folders with the same name, each folder having files using different names, bring them in separate Finder windows. Figure out which folder you wish to bring the blended files inside. Choose and drag the files you would like to send from the source folder to the end one.
You’ll see a warning message saying that one file is already there in the location if there are identically named files. You’ll find the options to Keep Both, Replace, Skip, or Stop. You will also find the Skip option to prevent the presently-identified file from duplicating to the destination.
Four Options You’ll Find
As stated above, you will find four options in the new pop-up window. The Keep Both option holds all copies and renames the files that you’re copying. To stop the copy entirely, choose Stop. The Replace option will replace the file in your destination folder with a file from your source folder.
The last Skip option is usually hidden. But, when you hold the Option down, the “Keep Both” option converts to Skip. It will continue the transfer skipping your file in question. When you would like to select a similar response for all the files, simply tick the box close to Apply to All.
Type the Ditto Command
Using the Finder app is beneficial when at least one of your files is unique and doesn’t consider the subfolders’ content. Instead of finding an app to combine, type the Ditto command. Access a Terminal Window and input the Ditto command. Confirm that it has space.
It must also be followed by the source folder’s path, another space, and the destination folder. Enter the folder path by picking and moving each folder into your Terminal window. Use one line to make the whole command. Don’t tap return between the path of each folder. After entering a command, tap Return.
Transfer Folders on Mac OS
If you don’t wish to mess with chosen files, transfer the folder entirely. Does your folder with the identical name already exist in a new location? The Finder app will require you to avoid replacing or transferring the old folder.
You will get a third button, i.e., Merge, when you keep holding the Option key while dragging the folder over. The Finder will automatically select the new file and remove the old one. If you don’t find them earlier, it’ll cause a headache. For this, you may use duplicate finders.
Merge Folders With Different Names
When you have folders with unique names, you can rename a specific one to another and follow the recommended steps. However, when you don’t want to consider this or have identical content in each folder, make a manual move of the content and remove one folder.
For this, you may need to access both folders. Then, in one of the folders that you wish to remove items from, tap Edit and then Select All from the given menu bar. Alternatively, use the Command and A keys. Bring the chosen items from one folder into another. Now, choose the option accordingly.
The Conclusion
So, this is everything that you must know about Mac OS merge folders. Merging is beneficial for making two folders. But, it is not needed every time. One such situation is when two or more identical projects require to be merged as one.
When folders with the same name are organized within the source folder, new file versions must be retained through a merge. Hopefully, this guide will help you with where to begin the merging process to avoid things getting messy.
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