Change how folders open in the Finder on Mac
When you open a folder in the Finder, the folder’s contents usually replace the current contents of the window. If you prefer, you can open a folder in a new tab or window.
Set how all folders open
On your Mac, choose Apple menu
.Click the “Prefer tabs when opening documents” pop-up menu, then choose an option:
never: Open folders in a new window, not a tab.
in full screen: Open folders in a tab only when you’re working in full screen.
always: Open folders in a new tab.
Open a single folder
On your Mac, press the Command key while you double-click the folder.
The folder opens in a new tab or window, depending on your Finder preferences. In the Finder, choose Finder > Preferences, then click General. Select “Open folders in tabs instead of new windows” to have folders open in tabs; deselect it to have folders open in windows.
Tip: If the Finder toolbar and sidebar are hidden, double-clicking a folder without pressing the Command key opens the folder in a new window.
To open a new Finder window without opening a specific folder, click the Finder icon in the Dock, then choose File > New Finder Window or press Command-N.
Work with tabs
In the Finder on your Mac, do one of the following:
If all of your tabs aren’t visible, scroll through them.
When two or more tabs are open, click the Add button
to open a new tab.To close a tab, place the pointer over the tab, then click the Delete button
.