I didn't recognize how much Finder was hindering my progress until I made the switch to Bloom.

      I have been using Finder since I got my Mac, and for the most part, it never crossed my mind to question it. You open a window, sift through folders, drag files where they need to go, and carry on with your day. That’s just how it operates, right?

      However, it really shouldn’t be that way. Continuously opening new windows to transfer a file from one folder to another, enduring searches that scan my entire drive when I only want results from a specific folder, and repeatedly resizing columns because they never retain their width (this one is particularly frustrating) should not be standard practice.

      Individually, these issues may not seem significant. But when compounded over months and years of daily use, it results in a substantial amount of wasted clicks. Even then, I wasn't actively seeking a solution because, in truth, I wasn’t aware there was a problem. That is, until I came across Bloom, which transformed everything. It has quickly become one of my favorite utilities for Mac, so let's discuss it.

      How multiple panes reshaped my workflow

      What initially drew me in was Bloom's multi-pane layout. Rather than managing separate Finder windows to transfer files, Bloom allows you to divide a single window into multiple panes. There are up to 12 different configurations available, and you can set any one of them as your default layout.

      My preferred setup features three panes: a larger one on the left and two smaller ones stacked on the right. The three main folders I frequently access are the main directory, the Downloads folder, and the Documents folder. I keep the main directory visible in the left pane, while the smaller right pane displays the two other folders. Now, I can drag and drop files between the three folders without needing to open another window.

      Moreover, you can save these pane arrangements as Workspaces. I have several saved for different aspects of my routine, so when I'm ready to work, I simply select the appropriate workspace from the toolbar or use a keyboard shortcut, and everything is exactly as I left it.

      A floating window that stays with you

      One of my favorite features of Bloom is something called the Portal, a small window that can overlay any app you are using. Think of it as a temporary shelf for files you need to access frequently while working in another application. I constantly use it to pull files into different apps without losing my place or disrupting my focus on my current task.

      Search functionality that finally makes sense

      The feature that saves me the most time in Bloom is its search functionality. I can press a global shortcut, type a folder name, and jump right to it from anywhere. This is far more effective than the "Go to Folder" feature in Finder.

      Another aspect I appreciate about Bloom is that, by default, it searches within the current folder rather than my entire Mac directory. I can press Command-F, and instead of sifting through my entire drive like Finder does by default—which is unnecessary and time-consuming—Bloom searches only the folder I’m currently in.

      The small enhancements I didn't realize I needed

      In addition to the main features, Bloom is filled with minor enhancements that save time. It can examine zip files and other archives without needing to extract them first, and allows for partial extraction of files.

      The columns automatically adjust their size, eliminating the need for me to constantly adjust them whenever a filename is too long. This was my biggest frustration with Finder, and I am relieved I no longer have to deal with it.

      There’s a menu bar app for quick access to your favorites, folders, and workspaces, along with built-in image editing tools and a shortcut to quickly open your current folder in Terminal.

      It also includes Footprints, which logs every file operation you perform, so if you accidentally delete something or a batch rename goes wrong, you can easily undo it. Finally, it features a regex-powered renaming tool, which is a genuinely useful improvement over Finder’s basic version.

      Should you consider making the switch?

      Bloom is a straightforward app that can seamlessly integrate into your workflow and enhance your productivity. It has a familiar look and feel, making it easy to start using right away. That said, there is a surprising level of depth for those willing to explore further.

      If you manage even a moderate number of files on your Mac, I believe you will notice a difference within a day. If you’ve ever found Finder frustrating or inadequate, I highly recommend purchasing this app. I've been using it for about a month, and I can't envision going back to Finder.