Hack to the Past
Brings back shortcut key combo, Command+N.
Free
Absolutely Free
Hack to the Past overview
Hack to the Past will bring back the shortcut key combo, Command + N, for creating a New Folder before Apple (Hello, McFly, anybody in there?), in their infinite wisdom, switched it to Command + Shift + N. So instead of continuing to use that cumbersome command to create a new folder, you can now 'Hack to the Past' and return to using Command + N like it was before the cats (all OS X versions) came on the scene. It will also swap the New Finder Window with Command + Shift + N as it should be, IMHO. You can also revert back if you've become used to the "cat's" way and you're getting totally confused and are simply used to these post-OS 9 commands. Plus, the actual menu items (in the Finder) are updated as well, and Command + N will work even in dialog boxes, so everything is seamless to you, the end-user. It Will not 'stop working' between software updates, but you will likely have to run the script again if you reinstall system software or update to a completely new 10.x version.
What’s new in version 3.0
Updated on Jan 07 2013
Version 3.0:
- Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later
Information
App requirements
- Intel 64
- Intel 32
- Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later
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User Ratings
Jan 7 2013
Version: 3.0
I am sure this is a nice tool in its day but is it really still needed? You can change all menu item keys in system preferences -> keyboard… At least since 10.6+… so maybe this is useful if your pre 10.6 but otherwise no need for extra software imo.
Jan 7 2013
Version: 3.0
Simplicity is the mother of invention. At last I have got rid of that annoying little impingement which affected my brain each time I made a new folder. Thank You so much.
Will it stay put after each OS increment or will it need to be applied each time?
Jan 7 2013
Version: 2.0
We're some 8 years on since the last comment and I just want to say that this can still be downloaded and still works! Been using it for many years and can't see that change any time soon. Thanks Thomas. :)
PS. There is now a new version out I noticed. Find it here
http://www.nonamescriptware.com/wp-content/uploads/hack_to_the_past_iii.zip
May 2 2005
Version: 2.0
I don't know how many times I have typed Command-N wanting a folder and not getting one. I have no idea why they would have changed this in OS X. I love OS X (all of the cats) but love this hack.
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
In all the original Mac programs, Cmd-N created a document. The only thing the Finder could create was a folder, so of course Cmd-N was New folder. In the case of a browser, there was nothing you could really create so it spawned a new browser window instead. Now that we have a Finder that is also a browser, the command is suddenly overloaded - either way you do it, it's going to be wrong.
The correct solution is to split the Finder into two. If you launch it as a browser, it works like a browser: Folders open in the same window, and you specifically spawn new windows with a command. If you launch it as the Finder, it works like the Finder. Cmd-N makes a folder and you never ever see that silly metal window. That is really the only sane way of doing it.
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
Now if only someone would hack back to Command+s (instead of Command+Shift+s) to save pictures...
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
4 x 5 stars from me for this excellent little hack!
AND a big thanx to the dev for doing the work - it's a beauty, mate!
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
Yes -- thank you! Why on earth Apple switched it in the first place is beyond me.
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
THANK YOU!!!!
That was the single dumbest thing Apple ever did. Take a logical well used key command that was a standard set by them... and change it for absolutely no reason. I've often hoped someone would do this, now you've answered a cry for sensibility!
May 1 2005
Version: 2.0
There are people for whom five years isn't long enough to get used to a different key combo?
Aug 16 2004
Version: 1.0
FINALLY!
Something that can change that.. I've been searching every once in a while for a shortcuts editor, ever since OS 10 came out with this horrible design decision.
Aug 16 2004
Version: 1.0
Those of you that like to do these things from scratch, without the aid of a tool such as HttP, can follow the instructions found here:
http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20031125022312849&query=Use+Command-N+to+create+new+folders
You may need to enter everything from "http:" to "+folders" as the address in your browser.
The instructions there are pretty straight forward, and should not be tragic if you mess it up. As a REAL precaution, you might want to back up the file you will be editing before doing any of the edits. In particular, "~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist". If you don't know how to back up/edit/restore that file, then you should not be trying the hack I provided the link to. Stay with this product instead, and encourage the developer.
:-)
To the developer of HttP's credit, their product is free. They have a grasp of reality that some other developers sometimes lack.
Aug 16 2004
Version: 1.0
"as it should be, IMHO" - exactly it's your opinion. Every app has a shortcut Cpmmand+N to create a new document or new window. For Finder new document (as far as new window) is not a new folder... so this hack is useful just for those who are going to switch from 9 to X, IMHO :)
Free
Absolutely Free
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