Spring-Loaded Folders

One of the more interesting Finder features in Mac OS X is spring-loaded folders. This feature lets you copy files into folders deep in your file system without having to open lots of windows. When you drag files onto a folder and wait for a second, the folder “springs” open, revealing its contents (see Figure 5-16). You can then move your files onto another folder, which in turn springs open, while the previous window closes. You can spring into folders at any level of your Mac’s hierarchy, allowing you to move files easily without navigating windows.

Figure 5-16: Using spring-loaded folders. Top: Dragging a file on the Texts folder opens this folder in the same window. Bottom: When this new window opens, you can either drop the file in that window, or drag it onto another folder that will spring open as well.

You can use spring-loaded folders with any folder or volume icon, whether it is in a window or in the Finder sidebar. You can keep springing open subfolders until you get to the last one.