Default Folder X for Mac

CNET Editors' review

by: Jason Parker on January 11, 2012

Default Folder X is a system preference pane that can save you a lot of time finding and flipping through folders, especially when opening and saving files.

The primary interface pops up with every open and save dialog, across all your applications, giving you faster access to multiple folders and commands. You can jump to favorite and recently used folders (even by clicking on open windows), enter Spotlight metatags, and manage files and folders right from the dialog--so you don't need to go to the Finder for simple tasks like renaming and deleting.

Default Folder X also lets you "rebound" to the last file you were using, and you can work with recent and favorite folders right from the dock or menu bar. The fact is, once you see all the added functionality in the open and save dialogs, we think you'll wonder why you hadn't already downloaded this app.

Default Folder X may be a little expensive, but we think some will find that its smart, time-saving functionality quickly pays for itself.

Publisher's Description

From St. Clair Software:

Default Folder X attaches a toolbar to your Open and Save dialogs in any OS X-native application. The toolbar gives you fast access to various folders and commands. You just click on the buttons to go to your favorite and recently used folders, manage the folders and files shown in the list, and make changes to your settings. Default Folder also adds the ability to see zoomable previews in Open dialogs and to save Spotlight comments and OpenMeta tags for documents in the Save As dialog, while you're saving them.

What's new in this version:

  • Fixed a bug that could cause Open and Save dialogs to freeze in some applications, including DVD Player, Adobe Bridge, Flash, Vector Magic and others.

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All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 127

  • 5.0 stars

    "Too useful for words."

    November 10, 2011  |   By martimer

    Version: Default Folder X 4.4.7

    Pros

    Does what it is supposed to; Makes life easier; Responsive developer.

    Cons

    Not enough superlatives available.

    Summary

    I have been using this for years and never got around to leaving feedback until now - Sorry.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "A very nice way to navigate in save boxes"

    July 29, 2011  |   By SaAnita

    Version: Default Folder X 4.4.3

    Pros

    Never caused a problem

    Cons

    No cons at all

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  • 5.0 stars

    "You can't be without this great time saver utility!"

    June 18, 2011  |   By coit540

    Version: Default Folder X 4.4

    Pros

    Easy to use. Saves alot of time. Does almost exactly what you're thinking you want done every time. Apple should have built this into the operating system.

    Cons

    So many features, I don't have the time to learn them all at once.

    Summary

    This great utility works in the background. It allows you to specify target folders in the open & save dialogue boxes, OR lets you choose on the fly. You can surf through your choices easily or automatically. It is a super time saver!

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  • 2.0 stars

    "It doesn't work with Apple's Logic Pro folders"

    May 3, 2010  |   By i9natz

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.7

    Pros

    nice if it worked with Apple's Logic Pro folders

    Cons

    It doesn't work with Apple's Logic Pro folders

    Summary

    It doesn't work with Apple's Logic Pro folders

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  • 1.0 stars

    "yes"

    March 5, 2010  |   By thomasmarch

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.6

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    I agree- the price is far higher that what I would expect to pay - and it's a little slow. Can it be speeded up please?

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Miss this and you're missing out"

    March 5, 2010  |   By GazBrad

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.6

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    Some apps and plug-ins simply pass you by and you feel they don't add anything to your day to day productivity. This, however, is just genius, which is why I've been using it since the OS9 days and will continue to. The amount of time drilling down menus on open and save dialogues that this app saves you is brilliant. You simply go back to where you left off on Save or Open and it remembers folders you were looking at. Quality. Dialogue don't feel right with this turned off anymore. Keep developing guys, I guess they'll need one for the iPad next.

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  • 3.0 stars

    "Good product but one very bad thing...."

    November 1, 2009  |   By wealthychef

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.2

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    So Default Folder works great. I'm a registered user and recommend it. That being said, the downside is that they frequently want you to update their product, and this is the type of thing you want to stay on top of. Updates are complicated and cumbersome. You click "yes I want to download," then go to their web page and have to hunt for the small download link on their odd web page, then download the installer, then run the installer, click OK, then you have to log out and in to have it take effect. This happens frequently enough. They could make it easier and I have asked and they acknowledge this is something they could improve but they cannot be bothered to do it yet. Because of this thing, I give it 3 stars, as it is a frequent and significant annoyance they could fix but don't.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Must have app"

    October 31, 2009  |   By Native Canadian

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.2

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    A must have app for mac osx.


    Extends the dialog windows with many features.
    works great.

    Highly Recommended.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Fixes an important issue ..."

    October 30, 2009  |   By osos10

    Version: Default Folder X 4.3.2

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    In this version DF doesn't try to mount remote servers when you pass over them in the DF menu. This is a great relief as I have aliases of quite a few servers in my favorite folder (the aliases are locked, otherwise they disappear when unmounted). Previously I would end up with connections to a few servers on my desktop, just because I hovered over their aliases in DF menu - in some cases it took a long time to mount these. With 4.3.2, only when I choose the server, it is being mounted. For this 5 stars to DF - again.

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  • 5.0 stars

    "Extremely useful and worth every cent ..."

    July 11, 2009  |   By osos10

    Version: Default Folder X 4.2.1

    Summary

    This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
    Default folder is the main (only is more correct) finder navigation I use, almost from the day I purchased it. It is useful from both the main menu and of course from the open/save dialogs. In fact I treat it as an extension of the OSX and can't think of an operating system without it. The new feature of expanding view of the files fits apples' new architecture like a glove. Don't remember when and how much I paid the last upgrade, but I assure you that the this is a money well spent.

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Results 1-10 of 127

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