Choose duplicate, alias or move in Finder

Choose the result you actually want

A duplicate is another file, an alias points to an existing item, and a move changes an item’s location. Those results are not interchangeable. Decide whether you need an independent copy, a convenient route to the original or a different storage location before pressing a shortcut.

Confirm both ends of a move

For the Clipboard-based move workflow, select and copy the source files, navigate to the intended destination, then use the move command. Check the destination before completing the operation. A normal paste and a move-from-Clipboard can have different consequences for the original location, so avoid treating Option as a decorative extra modifier.

Verify with disposable copies

Practise in a temporary folder containing a small nonessential file. Create a duplicate and an alias, inspect their names and behaviour, then move a copy into another practice folder. The goal is to recognise the resulting objects and locations, not merely to make a sequence of keypresses feel fast.

Documented commands for this workflow

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Keep going

• Inspect a Finder selection before opening or sharing it
• Move Finder items to Trash without skipping the checks