09-08-2008, 12:46 PM

Is there a way to set all the folders/icons in Finder to the Column View rather than the default Icon View? This would mean that every time I open the HD or create a new folder, I can view the contents as Columns and not Icons. I know it wasn't possible before in 2002, but seems like it should now...

09-08-2008, 03:00 PM

menu bar > Finder > Preferences

Tick Always open new windows in column view

09-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by louishen

menu bar > Finder > Preferences

Tick Always open new windows in column view

Hmm, that didn't seem to quite work. I've even tried setting up a folder the way I want, then View Options > Apply to All Windows, but it didn't do anything.

09-08-2008, 05:23 PM

doesn't work all the time, especially with read only media, maybe try a restart

09-08-2008, 05:31 PM

A similar issue arose in M-F several days ago. See if it helps:
Show view options problem

09-09-2008, 01:52 AM

Originally Posted by hughvane

A similar issue arose in M-F several days ago. See if it helps:
Show view options problem

Thanks, but still no fix. Just to further explain myself, here's an example of what I want:

I search for an application in Finder ... I find the folder I want to open ... and I want that folder with all its contents to be shown in the Column view (not as large icons). I've rebooted and these settings still haven't been saved

09-09-2008, 04:28 PM

I can't help but think that this is Finder issue. In OS 9 deleting the Finder preferences and then rebooting fixed odd behaviors very nicely, but I'm not certain about OS X. I've looked in Computer > Library but can find no sign of anything that says finder.plist. Perhaps Louishen can advise, or you could post another thread about Finder.

I have 10.4.11 on this machine, and there is no problem with windows in list view (which I think you refer to as Column view). Once I've opened a folder eg. Applications, and arranged the items therein into list view, and then closed that folder window, next time it opens, the arrangement is as I left it.

09-19-2008, 03:39 PM

How do I make this the default viewing option for every folder and hard disk?

10-28-2008, 02:32 AM

According to this thread, OS X will remember column widths as long as it's in Column view; however, I much prefer List view. Is it possible to have OS X remember column width in List view?

10-28-2008, 03:15 AM

Additionally, I tried to change the default order of my columns using this tip. I tried it 3x, saved it in BBEdit, but it wouldn't save in BBEedit. It was like I hit 'Save' and it completely ignored me, reverting back to the original settings whenever I re-opened it to check on it.

10-28-2008, 03:43 AM

Fix: I just created a new untitled folder on the desktop, set it to how I wanted, and made it the default view.

Still, if anyone is as nitpicky as I am and knows a better way, please tell me!