In total, there are three ways to copy file and folder path from Finder. First is with a keyboard shortcut, second is using the Terminal, and the last one is using the Automator app and creating a permanent service. We will discuss all three in details, so let’s get started.

Copy File or Folder path in Finder on Mac using Keyboard shortcut

Step #1. Open Finder on your Mac and then navigate to file or folder and click it to select.

Select the File in Mac Finder

Step #2. Now press Command (⌘) + I. It will open the Get info window of the file or folder.

Open the Get info window of the file on Mac

Step #3. Triple-click the file path beside “Where” to select it.

Select the File Path to Copy in Get Info Window on Mac

Step #4. Now press Command (⌘)+C to copy the file or folder path. You can paste the same using Command (⌘)+V wherever it is required.

That’s it. It was easy. Now let’s see how you can do the same using Terminal.

Copy Path from Finder on Mac using Terminal App

Step #1. Like we did in the above guide, open Finder app and navigate to file or folder for which you need to copy the path.

Step #2. Now open the Terminal app. The easiest way is either using Spotlight search or using the Launchpad.

Open Terminal app using Spotlight search on Mac

Step #3. You now need to drag the file or folder inside the Terminal app. It will instantly show the path.

Drag the file inside the Mac Terminal app to show the path

Step #4. All you need to do now is to select that path and then copy it. You can then paste it anywhere you wish to.

Select the File path to copy in Mac Terminal App

Using the Terminal app to copy path is not an ideal way of doing the job. Unless you wish to open that respective folder in the Terminal itself, it’s a lengthy process to copy the file path. The easiest and the permanent solution is by creating a service in Automator app. Let’s see how to do it.

Copy File or Folder Path Using Automator App

Step #1. Unlike the two processes above, you won’t need to open the Finder app. Instead, open the Automator app on your Mac.

Open Automator app using Spotlight Search on Mac

Step #2. If you are not presented with the new file creation window by default, launch it by pressing Command (⌘) + N on the keyboard and then double click on “Quick Action.”

Double Click on Quick Action in Mac Automator App

Step #3. On the left sidebar, in the input box beside “Variables;” type “Copy to Clipboard.”

Type Copy to Clipboard next to Variables in Mac Automator App

Step #4. Now drag the Copy to Clipboard option from the left sidebar to the right side.

Drag the Copy to Clipboard option from left sidebar to the right sidebar in Mac Automator App

Step #5. On the right sidebar, select files or folder from the dropdown menu beside “Workflow receives current.”” And select “Finder” from the dropdown menu beside it.

Select files or folder from Workflow receives current menu in Mac Automator App

Select Finder in Menu in Mac Automator App

Step #6. Press Command (⌘)+S to save the service. Name it as Copy to Path to identify it quickly. You can name anything you like; there’s no rule for it.

Save the Settings as a Copy to Path in Mac Automator App

Step #7. Now open the Finder app and right-click on any file or folder. You’ll notice a new option “Copy to Path.” It is the service we created.

The name of the option may differ if you have used something else in step #6. Click the option to copy the path.

Right Click on File and Click Copy the path option in Mac Finder App

Easy, isn’t it? Out of all the three processes, the last one is permanent and also easy to operate. It does require one-time setup, but later on, things are easy.

Signing Off…

Finding a path helps us navigate and manage the file structures efficiently. Especially, if you work on multiple apps simultaneously, efficient file management system helps in getting things done a lot quicker. Whatever may be the reason, these three ways to copy the file and folder path will indeed be helpful.