Make Path Finder Your Default File Manager (Replace Finder)

Path Finder can act as a Finder replacement, meaning many actions that would normally open Finder will open Path Finder instead.

Note: Exact behavior depends on macOS limitations and the Path Finder version. Path Finder does not completely remove Finder from the system, but it can take over many common tasks.

Enable Finder replacement

1. Open Path Finder.

2. Go to Path Finder > Settings….

3. In the General tab, look for the option Replace Finder or Use Path Finder as Finder replacement.

4. Enable the checkbox.

Path Finder will now attempt to:

• Open when you click the Finder icon (if your version supports this behavior).

• Handle opening folders from other apps, where possible.

• Take over many file operations you start from macOS.

What changes when Finder is replaced

When Finder replacement is enabled:

• Opening folders via shortcuts or some apps will open them in Path Finder.

• Clicking on drives/volumes in some system dialogs may open Path Finder.

• You still may see Finder for certain system-level dialogs that Path Finder cannot override (this is controlled by macOS).

Finder remains installed and available, but Path Finder becomes your primary file manager.

Turn Finder replacement off

If you want to go back to normal Finder behavior:

1. Open Path Finder > Settings….

2. In the General tab, uncheck the Finder replacement option.

After that, macOS will return to using Finder for file operations as before.

When to use Finder replacement

Enable Finder replacement if:

• You want Path Finder to be your main file manager everywhere.

• You rely heavily on Path Finder features (dual-pane, modules, Drop Stack, etc.) and want them whenever folders are opened.

Keep it off if:

• You’re just trying Path Finder out.

• You prefer to use Path Finder side by side with Finder for a while.

Using Finder replacement is optional, but turning it on makes Path Finder feel fully integrated into macOS as your primary file management tool.