Copy file path shortcut (Mac & Windows)
On Mac, select a file in Finder and press Option+Cmd+C to copy its full pathname. On Windows 11, select the file and press Ctrl+Shift+C, or hold Shift and right-click → Copy as path.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy file as pathname (Finder) | ⌥⌘C | — | |
| Copy as path (File Explorer, Win 11) | — | Ctrl+Shift+C | |
| Copy as path (any Windows) | — | Shift+Right-click → Copy as path | |
| Copy file name only | select → ⌘C (then paste as text) | F2 → Ctrl+C → Esc | |
| Show full path in Finder title | ⌘⌥P (path bar) | — | |
| Copy path from address bar | — | Alt+D → Ctrl+C |
Copy a file path on Mac
Select the file in Finder, then press ⌥⌘C — Option + Command + C. This copies the full POSIX path (for example /Users/you/Documents/report.pdf) to the clipboard, ready to paste into Terminal, a code editor, or an upload dialog. Plain ⌘C copies the file itself; adding Option switches it to copy the pathname instead.
Copy a file path on Windows
In Windows 11 File Explorer, select the file and press Ctrl+Shift+C to copy its full path. On any Windows version, hold Shift, right-click the file, and choose Copy as path — the path is copied wrapped in quotes. To copy the folder path, click the Explorer address bar (or press Alt+D) and press Ctrl+C.
Why it’s useful
Pasting a full path saves retyping when you open a file from the command line, reference it in a script, or attach it in a web form.
FAQ
How do I copy a file's full path on Mac?
Select the file in Finder and press Option+Cmd+C (⌥⌘C). It copies the complete path like /Users/you/file.txt to the clipboard.
What is the copy-as-path shortcut in Windows?
In Windows 11, select the file and press Ctrl+Shift+C. On any Windows version, hold Shift and right-click, then choose Copy as path.
Does copying the path include quotes?
On Windows, Copy as path wraps the path in double quotes. On Mac, Option+Cmd+C copies the raw path with no quotes.