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In Finder, how do you open a folder in a new window, while the existing window keeps the same view?

All file managers I've ever used (on Linux only) have something like "Open folder in new window" in the right-click menu for a folder. Does Finder have this feature in a hidden way, or is there another file manager I should be using on Mac?

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4 Answers 4

Reset to default
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Just hold down the Command key (Cmd) while double clicking the folder and it will open in a new Finder Tab.

In Finder Preferences, you can specify to open in a new window instead of a tab.

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  • Interesting. It works, but often brings up two windows, one what I want, the other some other (random?) folder.
    – DarenW
    Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 17:53
  • The Control key seems to do the same thing, but w/o the multiple windows coming up.
    – DarenW
    Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 17:56
  • If you hold down Ctrl and click, you'll bring up the contextual menu. Cmd-key does work all times here. Maybe you accidentally selected two folders?
    – René
    Commented Jul 21, 2011 at 19:31
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    The Command key also works to select multiple non-contiguous items in a list, such as a list of folder items in a Finder window. What's likely happening is that you already had an item selecte din the Finder window and by Command-clicking the first time, you selected a second one. A way to avoid this is to single-click on the desired item first, so only that one is selected in the list, and then Command-double click it.
    – Garrett Albright
    Commented Jan 16, 2012 at 2:07
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    Also don't forget to switch off the option to open new folders in tabs in Finder Preferences if you switched it on.
    – Colin
    Commented May 27, 2014 at 22:56
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Right-click on the folder, hold ⌥ (Option), and select "Open in New Window".

If you'd prefer this to be the default (and hold Option for a new tab instead), you can change it in Finder preferences.

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  • 3
    This changes the "Open In New Tab" contextual menu item to "Open in New Window". In Finder Preferences, you can swap the two, so New Window is the default and option is held for New Tab.
    – Abhi Beckert
    Commented Jun 27, 2018 at 1:29
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Command + Click on a folder opens what ever items you have selected in the current window. So if you have 3 folders selected, you will open each folder in a separate window - Annoying in some instances, but very useful in others.

Otherwise you can goto Finder > Preference and tick the "Always open folders in a new window" option.

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I typically would tap 2 fingers on the Finder, and choose "New Finder Window" That is assuming you enable Two Finger tap to trigger Right Mouse Button click

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  • This opens a new Finder window to the default location, at least for me.
    – SilverWolf
    Commented Nov 22, 2017 at 21:57

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