How to Add Apps and Files to Your Mac’s Desktop

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Would you like to use the desktop to access your preferred Mac files and apps? We have everything covered.

If you recently made the switch from Windows to macOS, you probably noticed that new programs don’t show up on the desktop instantly. But fear not—in macOS, you can manually add your files and apps to the desktop. We’ll demonstrate how.

Drag and Drop Mac Apps From Finder or Spotlight

Finder and Spotlight may be names you’re already familiar with unless you’re new to macOS entirely.The macOS Finder is used for file management and storage disk access, while Spotlight is the robust built-in search utility. Both are available for adding files and apps to the desktop of your Mac.

To drag and drop folders and programs from the Finder, follow these steps:

Click the blue and white smiling face icon located on the left side of your Mac’s Dock to open Finder.

To add an application, navigate to Applications on the left panel, or use Finder to find your folder and add it on your desktop.

You may drop and drag any software onto your desktop.

To add as many programs, files, and folders to the desktop as you like, simply follow these instructions again.

Similarly, this is how you drag and drop objects out of Spotlight:

. Use the Command + Space shortcut to open Spotlight.

In the search bar, type the name of the program or folder you wish to add on the desktop.

Drag and drop the outcome onto the desktop.

Add Folder Shortcuts to Your Mac’s Desktop

Folder shortcuts are not created by either of the aforementioned techniques. The best course of action would be to establish an alias for the folder if you don’t want to transfer it or make a copy of it. As follows:

Folder shortcuts are not created by either of the aforementioned techniques. The best course of action would be to establish an alias for the folder if you don’t want to transfer it or make a copy of it. As follows:

The context menu offers the option to Make Alias.

The original will be present where the alias does. Move the alias over to your desktop.

That is all! There exist numerous methods to emulate the appearance of a Windows computer on your Mac.

Access Everything From Your Mac’s Desktop

It is possible to design your desktop to function as your Mac’s control panel. To make your Mac as accessible as possible, add as many aliases, shortcuts, and widgets as you require.

But remember, you’re working with constrained desktop space on your Mac, so things could get cluttered quickly. It could be detrimental to have too many things on your desktop because it will be more difficult to locate what you need.

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Since 2016, Dreamchild has worked as a writer professionally and enjoyed playing video games occasionally. He took a short course in law before dropping out to focus on his full-time work as a freelance writer and imparting his skills to interested readers. Additionally, he works as a volunteer at a repair business, where he assists customers in resolving small hardware and software problems with their Apple products.

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