How to cut and paste files on Mac
⌘X does nothing to files in Finder. Make it work like it does everywhere else.
Short answer
Finder moves files with ⌘C then ⌥⌘V, not ⌘X. MacFixes makes ⌘X and ⌘V move files.
What macOS gives you
In Finder, copy a file with ⌘C, then press ⌥⌘V where you want it to move it there. ⌘X is greyed out for files, which catches out anyone used to other computers.
How MacFixes fixes it
- 1Add the fixOpen MacFixes Settings → Clipboard and add “Cut and paste in Finder”. Fixes are off until you add them.
- 2Allow AccessibilitymacOS asks for Accessibility permission so MacFixes can handle ⌘X in Finder.
- 3Cut and pasteSelect files, press ⌘X, go to the new folder and press ⌘V.
This is one of 28 fixes in MacFixes.
Something else your Mac won’t do? Request it — we build it.
Questions
Why doesn’t ⌘X work in Finder?
Finder doesn’t cut files. Its way to move them is ⌘C, then ⌥⌘V where you want them.