If you are new to Mac, it may be difficult to understand how the macOS file system is organized and what a Home folder on Mac is. But don't worry! In this article, we will explain the Mac folder structure in detail: what files the Home folder stores, how to rename the Home folder and so on.
So for today’s article, let’s go over how to change the default download folder on the Mac! Luckily, the process of changing the default download directory pretty similar in the three main Mac browsers. Change the Default Download Location in Safari. Open the Safari app and click on the Safari drop-down menu at the top left.

Global Nav Open Menu Global Nav Close Menu; Apple; Shopping Bag +.

If you are a novice in terms of using a Mac, have you asked yourself where all your downloaded files go? By default, all your downloaded files go to the Downloads folder. This applies to any downloads made from web browsers like Chrome, Safari, or even from file transfer apps like AirDrop. Since the Downloads folder is the default download destination in Mac, you may want to know how to quickly access it. Below are some of the fastest and easiest ways to get to the folder and access your files.

Where to Find the Downloads Folder

In all Mac computers, the Downloads folder is located in the Home directory where it is aptly named the same, Downloads.

Another way to access it is to use the Finder’s sidebar.

Go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar.
Check Downloads to make it accessible in the Sidebar.
To get to the Downloads folder in less than a minute, press the keys Option + Command + L.

How to Change the Download Destination on Your Browser

Mac Download Files From Directory

Mac Default Download Directory

Although the default file download destination is the Downloads folder, it can be changed on your browser. For instance, on Safari, this is how you do it:

Open Safari > Preferences > General.
Under File Download Location, select a different folder where you want to save your entire Safari downloads.

If you are worried that you might have a hard time looking for your downloaded files once you change the download destination folder, don’t be. In most cases, a Download button will appear in the web browser’s toolbar after every successful download. If you click it, you will see a list of all your recent downloads.

How to Manage Your Downloaded Files

With all the wide assortment of files you’ve downloaded to your Mac, expect your Downloads folder to be very messy. Some files are redundant, while others are nestled with your app installers, photos, and copies of your monthly utility bills.

Sort all your files to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Use the Finder’s column view to filter the files by type or by date. If there are larger files that are no longer needed, delete them.

Keep Your Mac Safe No Matter What You Download

While searching for something online, unnecessary files and applications may be unknowingly downloaded onto your Mac. Sometimes, you also find yourself downloading a plethora of stuff, which you don’t actually use and need.

Now, with all the junk files saved on your computer, it won’t be surprising that in the long run, your Mac becomes slow and inefficient. If you don’t want that to happen, start clearing space. Restore it to its former glory by locating the biggest space hogs using 3^rd party cleaning tools like Tweakbit MacRepair. Once you have identified such files, get rid of them. Your Mac will be thankful if you did.

Mac Download Directory Path

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Mac Terminal Download Directory

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Change Directory In Mac

I've found my partially downloaded update files in /private/var/folders/<blah>/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate/<blah>
The <blahs> appear to be some hash of either the computer or the software being downloaded. Try the following:
Open a Terminal
sudo find /private -name ' SomePartOfTheDriverNameYouAreLookingFor' -print
then sudo cd <the directory shown above>
Note I don't see /private in finder because of the permissions on it (hence the need for sudo above).
Also note, I had one directory in <blah> named -Cache- which is tricky to cd into because the leading - is perceived as an argument to cd, so I just cd into the entire directory path instead.
Finally, be wary doing things as root (sudo) as you can end up damaging your OS (so don't go around removing files you are not sure about)