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Show the path bar in Finder on Mac

Permanently display the full folder path at the bottom of every Finder window.

macOSFinderdefaultsMedium risk
Run the command below — every Finder window shows a breadcrumb path bar you can click to jump to any parent folder.

01Command

Command
$ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true && killall Finder

02What it does

Finder stores toolbar/status/path bar visibility in its com.apple.finder preferences. ShowPathbar set to true enables the path bar; killing Finder reloads the preference immediately. Each segment in the bar is double-clickable for navigation, and files can be dropped onto a segment to move them into that folder. The equivalent menu action is View → Show Path Bar.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
CompatibilitymacOS 10.11 El Capitan – 15 Sequoia

04Undo

Undo
$ defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool false && killall Finder

05Sources

  • macOS defaults command reference
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-16
    Evidence: Finder's ShowPathbar preference controls the breadcrumb trail at the bottom of every Finder window.

Last verified: 2026-09-16 · Category: System & Settings

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