---
title: "Dual-pane file manager for Mac: two folders side by side - PaneStack"
description: "How to see two folders side by side on a Mac, copy and move between them with one key, and split into up to 16 panes with PaneStack."
canonical: https://panestack.app/dual-pane-file-manager-mac.html
---

# Dual-pane file manager for Mac

Finder shows one folder per window. To work with two folders side by side on a Mac, you need a dual-pane file manager. PaneStack gives you two panes with one shortcut, **⌃⌘P**, and can split into up to 16.

## In Finder

Finder has no dual pane. The closest is two windows arranged side by side, or two tabs (⌘T) that you drag files between. It works, but every move means lining up windows and dragging.

## In PaneStack

1. Press **⌃⌘P**. The window splits into two panes, each with its own folder.
2. Select files and press **F5** to copy them to the other pane, or **F6** to move them.
3. Press **⌥⌘]** and **⌥⌘[** to move between panes, and **⌃⌘U** to swap the two folders.

## More than two

- **Split in any direction.** View › Panes › Split Right (⌃⌘]) or Split Down (⌃⇧⌘]). Up to 16 panes per window.
- **Drag to an edge.** Drop a folder on the left, right or bottom edge of a pane to open it in a new pane on that side.
- **Zoom one pane.** ⇧⌘↩ lets the active pane fill the window; press it again to bring the others back.
- **Link two panes.** ⌃⌘L makes going into a folder in one pane go into the folder of the same name in the other, which is handy for comparing two trees.
- **Save the layout.** ⇧⌘L opens Scenes: save the panes you have open, and bring a layout back with ⌃⌘1 to ⌃⌘9.

Each pane can show its own view: icons, list, columns, gallery, size map or Mosaic.

## Common questions

### Does macOS have a dual-pane mode?

No. Finder shows one folder per window. PaneStack adds dual pane with ⌃⌘P.

### How do I copy files between two folders quickly on Mac?

Open both in PaneStack's dual pane, select the files and press F5 to copy or F6 to move. Every copy and move can be undone with ⌘Z.

## Try PaneStack

PaneStack is a Finder alternative for Mac with up to 16 panes and undo for everything. One purchase, from $4.99, with every future version included. [See pricing](https://panestack.app/#pricing) or read [more tips](https://panestack.app/tips.html).