April 21, 2026
Select duplicates in particular folders with Duplicate File Finder
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Duplicate File Finder helps you efficiently remove redundant files from your Mac. You can scan any folder or drive to identify and eliminate duplicates. The application offers a robust set of features, including the ability to find similar folders and a “Smart Select” option for rapid file selection.
One of the most powerful tools in the app is the Select by folders feature. This option allows you to quickly choose specific folders from which you want to remove duplicates, eliminating the need to review every file individually. This article provides a detailed guide on how to use this efficient tool.
How to use the “Select by folders” feature
- Launch Duplicate File Finder.
- Select the folders you wish to scan and begin the process.
- Navigate to the Select by folders tab.
- A window will appear, displaying a directory tree of all scanned folders and their contents.
- Select a folder to preview both duplicate and unique files within the right-hand panel.
- In the right section, you can switch between the tabs to view duplicate files, in-folder duplicates, and unique files.
- To delete duplicates from a specific folder, simply click the checkbox next to it. To prevent accidental data loss, the application ensures at least one original copy remains by making it impossible to select all folders containing the same duplicate.
Note:
When you select duplicates in a specific folder, the application automatically preserves one file in each group of duplicates.
The “Select by folders” option compares files within a specific folder against files stored elsewhere. When you check a folder, Duplicate File Finder identifies and selects duplicate copies located outside that folder while keeping the copies inside the selected folder safe.
How to manage duplicates across multiple locations
If you have duplicates scattered across various folders but want to keep the originals in one central location, Duplicate File Finder makes this easy.
How to protect a priority folder
You may notice a star icon next to the checkbox. This is the Keep Original button. Clicking this star designates a priority folder, protecting its files from accidental selection or removal. This ensures that while duplicates in other folders are deleted, the files in your priority folder remain untouched.
Finalizing removal
- Once you have selected the unnecessary copies, click Review & Remove in the bottom-right corner.
- Perform a final check of the selected duplicates and confirm by clicking Remove.
With the “Select by folders” option, comparing multiple folders and managing duplicates is fast and secure. Additionally, the application includes a Removal History feature, allowing you to recover any files that may have been deleted by mistake.
