Move a file not copy it.

I am having issues on my new iMac. Now when I drag a file into another folder it will copy to that folder. I am trying to move the file not copy it. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Thanks

It's sensitive to the destination. Dragging from where to where?

If you drag from say the downloads folder to the desktop the file will move. However, if you drag it to an external drive it'll copy.

You can force a Move by right-clicking cut then paste to the destination

.. or by holding down the command key during the operation.

Dysfunction said:

.. or by holding down the command key during the operation.

Click to expand...

Are you sure? I'll have to try at home, 'cause I always forget, but, I think you mean the Option key.

Just tried it - it is the cmd key.

Thanks.

I just tried it too.

It's the Option key.

What's up with that?

I'm using 10.5.8

Are you using a Mac keyboard?
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts

Fta
Command key while dragging Move dragged item to other volume/location (pointer icon changes while key is held--see this article)

IvanLasston said:

Are you using a Mac keyboard?

Click to expand...

No, not an Apple product. But, it is definitely the Option key.

Option does nothing on my machine(s), all 5 of them.

Alt/Option Key works for me on 10.6.8

circa_bc said:

Alt/Option Key works for me on 10.6.8

Click to expand...

Double check, because when I run it with option, on 10.6 and 10.7 it copies. Weird eh?

Dysfunction said:

Double check, because when I run it with option, on 10.6 and 10.7 it copies. Weird eh?

Click to expand...

haha i think i've got this figured out; (and yes i did fubar my previous post)

Easiest way to explain it... (or my attempt at it)

IF you are moving local directories and you want to COPY the file instead of move it, you use the OPTION/ALT button.

IF you are moving the file onto a network drive/external drive, and its forcing you to make a copy you use the COMMAND button.

Either way, when you see the green + icon on your file it means your copying it (try hitting command to remove the green +).

That is the same for me. Alt/Option-drag forces copy, cmd-drag forces a move.

Usually on non-mac keyboards windows key is cmd and Option/Alt is Alt - but that is changeable in System Preferences -> keyboard -> keyboard tab -> modifier keys. You can also change the modifiers on the Mac keyboard. Since I come from the old school - my Tab is setup as cmd to emulate a Sun type keyboard.

Ok, I'll fess up. On my keyboard, they put the Mac commands on the wrong keys. So I have a Cmd/Alt key (I think - not at my Mac). Anyway, I did as suggested and switched it in SysPrefs so that what I see is what it does.