Learn how to split tabs in the Finder on your Mac into separate windows, as well as merge multiple windows into a single window with multiple tabs.
Like tabs in Safari, tabs in the Finder let you view multiple folders or disks in a single window, conserving space. You can break apart these tabs into their own separate windows, as well as merge multiple windows into a single multi-tab window.
Finder tabs in macOS can be created in three ways:
- Method 1: Right-click or Control-click a folder and choose Open in New Tab.
- Method 2: Open a new Finder window and click File > New Tab.
- Method 3: With the Finder active, press Command + T to create a new tab.
Watch the video embedded below and peruse our step-by-step instructions explaining how to split Finder tabs into separate windows and merging multiple windows into a single window.
Convert a Finder tab into a new window
Method 1: To dislodge a single tab, simply drag it out of the window until it unsnaps.
Method 2: You can also use a menu command to detach a tab from a window.
- Go inside the Finder tab that you want to detach.
- Click Window > Move Tab to New Window in the menu bar at the top.
Doing so will detach the tab and convert it into a new window.
Merge Finder windows into a single multi-tabbed window
if you’re like me and keep a bunch of windows spread out across your desktop, merge them all into a single window with multiple tabs in one fell swoop.
Method 1: Open a new Finder window and click Window > Merge All Windows in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Method 2: Alternatively, drag a Finder tab on top of another window to add it there—great when you want to merge a few specific tabs instead of all open windows.
Other Finder tips for you: