Documents folder is too messy!!

Hey, I was curious if there is a way to decludder the documents folder of all the apps folders in it, only keeping my actual "documents."
Thanks!

The folder marked Documents is actually a misnomer. Ever since Apple started including the Documents folder, some third party developers have used it as an excuse for storing critical application preference files for the specific user. A key example of this is Microsoft Entourage which likes to create a Microsoft Users folder in the Documents folder. As a result, what once was just the purvue of the user has become indeed too messy as you indicate. Appleworks also uses it to store recently saved documents. And it is not the only one that uses the Documents folder against what users might assume would be its primary use. I have no less than the following in my Documents folder
Microsoft User Data
Roxio Converted Items
Yahoo! Conversations
Scanner Output
AppleWorks User Data
EyeTV Archive
None of which have I put there myself. So I would recommend that you use the Home folder to create your own subfolders with actual documents. And if you want a quick way to access that folder in the Open/Save dialog box, simply add it to the Finder sidebar on the left. It will appear in the Open/Save Dialog box when you hit the downward pointing triangle in that box to expand its contents to show the sidebar and the files.
The only way to declutter the Documents folder is to ask developers not to use it for storing files that are better stored in the Library folder.

Similar Messages

  • How do I move Documents folder?

    I am trying to free space on my old Macbook Pro.  My friend created a partition where I am moving most of my files to, including my pictures, downloads and Dropbox.
    I would like to move my Documents folder too as there is plenty of space remaining in the partition.
    Is there a simple way to do this?  A drag and drop simply copies the files but I want to move the default location if possible.
    Many thanks

    Tim Luck wrote:
    I have Word 2008
    Will the issue you have both raised affect my computer if I move the Documents Folder?
    I don't think so. AFAICT, Office 2008 has no problems with symbolic links under SL. Regarding the MUD folder, if you quit all Office apps and move it to <~/Library/Preferences>, it should stay there. See this hint
    <http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20060228051625893>
    If this were my machine, I shouldn't try to move a subfolder of Home -- either move it all, or store my documents in a different folder from <~/Documents> (you can put a symlink to this folder in Documents; if you give the link a name beginning with a blank space, it will always be listed first in Open or Save dialogues). But if disk space constraints don't allow you to do this, and you have to move Documents, I don't see any other solution than the one suggested by Matt Clifton.

  • How do I change the default save location for new files in Pages back from iCloud to my Documents folder?

    I just upgraded OSX to Mountain Lion and Pages to 4.2, and because OSX is syncing with my iCloud account, when I go to save a new file in Pages it defaults to try to save to my iCloud account rather than giving me the folder structure on my hard-drive that I prefer. It requires two extra steps to save to the proper place in my Documents folder on my hard drive.
    Is there a way to reset the default so that when I go to save a new file, the folder structure opens to the last saved folder (like it does in other non-iCloud applications) rather than defaulting to my iCloud, and to do it without just removing documents from my iCloud account entirely?
    I checked the Preferences for both Pages and iCloud and found nothing about this.

    What I meant is turn off Documents and Data in iCloud in OS X. Keep it on on your iOS devices. iCloud will sync documents between the iOS devices and make them available on the iCloud web site, but it won't mess up iWorks' open and save dialog boxes. It also won't assume that you want all your documents in iCloud, which I think is undesirable anyway.
    Keep iOS and OS X separate, and use the web site to move files between the two as necessary.
    iOS iWork is different from OS X iWork. There are fewer fonts on an iOS device. iOS iWork programs have slightly different feature sets than OS X iWork programs, and the file formats are different. iCloud automatically converts the file format when necessary, but if you make a habit of saving things directly to iCloud, you are limited to the lowest common denominator between the two versions of iWorks. So why would anyone want iWork on the Mac to open and save documents on iCloud by default?
    If you want to store files in the cloud and sync them on your Macs, SugarSync is a much better solution. It lets you choose your sync folders, it doesn't make you reorganize your files, it lets you sync all file types, it doesn't convert files to a different format and back, and it stores everything in the cloud, too. Just the simle act of saving a file backs it up and syncs it. I wouldn't live without it. iCloud is best with iTunes purchases and synchronizing Mac settings and iOS files; I woudln't live without it. The two make an unbeatable combination.

  • Sync two computers with one documents folder?

    This is a question re: a imac and a powerbook. 
    I am looking for a product that can update the most recently edited files in my documents folder on both computers automatically...
    Often, I use the laptop remotely and need updates to the desk top and vise versa so that the folder being duplicated is a mirror on each machine...
    Is this a possibility with some product currently on the market, two computers one set of folders?
    Optimally I would like it to happen automaticall but a wired version would be OK too...
    When machines are tethered the more recent folders update on either machine.

    Hi Elin,
    Here's a Dropbox tutorial which keeps two Macs synced: http://thenextweb.com/apps/2011/09/21/how-to-use-dropbox-to-sync-your-documents- folder-between-macs-for-free/
    What's not clear is if it will allow you to disconnect the two Macs and then sync after reconnecting them.
    iCloud is something else to consider.

