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_nmk · Dec 13, 2003, 04:40 AM

Hi all,

Is it possible to change the default width of the columns in the Finder in Panther (used in column width)?

Or better still, to make the width dynamic, ie. to always display full folder and file names?

Many thanks in advance,
_nmk

pendragon · Dec 13, 2003, 07:38 AM

If I'm understanding this correctly...

At the bottom of the column divider, are two small vertical lines; click-dragging on these allows one to alter the column width. Perhaps others do, but I know of no way to make the process dynamic.

Zadian · Dec 13, 2003, 07:46 AM

Originally posted by pendragon:
Perhaps others do, but I know of no way to make the process dynamic.

Double clicking will adjust the width of the column to fit the longest name.

Double clicking while pressing the alt-key will adjust all columns to fit the longest name.

_nmk · Dec 13, 2003, 07:53 AM

I was thinking more along the lines of changing the defaults widths. Click-dragging was clear.

chabig · Dec 13, 2003, 08:31 AM

To change the default width, open a Finder window, and without selecting anything set the width you want. Then close the window. That should now apply to all Finder windows.

MartiNZ · Dec 13, 2003, 01:36 PM

What about in open / save dialogs? The new Panther ones are a great improvement, but it would be really nice if they would remember that I want the sidebar only as wide as it needs to be, and the widths I want for the name and modified columns. For that matter it would be nice to be able to add other columns in there. Maybe this will be a 10.4 thing... I've been trying to think of what else they can make better

.

chabig · Dec 13, 2003, 02:20 PM

Don't forget that the open/save dialogs are resizable. Just make it bigger to show more columns.

Love Calm Quiet · Dec 13, 2003, 02:33 PM

Very cool tip on the double-clicking, Zadian!

_nmk · Dec 13, 2003, 04:23 PM

Thanks everyone for the tips. Makes for a much better Finder experience.

NY152 · Dec 13, 2003, 04:46 PM

I am trying to get the finder to remember to keep my movies folder in the column view without any success. I have opened a new finder window. Selected my movies folder from the side bar. Then selected the column view from the toolbar. Immediately I close the window without touching or changing anything else. Only to find the window in the icon mode the next time its opened. Any ideas?

JKT · 07:07 AM

Originally posted by NY152:
I am trying to get the finder to remember to keep my movies folder in the column view without any success. I have opened a new finder window. Selected my movies folder from the side bar. Then selected the column view from the toolbar. Immediately I close the window without touching or changing anything else. Only to find the window in the icon mode the next time its opened. Any ideas?

You need to specifically open the Movies window, not just any Finder window - if you have the Movies folder in your Dock (or sidebar), command-click it to open it in a separate window. Set it up as desired without selecting any of the contents, then close it again. Next time you open that window specifically, it'll be in the view you want.

Edit: Ugh, I've just tried this myself and it isn't working anymore... used to work in Jag though!

FWIW, to broaden all columns equally in Panther, option-click drag the two vertical bars.