Finding things in Finder · When the drive isn't connected
What do moved files look like in Finder when my external drive is unplugged?
Short answer: They still appear with the shortcut arrow but won't open — Finder can't find the original because the data is on the unplugged drive. Nothing is lost: reconnect the drive and everything opens again.
They still appear in their usual places, with the shortcut arrow, but they won't open — Finder reports that it can't find the original item, because the real data is on the drive you unplugged. Nothing is lost and nothing needs repairing.
Plug the drive back in and everything opens again. Storage Studio notices the drive within about 30 seconds; if automatic actions were paused by an eject, click Resume in the popover.
While the drive is away, the popover header turns red and actions that need the drive, such as Show in Finder and Run Rules Now, are disabled.