Put a shortcut to a file, folder or app on your Mac desktop

Why it happens

A Mac calls a shortcut an alias. It's a small pointer file that opens the original, so the real file, folder or app stays where it is. You can tell an alias by the little curved arrow on its icon.

How to fix it

1. Open Finder and find the file, folder or app you want. Apps are in the Applications folder in the Finder sidebar. Click it once to select it.

2. Choose File > Make Alias, or press Control-Command-A. You can also Control-click the item and choose Make Alias.

   Finder›File›Make Alias

3. A new item appears next to the original, with "alias" at the end of its name. Drag it onto your desktop. You can rename it to anything you like.

4. There's a quicker way too: hold Option and Command, then drag the original item onto the desktop. Let go and an alias appears there, while the original stays put.

Still not fixed?

1. If you'd rather open an app from the Dock, drag it from the Applications folder into the Dock instead. It stays there until you drag it out.

2. For a folder you use every day, the Finder sidebar might suit you better. Select the folder and choose File > Add to Sidebar, or press Control-Command-T.

   Finder›File›Add to Sidebar

3. If an alias says the original item can't be found, the original was moved to the Trash, deleted or is on a drive that isn't connected. Put the original back or plug in the drive, or click Fix Alias… and pick the original again.

4. To find the real file behind an alias, select the alias and choose File > Show Original, or press Command-R.

   Finder›File›Show Original

5. If Make Alias is missing or aliases won't open at all, restart your Mac and try again. If it still fails, contact Apple Support.