TMO Quick Tip - One-click File Name Copying

by , 7:30 AM EDT, May 21st, 2008

Typing a file name in a Save or Save As dialog isn't that big of a deal, but if the file name you want to use is already available Mac OS X will let you copy it with just a mouse click.

Select the name you want from the file list...

Here's how:

• Choose File > Save if you haven't already saved your document, or choose File > Save As if you want to save a copy of a file with a new name.
• Now select the file name you want to use in the Save dialog file list.

...to change the name of your current document.

Selecting a file name in a Save or Save As dialog file list automatically replaces the current file name with the name you just selected, which can be handy if you need to create several files with similar names like MyImportantFile.txt and MyImportantFile1.txt. Since you don't have to retype the complete file name each time you save a new document you can save a little time and reduce the chance of typing the wrong file name or a name with errors.

Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

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