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Author AppleScript that I have been using to force modern Finder into "spatial mode" (Read 313 times)
gfinder
4 MB
**
Posts: 6
System 7 Newcomer!
 on: March 16, 2026, 22:31
This AppleScript is working well for me on modern macOS to bring some of the spatial Finder behavior back.

Works great on Sequoia 15.7.4 without any impact to my system performance that I can notice or see in Activity Monitor

It essentially tells the Finder to look at every open Finder window every 2 seconds and toggle them out of toolbar mode if the toolbar is visible (something you can do using the menu in the Finder if you desire, but you have to do it for every new folder you open)

I can't share the App version, because you have to Export it as an App yourself from Script Editor if you want to run it as an App.

When you Export an App version and double click it, the script just runs every 2 seconds until you Quit the app.

You can paste this into Script Editor (open a few Finder windows first) and press the Play button to see what it does. I've really enjoyed not fighting with the Finder, so I wanted to share it here, too.

Code: [Select]
on idle
try
tell application "Finder"
set allWindows to every Finder window
repeat with aWindow in allWindows
if toolbar visible of aWindow is true then
set toolbar visible of aWindow to false
end if
end repeat
end tell
on error errMsg
-- Silence errors (e.g. Finder mid-relaunch)
end try
return 2
end idle
Last Edit: March 16, 2026, 22:33 by gfinder
ShinobiKenobi
256 MB
*****
Posts: 375
System 7 fan
My personal website 		Reply #1 on: March 17, 2026, 01:01
This might seem dumb, but:

1. What's spatial mode?

2. Is this only for Mac OS X?

I have to admit, I haven't tried AppleScript yet. Also, welcome!
gfinder
4 MB
**
Posts: 6
System 7 Newcomer!
 Reply #2 on: March 17, 2026, 04:42
Hi ShinobiKenobi! Yes, this only affects Mac OS X.

Spatial mode is the way the original Finder worked, where each folder opens its own window instead of getting a browser-style Finder (like OS X usually defaults to, where your window contents change and you can go back and forth in one window)

I much prefer the older Mac OS Finder style of window management, but there is no default setting in OS X for windows to go to the older mode. The AppleScript I attached just tells the Mac OS X Finder to make every Finder window "no toolbars" mode which changes how the Finder handles when you double click a folder - it opens a new window.

Without the AppleScript, every window you open needs to be set up manually this way.

If you're open to using AI, making AppleScripts for older Mac OS is more doable today than ever! But be sure to share the OS & AppleScript version you're targeting when you prompt.
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