Type or paste a folder path in Finder with Go to Folder

Why it happens

Finder is built for clicking through folders, so it doesn't show an address bar at the top of its windows. Typing a location lives in the Go menu instead. It's the quickest way to reach a folder someone sent you as a path, or a hidden one like your Library.

How to fix it

1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock, or click an empty part of the desktop, so Finder's menus show at the top of the screen.

2. Open the Go menu and choose Go to Folder. Shift-Command-G does the same from any Finder window.

   Finder›Go›Go to Folder…

3. Type or paste the path. The ~ sign means your home folder, so ~/Downloads is your Downloads folder. Suggestions appear as you type, and you can click one.

4. Press Return. Finder opens that folder, or selects the file if the path ends with a file name.

Still not fixed?

1. If Finder says the folder can't be found, check the spelling and every slash. Paths start with / (the top of your drive) or ~ (your home folder).

2. Want to see where you are as you browse? Choose View > Show Path Bar to show the full path at the bottom of every Finder window.

   Finder›View›Show Path Bar

3. If the path starts with smb:// or afp://, it's a shared drive on a network, not a folder. Use Go > Connect to Server instead.

   Finder›Go›Connect to Server…

4. If a folder you know exists won't open, you may not have permission to see it. If Go to Folder itself stops working, restart your Mac, and contact Apple Support if it still fails.