What is how to select multiple files?

Here's a guide to selecting multiple files on different operating systems and in common interfaces:

Selecting multiple files is a fundamental skill for file management. The method you use depends on the operating system and application you are working with.

• Windows:

  • Adjacent files: Click on the first file you want to select. Then, hold down the <kbd>Shift</kbd> key and click on the last file. This will select all files in between, forming a contiguous selection. (<a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Adjacent%20Files">Adjacent Files</a>)
  • Non-adjacent files: Click on the first file you want to select. Then, hold down the <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> key and click on each additional file you want to include. This allows you to select files scattered throughout the folder. (<a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Non-adjacent%20Files">Non-adjacent Files</a>)
  • Select All: Press <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd> to select all files in the current folder. (<a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Select%20All">Select All</a>)

• macOS:

  • Adjacent files: Click on the first file. Hold down the <kbd>Shift</kbd> key and click on the last file to select all files between them.
  • Non-adjacent files: Click on the first file. Hold down the <kbd>Command</kbd> key (<kbd>⌘</kbd>) and click on each additional file you want to select individually.
  • Select All: Press <kbd>Command</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd> to select all files in the current folder.

• Linux (various desktop environments):

  • The methods are generally the same as in Windows. <kbd>Shift</kbd> for adjacent selection and <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> for non-adjacent selection.
  • Select All: Often <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>A</kbd>.

• Using the Mouse (Graphical User Interface - GUI):

  • Dragging a box: In many file explorers, you can click and drag your mouse to create a selection box. Any file fully within the box will be selected. This is particularly useful for selecting groups of files in a rectangular area. (<a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Graphical%20User%20Interface">Graphical User Interface</a>)

• Touchscreen Devices:

  • Tap the first file. Then, tap and hold the second file, while keeping your finger/stylus pressed, drag to other files you wish to select. On most devices, a "select" button or similar will appear, and the process is similar to non-adjacent selection.
  • Another solution is tap and hold the screen. If you do this, the device will usually start a selection mode where you can individually tap files to select them.

• Web Interfaces:

  • Many web applications that allow file uploads support similar <kbd>Shift</kbd> and <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> (or <kbd>Command</kbd> on macOS) methods as the desktop operating systems.

• Important Considerations:

  • File Explorer Options: In Windows, you can adjust folder options to control how clicks are interpreted (e.g., single-click vs. double-click to open files).
  • Context Menus: Right-clicking on a selected file (or group of files) will usually bring up a context menu with options such as "Copy," "Cut," "Delete," etc.
  • Different Applications: While the key combinations are generally the same, the exact behavior might vary slightly depending on the application you are using.