How to create and use smart folders on Mac

Smart Folders in Finder on Mac are useful for automatically sorting files into folders. This saves time, reduces

risk of losing data and helps you be more productive.

If you're wondering how to create and use smart folders, read on.

how to create smart–folder

To begin, openFinderon your Mac. Then select menuFile>New smart folder.

When the smart folder window opens, select the source of the files, for example,ThisMac. Then clickplus signon the right to add attributes.

Sort by file type

The first set of criteria isTypethe file. You can select a program, document, folder, image, etc.

Suppose you need a special folder for all your presentations. In this case, select the type of "Presentation".

After that, when you create a presentation, you can open it in this folder no matter where you save it.

Sort by date

If you do not want to use type as a criterion, you can select other options. You sort the files by date created, last used or last modified.

This is convenient to quickly find yourrecent files. In this case, select “Last Opening Date”. In the next menu, you can select "Yesterday" to always have access to the files for the previous day.

Through this folder, you can open all your files that you used the day before.

Sort by name

Another sorting option isName. Files such as the one you select will appear in this folder.

For example, you can select the word “work” to access all your work files. In the first menu, select "Name", then "Combined with", and in the last - "work".

Now all files with the word “work” in their names will be displayed in this folder.

Sort by content

You can choose one more option -Content. For example, you need a folder related to taxes, and the word itself is not always contained in the file name. In this case, select the sort by content.

Other types of sorting

If none of the options above suits you, you can select from the menuOther. After that, a window opens with a mass of additional criteria. Among them are album, title, link, authors, etc. Next to each of them will be a description.

Check the box next to the attributes to add them to the available options. Then select one of them and fill in the details.

Combining Criteria

A single set of criteria may be sufficient, but it happens that the sorting must be more specific.

We use for example a smart folder with presentations. For example, we only need presentations created in the last month. In this case, you need to add another criterion - the date.

1) SelectType of>Presentation.

2) Clickplus signon the right to add another attribute.

3) Selectdate of creation for last1months.

This is just one of many possible options for combining attributes for a smart folder. You can experiment using different sets. Criteria can be not only two, but more.

If you want to remove any criteria, just clickminus iconon right.

How to save a smart folder

When you have added all the desired attributes for your smart folder, clickSavein the upper right corner. You will need to enter a name for the folder and choose where to save it. You can add it to the Finder Sidebar. After that, press againSave.

Smart folders can be very useful, the main thing is to know how to use them!