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Macintosh OS X

Creating an Alias

An alias (known as a shortcut in Windows) works like a remote control. Aliases can be used to open files, folders, or applications from places such as the desktop.You can rename and move the alias anywhere you want (e.g., to the desktop). An alias is not a copy of the original but only an additional icon that takes only a small amount of disk space. An alias makes finding and opening the items you need easier, more convenient, and less time consuming.

return to topCreating an Alias: Menu Option

You can create an alias for your file, folder, or application by using the File menu from any location.

  1. Select an item such as a file, folder, or an application

  2. From the File menu, select Make Alias
    The alias will appear next to the original icon with a little arrow in the corner of the icon.

  3. You can rename your alias, just like any other filename (see Renaming Files)

  4. OPTIONAL: To move the alias to your desktop, drag the alias from its current location to the desktop area

return to topCreating an Alias: Mouse Option

You can create an alias for your file, folder, or application by using the mouse and the Quick menu. For more information about the Quick menu, see Keyboard and Mouse Options.

  1. Hold down the [control] key as you click once on an item such as a file, folder, or an application
    The Quick menu will appear.

  2. From the Quick menu, select Make Alias
    The alias will appear next to the original icon with a little arrow in the corner of the icon.

  3. You can rename your alias, just like any other filename (see Renaming Files)

  4. OPTIONAL: To move the alias to your desktop, drag the alias from its current location to the desktop area

return to topCreating an Alias: Keyboard Option

You can create an alias for your file, folder, or application by using a keyboard shortcut. For more information about keyboard shortcuts, see Keyboard and Mouse Options.

  1. Select an item such as a file, folder, or an application

  2. Press [command] + [L]
    The alias will appear next to the original icon with a little arrow in the corner of the icon.

  3. You can rename your alias, just like any other filename (see Renaming Files)

  4. OPTIONAL: To move the alias to your desktop, drag the alias from its current location to the desktop area

return to topDeleting an Alias

You can delete an alias, just as you would with any other file (see Working with Files: Deleting Files).

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