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kevs · Jun 19, 2004, 05:29 PM

I'm really getting into putting the size for each window as first choice to go after folder name or file name. I select command J and select "all windows" . but it never seems to affect the next folder or file I open up. am I missing something?

MartiNZ · Jun 19, 2004, 06:13 PM

If you mean can you set the Finder window size globally, then certainly not really and I think really not at all. I think there have been some methods toyed with, but for a start these involve quitting the finder and editing system documents, and I think they give varied results, and I'm not even sure if they cover that issue.

I would really like to have every new Finder window open in the same position and be the same size - especially on an iBook 12" screen, Finder windows take up so much space anyway, that I find this the best option. Unfortunately the only way I've worked out to do it is on an individual basis - put the hard drive icon in the dock and then navigate to each folder individually, resize it then close it. This should work, but of course we're talking about over 16000 folders according to my disk utility! I have done a number of folders that I open directly regularly, and that's a start

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namannik · Jun 20, 2004, 11:01 AM

Are you talking about changing the order of the columns in list view? This can't be set globally. The "All Windows" button in the View Options window only pertains to the options shown in the View Options window.

kevs · Jun 20, 2004, 01:55 PM

Boy that's pretty confusing. I hit command J, and get this little box that is going to decide how this one finder window I've opened is going to look. Actually, forget it -- now I get it.

I changed the column to put size next to name, and I though, incorrectly, that view options window would be tied to that decision, but it is not, correct?

Now the part I don't understand is that when it says, "all windows" is it not referring to all the windows on your hard drive? What else could all windows mean?

MartiNZ · Jun 20, 2004, 04:43 PM

It's a funny old system. The order of the columns in list view will always be Name, Date Modified, Size, Kind, unless you change it on an individual window basis! This is one reason that I don't use list view - the hassle. The OS 9 (I think) and definitely System 7 way of Name, Size, Kind, Modified, was much better if you ask me.

Basically all that is saved from cmd-j options is the stuff you can change in that palette. And as for all windows, I've never been able to figure that out. I think it means the windows for all of the directories that are on the hard drive after installation, as there are certainly still windows that don't follow the guidelines until being asked to! The main directory that Office:mac creates is a fine example of this - I think the main problem is that 'All windows' never updates. Basically, it needs an overhaul!

Chuckit · Jun 20, 2004, 04:50 PM

What is needs is for Apple to buy out CocoaTech, who actually seem to put some QA into their product.

arekkusu · Jun 21, 2004, 08:10 PM

Use Apple's feedback page and tell them exactly what you think is wrong with the current Finder and how you think it *ought* to work.

kevs · Jun 21, 2004, 08:40 PM

Interesting, not matter how many OS books get, still need learn the basics here. I really like list view though because if condenses the look of a lit of files nicely.

Hal Itosis · Jun 22, 2004, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by kevs:
Now the part I don't understand is that when it says, "all windows" is it not referring to all the windows on your hard drive? What else could all windows mean?

I believe it means all 'other' windows (that haven't been given a custom layout).

See this article, for a few more details:
Explaining the Finder's view options