Finding things in Finder · The shortcut left behind
How do I find the real file on my external drive behind a shortcut?
Short answer: Select the shortcut in Finder and choose File → Show Original (⌘R) while the drive is connected. Or use Reveal in Finder on the row in the Relocated panel (folders) or the Apps window's Moved tab (apps).
Select the shortcut in Finder and choose File → Show Original (⌘R). Finder opens the folder on your external drive with the real item selected. The drive must be connected for this to work.
You can also start from Storage Studio:
- Folders: open What's Using Space, click Relocated (N), and use the folder icon (Reveal in Finder) on the row.
- Apps: open the Apps window's Moved tab and use Reveal in Finder, which shows the app on your drive rather than the shortcut in Applications.
It's fine to look, but make changes from the original location (through the shortcut) rather than reorganising the drive copy — see what's safe to change on the drive.