  • Has anyone else been unable to click [open] a document folder while in the column view in finder?

    Since I have downloaded Mavericks, I am unable to open any document folder in the column view in finder.  When i go to any other view such as cover flow or list, they open.  But when it is in the column view, I am unable to click any folder - or any document for that matter. Can anyone help or atleast tell me I'm not the only one?
    Mike

    okay i figured it out. for some reason i had to go to the settings menu and click arrange by name and it automaticaly fixed it. it was weird all of the names were gray, and the color tags were to the left of the folder titles.  i hope this helps if any of you had that problem too.

  • How to create a document folder using ListData.svc

    Hi All,
    I've recently been put on a project where I need to use the REST services (ListData.svc) to retrieve and add documents to the document library. It all has been smooth sailing until I hit the point where I want to save a document in a path that doesn't exist.
    I get an error if I try to save a file where the folder structure doesn't exist. I then went about it a different way trying to create the folder structure first. This also didn't work and I get an error message saying that the entity type is marked with the
    MediaEntry attribute but no save stream was set for the entity. Not too sure what set for the save stream if I'm just adding a folder.
    So my question is can a file be added to a folder structure that doesn't exist where it automatically creates the folders. If not can the service create folders?
    Some sample code I've been using:
    var folder = new SampleDocumentLibraryItem();
    folder.Name = "Sample";
    folder.Title = "Sample";
    folder.ContentType = "Folder";
    folder.Path = "/sample/folder1/folder2";
    spContext.AddToSampleDocumentLibrary(folder);
    spContext.SaveChanges();
    Thanks in advance,
    Damo

    Hi All,
    Finally managed to figure this one out. For anyone who needs source on how to create a document folder. Some sample source is below...
    var folder = new DocumentLibraryItem();
    folder.Name = "Folder Name";
    folder.Title = "Folder Name";
    folder.ContentType = "Folder";
    folder.Path = path;
    spContext.AddtoDocumentLibrary(folder);
    spContext.SetSaveStream(folder, stream, false, folder.ContentType, folder.Path + folder.Name + "|0x0120009BCC19899CEBC6468FF4EEAC7B8CF4F5"
    spContext.SaveChanges();
    So the important differences in the code above. The content type of the object and stream MUST be set to "Folder". I'm not sure why but you still need to set the save stream to be a valid stream even though you're only adding a folder. So just keep the stream
    open and then pass "true" to close it when you actually save the file. The other important element as noted from the URL's in the previous comments is you need to add a "|" + Content Type ID of a folder. You'll be able to get this ID by visiting the rest service
    for an existing document library and view source to see the actual content type id for a folder.
    Thanks everyone for your help,
    Damo

  • Unable to create virtual folder. Too many folders

    Hi,
    We are getting this error while trying to create new folder in UCM (even trying directly from UCM throws same error)
    oracle.stellent.ridc.protocol.ServiceException: Unable to create virtual folder. Too many folders
    Has anyone experienced this? If yes, please let us know how you resolved it.
    Thanks!

    You don't "store" anything in contribution folders. They are just webdav access points. I recommend zero folders personally.
    If you want to upload files using webdav, then I suggest using one staging folder, where files can enter the system. When the document is workflowed and/or verified, it is moved out of the folder. It's more likely however that you'll need a few access points for various types of content as each folder enforces specific metadata.
    Now I imagine you are after a way to store all the HR bits and pieces of one person together as a unit. Some people use Content Folios. Personally, I'd just use a metadata field that contains the ContentID of the person's master record. Any new content for that person just gets the master ContentID stamped on it. Just search for that ContentID to get all their stuff.
    Regarding best practices, there are lots of quality blogs floating around. Stellent/Oracle don't talk about best practice because each system is used by their clients in a unique way... well, that's what they say.

  • Asks for password every time I try to move a file into document folder.

    Say need authorization to move file into document folder. I have some scans on seek top and I want ot place in a diabetes folder, states needs password.
    I have 12 items I want to place in the folder, seems a bit too much of a security issue.
    The file are transferred data, it states file can not be modified, authenticate or cancel, I hit authenticate and then asked for a password. Since it may be files from a different pc or format, there must be a shortcut to make this simpler.

    Where's this folder located? Somewhere in your home folder? When you created this folder, were you logged in to the same user account as the one you are in now?

  • How to share out web Documents folder in read/write mode

    I have a MacPro at work with Mac OS X 10.5.1 sitting on a network with a static IP address which is accessible via the Internet with few restrictions. This Mac does not use the built-in firewall; it is off. I regularly use my Mac at home to update a web site which I host on this Mac for a non-profit community group.
    What I am trying to do is set up the /Library/WebServer/Documents folder with this organization's president so he can update the web site himself. He has a Mac running Tiger. I created an account and set up file sharing and he can mount this folder on his desktop and see its contents; however, the Documents folder and every item in it are locked so no updates or changes can be made. When I check with Get Info, the Documents folder shows a lock symbol, but when I unlock it and use the option to apply the change to the folder's contents, then close the Get Info window and open it again, the lock is activated again. He and I are the only ones with permissions to alter these files, and I don't have a lock on them. How can I remove the lock so my co-webmaster can update the files?

