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How to show file structure and external drives in Finder

How can I show the file structure in finder. I want to see all the directories and external drives.

3 replies

On your 24-inch iMac running macOS 26.6, open Finder >> Settings >> Sidebar and, under Locations, select Hard disks and External disks.


If the sidebar is hidden, choose View >> Show Sidebar. You can also select Desktop, Documents, and other folders you want readily accessible. (Apple Support)


For viewing the directory structure, choose View >> as Columns. 


Column View lets you move through successive levels of folders while keeping the preceding folders visible. List View is another useful option when you want folders and files displayed in a straightforward list. (Apple Support)


To show the complete location of the selected item, choose View >> Show Path Bar. 


To show item counts and available disk space, choose View >> Show Status Bar. (Apple Support)


If you also want your internal and external drives displayed on the desktop, open Finder >> Settings >> General and select Hard disks and External disks under Show these items on the desktop. (Apple Support)


Apple: Customize the Finder sidebar


Apple: See the devices connected to your Mac


Apple: Change how folders are displayed in Finder


Apple: Get file, folder, and disk information

Finder menu > Settings > General tab, tick the box to show External Disks. Change the same setting on the Sidebar tab, if you like.



Note that in Finder, you can choose to shot the full path to any folder or file at the bottom of the window by enabling View menu > Show Path Bar:



More info: Get file, folder and disk information on Mac - Apple Support


hank you, that was most helpful.