---
id: finder-location.can-i-copy-a-moved-folder-to-another-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/can-i-copy-a-moved-folder-to-another-drive
category: "Finding things in Finder"
subcategory: "Opening and using moved files"
question: "If I copy a moved folder to a USB stick or another Mac, do I get the files or just the shortcut?"
alt_questions:
  - "Copying a relocated folder only copies the shortcut"
  - "Why did my copied folder not contain the files?"
  - "copy symlink instead of file Mac"
  - "How do I copy the real contents of a moved folder?"
  - "Transferring a moved folder to a new Mac"
short_answer: "You may copy just the shortcut. Use File → Show Original and copy the real item from the external drive, Move back to bring it home, or Backup Drive to copy everything Storage Studio manages onto another drive."
tags: ["copy", "usb", "shortcut", "backup drive"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/can-i-attach-or-upload-a-moved-file", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/how-do-i-find-the-real-file-behind-a-shortcut", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/where-is-the-backup-made-by-backup-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# If I copy a moved folder to a USB stick or another Mac, do I get the files or just the shortcut?

You may get only the shortcut. Copying the link itself copies a pointer to your external drive, which is useless on another disk or another Mac.

To copy the real contents:

1. Connect the external drive.
2. Select the shortcut and choose **File → Show Original** (⌘R).
3. Copy the item Finder reveals on the drive.

If you want the whole folder back on your Mac permanently, use **Move back** in What's Using Space → **Relocated (N)** instead. And to copy everything Storage Studio manages onto a second drive, use **Backup Drive** in the popover's **More → Drive** section, which copies and verifies the real data.

See [Transfer or back up your drive](https://storagestudio.us/manual/transfer).