Permanently make Finder columns as wide as longest filename

My filenames are often longer than the default column width. Although I have long known how to adjust it. The next time I open a new Finder window - it is back to the same standard short width. I want to permanently change it. How to do this?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 5, 2021 08:48 AM

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Posted on Jan 5, 2021 08:52 AM

I found the solution in a prior Apple Communities post from Gus the Pip. There are many incorrect "solutions" out there but this one actually worked :-) Gus explains:

"Double-clicking on the "handle" at the right of a column will quickly resize the column to fit the widest file name. We all know this. The knowledge you're missing is that holding Option while dragging a column width sets that custom width for every future Finder window. "

[The original thread is closed so I have provided the info here as I found it so useful. I hope it helps you too.

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Jan 5, 2021 08:52 AM in response to SusanDSC

I found the solution in a prior Apple Communities post from Gus the Pip. There are many incorrect "solutions" out there but this one actually worked :-) Gus explains:

"Double-clicking on the "handle" at the right of a column will quickly resize the column to fit the widest file name. We all know this. The knowledge you're missing is that holding Option while dragging a column width sets that custom width for every future Finder window. "

[The original thread is closed so I have provided the info here as I found it so useful. I hope it helps you too.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Permanently make Finder columns as wide as longest filename

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