    Unfortunately, his Mac is not local to me. I would have to drive about 30 miles each way, which is not too bad, but I won't have time to do it for a couple of weeks and I am hoping an easier solution can be found without me having to drive, especially since if the problem is on my end, that trip would be a waste of time for both of us.

  • Satellite P 300 - Document Folder corrupted / unreadalbe

    All else seems to be working fine, but I cannot access any files in my Document folder. I get an error message saying file is corrupted or unreadable. What's happened and what should I do?
    My years warranty has just expired! Help.
    Thanks in advance for advice on this.

    Hey mate,
    I had the same issue that I couldnt access my document folder anymore. I dont know why but this happened after I removed a software application. After this I have started CCleaner and cleaned the registry. After restarting the notebook I could access the document folder. :)
    I dont know why but it seems that a wrong registry key did block the access to this folder.
    Maybe it works for you too.

  • List view in documents folder is weird

    my Documents folder does NOT show the arrow to the left. All other folders have the familiar arrow. I just upgraded to Yosemite a week ago. Whats going on.

    Found this answer over in another question. Solved my issue.
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15693400#15693400
    Check the following:
    1. Go to Application folder (or any other folder with similar behavior)
    2. Chose "View" --> "Arrange by" --> "None"

  • I have added the Documents folder to the Dock, however when I save a document it doesn't appear in the Documents folder on the Dock, only the Documents folder in the Finder.  Is this a quirk, so am I doing something wrong?

    I like having my Documents folder on the Dock so I added the Documents folder from the Finder to the Dock.  When I save a document to the Documents folder, the saved document appears in the Documents folder from the Finder and not in the Documents folder on the Dock.  Why is this happening?  And how can I change this?

    newbieAK wrote:
    I opened the Finder, selected Documents, then right clicked and selected Add to Dock.
    Oooh. I never new that was there.

  • Uploader doesn't show "My Documents" folder

    I am unable to upload a file to the PDF converter service; the uploader doesn't show "My Documents folder..?? Help!!
    Regards,
    Marshall

    Hello Bernd,
    I thought I was getting access to Acrobat. Did I miss something on the Adobe site??
    Marshall Chamberlain authors the Ancestor Series of adventure-thrillers and other suspense-thrillers. He is recognized as an expert in the field of independent publishing. Story summaries and excerpts of his books are available at  <http://www.marshallchamberlain.com/> MarshallChamberlain.com. Please visit his website to discover more about this "above average man," his works, and what's coming next.                                                                               
    Connect with me:         <http://twitter.com/AuthorMarshall> twitter logo at one tenth size         <https://plus.google.com/u/0/105933698392363877165/posts> Google+ Button on tenth size        <http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1240336502> Facebook Button at 14% of size         <http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=23517362&trk=tab_pro> LinkedIn Button 12% of size

  • Can't access PC Documents folder when uploading from external program

    When attempting to upload a file into Knack database from This PC/Documents folder I am referred back to One Drive and the following message:
    "Something went wrong and this app can't pick files right now.
    Try selecting app again"
    Reselecting results in the same process

    can you try both app and site version
    try also using different browser
    let us know the update
    but the best way to upload files to Onedrive is using OneDrive Sync Folder
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/getting-started-onedrive-tutorial

  • CS4 'my documents' folder change

    Hello helpful keyboard strokers,
    Due to a change in servers at our Planetarium, I am now having troubles with CS4 PP and the AME.  It would appear that my computers' my documents' folder was located on the old server; when PP loads, it can't find it and makes a temp folder someplace else and then loads fine.  When I try to export into AME it attempts to start to encode, but then I get this message 'PProheadless Debug Event - PProheadless has encountered an error.
    [..\..\scr\directoryregistry.cpp-283]
    So, simple question, hopefully, simple answer, how can I change the location of where CS4 is looking?  Our IT is taking it's sweet time with fixing all the glitches and I am low on the list.  I don't even remember picking 'my documents' when I installed CS4, but I guess I did.  What I would like is to change the location to one of my scratch disks; which makes more sense to me (avoiding the server location and time lag in access).
    I can't seem to find where in CS4 to do this?  Should I re-install and change the location at that time or does any know of a quicker access path?
    Thanks for any help or suggestions and I will continue to play cards until the IT guys answer my calls....
    Cam

    +1
    I would like an answer to this question as well.  I simply want the Adobe folder OUT of "My Documents".
    Thanks for any advice you can offer,
    0Scott

Maybe you are looking for