Hello my friends:
am a mac user for more than 10 years, but I am not happy while navigating my mac,
Yes, i can find what i need, but navigating finder is not so smooth for me.
I'm using the list view, and i should interact each time for each folder, sometimes the first letter navigation is not working, and my quick nav is off.
when i was using windows, i can navigate very quickly,
SO is there any podcast on the best way to navigate finder in mac os?
Thanks
By Ramy, 16 November, 2025
Forum
macOS and Mac Apps
Comments
Column view
I haven’t seen these issues, but I typically use column view. I find it much faster, give it a try.
Navigating Finder
I use List View and haven't encountered these problems. Make sure that single key quick nav is off by pressing VO Q. Also, check to see that the mouse pointer is set to ignore voiceover cursor. I find that if this is set to follow voiceover cursor, it can fool up navigating by first letter. You can check this by opening voiceover utility (VO F8) and selecting Navigation in the side table.
Hope this helps
Right Command key for search?
If this is still an option in latest macOS, why not set up your right Command key for search while typing?. This is where when you are in a directory, or on a webpage, and you hold down the right Command key, as you type letters, VoiceOver will focus on that particular item. For example, say you are in your home directory, Command plus shift plus H, and you hold right command key and press M, you might land on something like music, again just for example.
If first letter navigation isn't working, maybe try this out? You will have to enable it with VoiceOver utility.
Arrow keys
I typically use column view as well. Once I am in the list I use arrow keys to move up and down and also back and forwards. I can type the first names of files to jump to them. I generally find it OK and don't have the same experience as you.
I am on Sequoia still if that makes a difference. Maybe things have changed in Tahoe if that's where you are?