How to Change View in File Explorer
In today’s digital age, file management is an essential skill for both professionals and casual users. One of the most common tasks in managing files is navigating through them using a file explorer. File explorers, such as Windows Explorer or Finder on macOS, offer various viewing options to suit different preferences and needs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the view in file explorer, ensuring that you can find and manage your files more efficiently.
Understanding the Different Views
Before diving into the steps to change the view in your file explorer, it’s important to understand the different types of views available. Here are the most common views:
1. Icon View: This view displays files and folders as icons, with the names listed below. It is the default view in many file explorers and is great for quickly identifying files and folders.
2. List View: This view lists files and folders in a vertical or horizontal list, with the names and additional information like size and date modified.
3. Details View: This view provides a detailed list of files and folders, showing information such as name, size, type, and date modified.
4. Tiles View: This view displays files and folders as tiles, similar to a photo album. It is useful for quickly scanning through a large number of files.
5. Column View: This view is similar to the Details view but with additional columns for sorting and filtering files and folders.
Changing the View in Windows Explorer
To change the view in Windows Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open Windows Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
2. In the upper-right corner of the window, click on the “View” tab.
3. In the “Layout” group, you will find options for different views, such as “Icon,” “List,” “Details,” “Tiles,” and “Column.”
4. Click on the desired view to switch to that layout.
Changing the View in macOS Finder
To change the view in macOS Finder, follow these steps:
1. Open Finder by clicking on the Finder icon in the Dock or pressing Command + Space and typing “Finder.”
2. In the upper-right corner of the window, click on the “View” menu.
3. From the dropdown menu, select the desired view, such as “Icon,” “List,” “Details,” “Column,” or “Gallery.”
Customizing Your View
In addition to changing the view, you can also customize your file explorer to suit your preferences. Here are some tips:
1. To display additional information in the Details view, click on the “Name,” “Size,” “Type,” and “Date Modified” columns to sort or filter files and folders.
2. To change the size of icons or tiles, click on the “Layout” button in the “View” menu and select “Large Icons,” “Medium Icons,” or “Small Icons.”
3. To show or hide file extensions, click on the “View” menu and select “Show File Extensions.”
Conclusion
Changing the view in your file explorer is a simple yet effective way to enhance your file management experience. By understanding the different views and customizing your preferences, you can navigate through your files more efficiently and find what you need quickly. Whether you’re a professional or a casual user, mastering the art of changing views in file explorer will undoubtedly make your life easier.
