[andytsui]

Sorry, I know this sounds like a very stupid question, but how do I CUT and PASTE files in OSX? I know drag and drop works the same way, but can I do something like Ctrl-X and Ctrl-V in Windows?

Thanks,

Andy

[TETENAL]

Originally posted by andytsui:
Sorry, I know this sounds like a very stupid question, but how do I CUT and PASTE files in OSX?

You don't.

If you want to hear theories why not, search the forum. This has been sufficiently discussed before.

[monkeybrain]

You can copy and paste files though, just control click or go to edit menu. You can't cut a file because it risks getting deleted accidently etc.

[Maelman]

Originally posted by monkeybrain:
You can copy and paste files though, just control click or go to edit menu. You can't cut a file because it risks getting deleted accidently etc.

Um, no, you can't. You can copy and paste file names.

[Apfhex]

Originally posted by Maelman:
Um, no, you can't. You can copy and paste file names.

In Mac OS X 10.3 you can copy and paste files, much like in Windows (command-c, command-v). You can't cut files, though, like others said.

I like using spring-loaded folders to drag a file or files from one place to another. It's handy to have the delay set to medium so you don't accidentally spring open folders as you're dragging around, and then hit space once you're over the folder you want to spring it open instantly.

[monkeybrain]

Originally posted by Maelman:
Um, no, you can't. You can copy and paste file names.

In fact copy and paste of files has been in since 10.1 I think, it was certainly in 10.2. You honestly never realised?

I also recommend QuickAcess , it puts a 'copy to', and 'move to' menu item in your Finder contextual menu - it's very useful.

[Krusty]

Well, I'll give you the brief explanation of why Cut and Paste of files doesn't exist in OS X:
1) If you cut and then accidentally cut or copy something else before pasting it will overwrite the file you have in your paste buffer. Quick way to lose a file.
2) What is the difference between cut/paste of a file and simply moving it ? That's right ... nothing. If you cut a file, you must browse to some location that you want to paste it to, yes ? Then why not just move the d@mned thing to the new location in the first place ?

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally posted by Krusty:
Well, I'll give you the brief explanation of why Cut and Paste of files doesn't exist in OS X:
1) If you cut and then accidentally cut or copy something else before pasting it will overwrite the file you have in your paste buffer. Quick way to lose a file.

Unless it works like in Windows Explorer, which brings us to point 2:

Originally posted by Krusty:
2) What is the difference between cut/paste of a file and simply moving it ? That's right ... nothing. If you cut a file, you must browse to some location that you want to paste it to, yes ?

And that's the crux: To safely "cut" and "paste" files without risking data loss, it needs to work like on Windows. That, however, is most decidedly not "cut" and "paste", since it fundamentally breaks the way "cut" works in every other program on the planet.

I don't know why there is no shortcut for *moving* files, but the reason there is none for Cutting and pasting them is because that's not what you're actually looking for.

-s*

[badidea]

It is true that "cut and paste" doesn't exist like in Windows
BUT
we have "drag and drop" ala "cut and paste" style:

- click your file
- move it where you want it (with spring loaded folders this is really easy)
- just before you drop it, hold down the Apple-key

Voila!
File copied to the new place and delete from the old one in just one step!

[Maelman]

I concede that you are all correct. You can in fact copy and paste files in 10.3. Sorry, I guess I never noticed that.