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How do you delete a file you have selected in a Finder window, without using the mouse?

delete doesn't do it.
When I looked it up, I was said that command-delete is supposed to do it, but it doesn't work for me.

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I assume the CMD is enabled in keyboard preferences! – Buscar 웃 May 12 at 14:36

3 Answers

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  1. Look into "System Preferences → Keyboard keys" and make sure Command is enabled and mapped to the Cmd key. Check also custom shortcuts in the "Keyboard Shortcuts" panel.

    Keyboard preference panel of OS X

  2. Go to Finder, select a file, open the "File" menu and see what shortcut is associated to "Move to Trash".

    "File" menu of Finder

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up vote 1 down vote

It should work in Finder by default, but did you press the right delete key?

  • Delete (⌫) is the key that is called backspace on other platforms
  • Forward delete (⌦) is the key that is called delete on other platforms
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I had the same problem. Later I discovered that it was my own mistake. But also a mistake from Apple. On the extended keyboard with numeric pad there is a button says DELETE. (It's not on the short wireless keyboard) This is NOT the delete button for the combination Cmd-Delete. You have to use the button with the backarrow! So Cmd-Backarrow.

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