FileMaker on Mac: Tips for Customizing Your Finder Sidebars

As a FileMaker user on your Mac, you may have noticed that the sidebars in your Finder window and the File Save dialog can sometimes become mismatched, displaying different items or duplicated entries. This can be frustrating and may require some troubleshooting to resolve. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide tips for customizing your Finder sidebars to ensure they match seamlessly.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that the settings for both the Finder sidebar and the File Save dialog are determined in the same Preferences dialog, which is located within the Finder's preference list. Specifically, you can find these settings in the ~/Library/Preferences/ folder, where each user's preferences are stored.

One of the most common reasons for mismatched sidebars is the installation of third-party software that drives one of the sidebars to operate differently. For instance, if you have installed a software that changes the way your Finder sidebar functions, it may cause the File Save dialog to display different items or duplicate entries.

Another reason for this issue could be a change in the Recents item, which does not appear in the settings or the Finder sidebar but always appears first in the File Save dialog. This can cause the sidebars to become mismatched, especially if you have rearranged your screen to show both the Finder window and the File Save dialog simultaneously.

To resolve this issue, start by selecting an additional item to show in the sidebar within the Finder's Preferences dialog. Then, switch to the Finder window and open its Preferences dialog, where you can select the Sidebar tool. From there, you can arrange your screen to show both the Finder window and the File Save dialog, which should display the same items in their respective sidebars.

In conclusion, customizing your Finder sidebars on Mac is a straightforward process that requires understanding the settings for both the Finder sidebar and the File Save dialog. By following these tips, you can ensure that your sidebars match seamlessly and provide an optimized user experience for your FileMaker applications.

Filemaker on mac