Settings – General

The General tab in Path Finder’s Settings controls overall app behavior: how Path Finder starts, updates, and integrates with Finder.

Open the General settings

1. Open Path Finder.

2. In the menu bar, go to Path Finder > Settings….

3. Click the General tab.

Common options in General

Exact names may vary slightly by version, but you’ll typically see options like:

• Launch Path Finder at login / startup

  • Automatically start Path Finder when you log in to macOS.

• Check for updates automatically

  • Keep Path Finder up to date with new features and bug fixes.

• Default window behavior

  • Choose what appears when Path Finder opens:

    • Last used folders

    • A specific default folder

    • A new empty window, etc.

• Show Path Finder in menu bar or Dock (if available)

  • Control where and how the app is visible.

• Replace Finder (Finder replacement toggle)

  • Make Path Finder handle Finder-related actions by default.

  • Details in the article “Make Path Finder Your Default File Manager (Replace Finder)”.

When to adjust General settings

Use the General tab to:

• Make sure Path Finder is ready as soon as you log in.

• Keep the app up to date automatically.

• Control how often you see new windows vs restoring your previous workspace.

• Decide whether you want Path Finder to act as a full Finder replacement or just a power-user alternative.

The General tab is the “global behavior” control center – a good place to start when you first customize Path Finder.