Finder already moves files.
⌘ Cthen⌘ ⌥ V
The built-in way. No extra app required.
Cmd+X. Cmd+V. Files moved.
Your fingers know Cmd+X.
Your fingers know Cmd+X.
Now Finder does too.
Meet Cut & Move. Cut files with Cmd+X. Open a folder. Paste with Cmd+V. A tiny native Mac menu bar app for the shortcut you already reach for.
Current source: v2.0.2 (published release). Published download: v2.0.2.
Requires macOS 26.1 or later · Apple silicon only (M1 or later).
Keep your muscle memory.
⌘ Xthen⌘ V
With Cut & Move. Same Finder move, familiar keys.
Features
Finder file moves, with less friction.
Native-feeling behavior with zero ceremony. Lives in your menu bar, out of your way.
Menu bar native
A scissors icon in your menu bar keeps the shortcut utility within reach without adding a Dock icon.
A real move, not a copy
Uses Finder's native Cmd+Option+V under the hood. Files relocate — they don't duplicate.
Finder-only, always
Only active when Finder is frontmost. Cmd+X in every other app still does exactly what it used to.
Launch at login
Start automatically when you sign in to your Mac, or keep launch at login turned off. The choice is yours.
Visual feedback
The scissors icon fills in the instant cut mode is active. Press Escape any time to cancel.
Easy to cancel
Changed your mind? Press Escape or Cmd+C to clear a pending cut before moving anything.
Cut and move, right inside Finder.
What's new in v2.0.2?
Published release. See the v2.0.2 release notes.
- Clear keyboard setup: distinguish permissions, unavailable monitoring, and ready shortcuts.
- Persistent recovery: Retry Monitoring and Done controls keep guidance readable.
- Accurate native actions: clearer settings, product help, and counted Finder menu labels.
- Readable downloads: complete hardware requirements, stronger contrast, and clearer release wording.
How it works
How to cut and paste files in Finder
Cut & Move only activates when Finder is frontmost. Everywhere else, Cmd+X behaves exactly as always.
-
Select
Click the files or folders you want to move in Finder.
Click -
Cut
Press Cmd+X. The menu bar scissors icon fills in to confirm cut mode is active.
⌘X -
Move
Navigate to the destination and press Cmd+V. Files are moved, not copied.
⌘V
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is Cut & Move?
Cut & Move is a native macOS menu bar utility that adds Cmd+X followed by Cmd+V for moving files in Finder. It uses Finder's built-in Move Item Here command rather than replacing Finder.
How do I cut and paste files on a Mac?
Without an app, select files in Finder, press Cmd+C, open the destination, then press Cmd+Option+V to move them. With Cut & Move running, use Cmd+X followed by Cmd+V instead.
Which version can I download?
The published download is Cut & Move v2.0.2, available as a Developer ID signed, Apple-notarized DMG or ZIP on GitHub Releases. The current source is v2.0.2 (published release). It is not distributed through the Mac App Store.
What are the macOS and hardware requirements?
Cut & Move v2.0.2 requires macOS 26.1 or later and supports Apple silicon only (M1 or later).
Why does Cut & Move need Accessibility permission?
Accessibility permission lets the app intercept and modify keyboard events for Finder shortcuts. The app does not record keystrokes, collect analytics, or transmit file contents. You can revoke access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
Does Cut & Move change shortcuts in other apps?
Cut & Move targets Finder. Other apps keep their normal Cmd+X and Cmd+V behavior. Keyboard moves use Finder's Move Item Here command and conflict dialogs.
What does Finder integration include in v2.0.2?
The published v2.0.2 release includes a Finder Sync extension with right-click Cut, Move Here, and Cancel Cut, a toolbar menu, and pending-cut badges. Enable it once for automatic coverage of local folders and mounted drives; no folder setup is needed. macOS permissions still apply. The main app performs menu-driven moves without automatic overwrites.
How do I cancel cut mode?
Press Escape or Cmd+C to cancel a pending cut. The menu bar scissors icon indicates whether cut mode is active.
Is Cut & Move free or open source?
Cut & Move is free for uses permitted by PolyForm Strict 1.0.0. Its source is available on GitHub, but it is not offered under an unrestricted open-source license. Read LICENSE for use, modification, and distribution restrictions.
Who makes Cut & Move and how do I get support?
Cut & Move was created by Richard Crane, Microsoft MVP and founder of MILL5. Contact rich@mill5.com for support.
Richard Crane
Microsoft MVP · Founder, MILL5
Cut & Move was built by Richard Crane, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional and the founder of MILL5, a software consultancy specializing in cloud, AI, and developer tooling. This app is part of a broader body of work focused on small, high-leverage tools that remove friction from daily development on the Mac.
Less remembering. More moving.
Download the DMG, drag Cut & Move into Applications, then open it and grant Accessibility access. Your next file move starts with Cmd+X.
Signed and notarized DMG or ZIP. Current source: v2.0.2 (published release). Published download: v2.0.2.
Requires macOS 26.1 or later · Apple silicon only (M1 or later) · Free for uses permitted by PolyForm Strict 1.0.0