Working with Windows
- Close, Minimize, Maximize
- Resize, Move
- Menus
- Menu Shortcuts
- Hiding Programs
- Exposé
Creating Aliases (a.k.a. Shortcuts)
On a Macintosh, desktop shortcuts are called "aliases."
We've already discussed how to create an icon in the Dock in the Finder section. Let's see how to make an alias on the Desktop.
I frequently use the Tutorials folder where I store all of my materials for creating tutorials. I'd like to make an alias on the desktop for this folder so I can open it quickly.
First, I'll open Finder and navigate to my folder. Now, I'll hold down the apple key and the option/alt key as I click on the folder and drag it to the desktop. As I'm dragging it, I see a small black arrow in the bottom left corner of the icon. When I release the mouse and keys, I've created a handy shortcut called "tutorials alias." Notice that the icon still has a small black arrow in the lower left corner, denoting an alias.
I can also create aliases for applications in the Dock. They are made in exactly the same way, but I drag them to the Dock instead of to the Desktop. Program aliases that have been created on the Desktop can also be dragged directly into the Dock.
Note that aliases for folders and non-application files (those that don't launch a program) cannot be placed on the left-hand side of the Dock. They can only be placed on the right, near the Trash. A thin black line divides the Dock into left and right sides. Here, I've placed my "tutorials alias" folder in the Dock next to the Trash.
It would be entirely possible to create all of the Mac's folders on the Desktop, eliminating the need for aliases. However, once a large number of folders had built up, the Desktop would be cluttered and locating items within the folders would become difficult. Maintaining an organized system of folders and subfolders (for example: a Documents folder could contain Work and Home folders) makes finding items easier. Also, the Desktop now only contains very important and frequently used items, making them easier to find.
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