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Working with files, terminal and AI on a Mac.
Mac unzip of a Windows zip: fixing garbled file names
A Windows zip opened on a Mac gives garbled or missing file names. Here is what actually fails, which built in command already handles it, and how to send zips back.
A zip made on a Mac that will not expand
When a zip made on a Mac refuses to expand, the error, a .cpgz file, or a silent failure each point at a different cause. Three commands separate a damaged archive from a limited extractor.
Mac file cut not working: the move Finder hides
Cut is dimmed for files in Finder, and that is deliberate. Here is where the move actually lives, why Mac cut and paste is not working the way Windows taught you, and when it fails.
Mac file system structure: two trees over one disk
Mac file system structure explained: the sealed System volume, the Data volume, the four domains, the hidden Unix folders, and where your own files belong.
Adding items to the Finder sidebar so they stay put
How to add folders, files and apps to the Mac Finder sidebar Favorites, why a drag sometimes fails, and how to keep sidebar entries from breaking later.
Finder view shortcuts: three meanings of show
A mac finder view shortcut guide covering the four view modes, the toggles for path bar and sidebar, the keys for hidden items, and how to make any of it stick as a default.
Mac Finder tips and tricks that survive real work
Mac Finder tips and tricks ranked by daily use: jumping to any path, path bar, cut and paste, batch rename, Smart Folders, tags and the settings worth changing.
FTP client for Mac: what macOS still does on its own
Need an FTP client for Mac? See what macOS already handles, where Finder stops at read-only, and how Cyberduck, Transmit, ForkLift and FileZilla compare on price.