Show the Size of Selected Files on Mac OS X
Here’s a quick tip to show the file size of selected files/folders. Generally the status bar of the Finder windows shows the count of selected files and the available hard drive space, but doesn’t show the file size. On a single file you can right-click the file and select ‘Get Info’ (Apple/Command+i) which will pop-up the ‘Get Info’ floating window, but this is no good for multiple file selection.
To get the file size of selected files/folders instead of ‘Get Info’, use ‘Show Inspector’. This is done the same way you would go to ‘Get Info’, except hold down Alt/Option key before you click. ‘Get Info’ will turn into ‘Show Inspector’ in the context menu. Once clicked a floating window appears, so you can continue clicking your Finder windows and icons and it will stay on top. It will also update as you select new files.
- Open up a Finder window (Applications folder will provide the best example.)
- Right-click a file/program
- Hold Alt/Option
- Choose ‘Show Inspector’
- Now hold Apple/Command and click other files. They will be added to the selection and therefore the Inspector window.
Keyboard shortcut:
Apple/Command+i = Get Info
Alt/Option+Apple/Command+i = Show Inspector
3 comments
Comment by Siamese
on July 28, 2010 at 11:17 am
I search for this issue and found your blog! Thanks for the tip!!
Comment by ANDREAS
on August 20, 2010 at 7:54 pm
I was looking for this for ages! Brilliant! thank you
Comment by Emkay
on August 21, 2010 at 9:05 pm
Exactly what I was looking for. Brilliant bit of information there, thank you.