Mac Folder Shortcuts: What an Alias Is and How to Create One

An alias on a Mac is a small pointer file that opens the original item—folder, app, or document—from wherever you place it. You create one by selecting the item and pressing Command+Option, then dragging it to a new location, or by using File > Make Alias. This article explains what aliases are, how they differ from copies and symlinks, and the fastest ways to create and manage them.

What Exactly Is a Mac Alias?

An alias is a special file that contains a reference to another file or folder on your Mac. When you double-click the alias, macOS finds the original item and opens it, even if the original has moved since the alias was created. This is possible because the system stores a unique identifier for the target, not just a file path. Aliases are the built-in shortcut system for macOS, available since System 7 in 1991, and they work across all current versions of macOS.

Unlike a duplicate, an alias takes up almost no space (a few kilobytes) and always points to the latest version of the original. If you edit the original, the alias reflects those changes. If you delete the original, the alias becomes broken and shows a question mark when you try to open it.

How an Alias Differs from a Symlink and a Hard Link

Many people confuse aliases with Unix symbolic links (symlinks) and hard links. Here are the key differences:

• Alias: macOS-native, uses a unique ID to find the target. Survives moving the target. Cannot be used in most command-line tools without resolving it first.
• Symlink: A Unix file that stores a path to the target. If the target moves, the symlink breaks. Works seamlessly in Terminal and scripts.
• Hard link: A second directory entry pointing to the same underlying data. Only works for files, not folders, and only on the same volume. No visible difference from the original.

For everyday use, aliases are the best choice because they are resilient and easy to create without any technical knowledge. For developers or power users who need links in Terminal, symlinks are often preferred.

How to Create an Alias: Step-by-Step

There are three main methods, all equally valid. Choose the one that fits your workflow:

1. Drag with Option+Command: Select the folder or file, hold the Option and Command keys, then drag it to the desired location (Desktop, another folder, the Dock). Release the mouse button first, then release the keys. The alias appears with a small arrow badge in the bottom-left corner of its icon.
2. File menu: Select the item, then go to File > Make Alias (or press Command+L in the Finder). An alias named “Original Name alias” appears in the same folder. You can then drag that alias anywhere you like.
3. Right-click context menu: Control-click (or right-click) the item, choose “Make Alias” from the menu, and then move the resulting alias to your preferred location.

After creating an alias, you can rename it freely without affecting the original. The system still knows what it points to.

How to Use Aliases Effectively

Aliases are most useful for keeping frequently used folders close at hand without duplicating data. Common uses include:

• Putting an alias of your Documents folder on the Desktop for quick access.
• Adding an alias of a project folder to the Finder sidebar (drag the alias into the sidebar’s Favorites section).
• Creating an alias of an app and placing it in a different folder—though macOS already provides a similar mechanism through the Applications folder and Launchpad.
• Using aliases in the Dock: drag any folder to the right side of the Dock (the separator line) to create a stack that opens the folder’s contents.

One common misconception is that an alias is a copy. It is not. If you delete the alias, the original remains untouched. Conversely, if you modify the original, the alias still opens the updated version.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Aliases occasionally break or behave unexpectedly. Here are the most frequent issues and their solutions:

• Broken alias (question mark icon): The original was moved to another volume or deleted. If it was moved, double-click the alias; macOS may ask you to locate the original. If it was deleted, the alias is useless—delete it.
• Alias opens the wrong item: This can happen if you created an alias of a file that was later replaced by a different file with the same name. Delete the alias and recreate it.
• Alias doesn’t work in Terminal: By default, Terminal commands like cd do not follow aliases. Use cd -P or resolve the alias with osascript -e 'tell app "Finder" to get POSIX path of (original item of (get alias file "path" as alias))'.
• Alias appears as a plain file: If you copy an alias to a different Mac or a non-HFS/APFS drive (like a FAT32 USB stick), it may lose its special status. Recreate the alias on the destination Mac.

Aliases vs. Copies: Which Should You Use?

The choice depends on what you need. If you want a second, independent version of a folder or file that you can edit without affecting the original, make a copy (Command+D in the Finder). If you want a shortcut that always points to the latest version, use an alias. Copies are also necessary when you need to move data to another computer or back it up. Aliases are not backups—they are references.

For example, if you have a “Tax Documents 2025” folder and want it on your Desktop for easy access, an alias is perfect. If you want to archive last year’s tax files and stop using them, a copy (or move) is better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an alias work if I move the original folder?

Yes. macOS tracks the original by its unique identifier, so as long as the original remains on the same volume and is not deleted, the alias will find it even after the original is moved. This is the main advantage over a symlink.

Can I create an alias of an app and put it in the Dock?

You don’t need to. Dragging an app directly to the Dock creates a shortcut that works like an alias. However, if you want an alias elsewhere (like on the Desktop), you can create one using the same methods described above—it will open the app when double-clicked.

How do I tell if a file is an alias?

Aliases show a small curved arrow badge in the bottom-left corner of the icon. You can also select the file and press Command+I (Get Info); the info window will say “Alias” next to “Kind.”

Can I create an alias on an external drive?

Yes, but the original must be on the same volume or a volume that is always connected. If the external drive is disconnected, the alias will not work until the drive is reconnected. Aliases pointing to items on a different internal volume also work, as long as the volume is mounted.

What happens if I delete the original folder?

The alias becomes broken. Double-clicking it will show an error message saying the original item cannot be found. You should delete the broken alias to avoid confusion. There is no way to recover the original from the alias itself.

Is an alias the same as a shortcut in Windows?

Yes, conceptually. Windows shortcuts (.lnk files) and Mac aliases both point to another item. The main difference is that Mac aliases are more resilient to moving the target, while Windows shortcuts rely on a path and can break more easily. Both are lightweight pointer files.

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