macOS defaults

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Open folders destination ​

Set whether folders shown in the Finder open in a new tab or a new window when using ⌘ cmd+double-click, and which option is shown in the context menu.

  • Tested on macOS:
    • Sonoma
  • Parameter type: bool

Set to true (default value) ​

Open folders in a new tab

bash
defaults write com.apple.finder "FinderSpawnTab" -bool "true" && killall Finder

Example output with value set to true

Set to false ​

Open folders in a new window

bash
defaults write com.apple.finder "FinderSpawnTab" -bool "false" && killall Finder

Example output with value set to true

Read current value ​

bash
defaults read com.apple.finder "FinderSpawnTab"

Reset to default value ​

bash
defaults delete com.apple.finder "FinderSpawnTab" && killall Finder

Set value from UI ​

  1. Access Finder settings from macOS UI
  2. Toggle "Open folders in tabs instead of new windows" value