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What is a alias, and how do I create one?

An alias is a pointer to a file or folder on your hard drive. The alias is a small file that takes very little space because it only has information about the location of the original file. It is not an exact copy of the original file. When you delete the alias, the original file it points to is not deleted. You can identify aliases by the small arrow that appears on the lower left corner of its icon.

To create a new alias, control-click (or right-click if you have a two-button mouse) on a file or folder and select Make Alias.

Right-click, Make Alias

You can also access this option by using the Action button at the top of a Finder window.

Action Menu, Make Alias

A quick way to create an alias is to hold down the Command and Option keys while you drag a file or folder. The pointer will change to an upward pointing arrow to let you know you're creating a new alias. The new alias will have the same name as the original file or folder, but the icon will include a curved arrow to indicate that it is an alias.

Alias icon

You can move the alias to a different location on your hard drive and it will still work.

Additional Websites

Mac 101: The Grand Tour

Mac OS X Hints

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X

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Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
What is a alias, and how do I create one? An alias is a pointer to a file or folder on your hard drive. The alias is a small file that takes very little space because it only has information about the location of the original file. It is not an exact copy of the original file. When you delete the alias, the original file it points to is not deleted. You can identify aliases by the small arrow that appears on the lower left corner of its icon. To create a new alias, control-click (or right-click if you have a two-button mouse) on a file or folder and select Make Alias. You can also access this option by using the Action button at the top of a Finder window. A quick way to create an alias is to hold down the Command and Option keys while you drag a file or folder. The pointer will change to an upward pointing arrow to let you know you're creating a new alias. The new alias will have the same name as the original file or folder, but the icon will include a curved arrow to indicate that it is an alias. You can move the alias to a different location on your hard drive and it will still work.			Additional Websites Mac 101: The Grand Tour Mac OS X Hints University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Basics of Working with OS X
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	FILES FAQ	SEARCH
Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.