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Disable auto-insertion of file extension in save file dialog during typing

Since switching to Monterey, whenever typing a filename in a Save File dialog, the system automatically inserts the file extension at the end of the name.


This is a heavy impediment when using keyboard-only to edit the file name. A very frequent use case such as:

  • Open Save File dialog
  • cmd+a to select current filename text
  • Type new filename and hit return


now becomes:

  • Open Save File dialog
  • cmd+a to select current filename text
  • type first letter of new filename
  • --> extension of the file is automatically added, and the cursor is placed at the end of the name
  • go back to start of the text
  • type the rest of the new filename and hit return


It is very detrimental to a fast and smooth use of the save file dialog. Moreover, the vast majority of software automatically assigns any missing file extension to the file. And given that it is a system-wide feature it annoys me on any single software in which I have to create and save files.


I don't need to argue on whether the feature has any benefits to some people (I'm sure a case can be made) although if the cursor was NOT placed at the end of the text that would be massively better. My question is rather: is there a way to disable this? If so where/how?


Thank you so much for any help!

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Nov 27, 2021 3:45 AM

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Posted on Nov 27, 2021 5:17 AM

Try disabling all file extensions in Finder Preferences. I don’t have that enabled and I don’t get extensions in save file dialogs.


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Disable auto-insertion of file extension in save file dialog during typing

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