Command X
Command X is a small macOS utility that lets you cut and paste files in Finder with Command+X and Command+V.
What is Command X?
Command X is a macOS utility that makes file moving in Finder work more like it does on Windows and Linux. It helps users cut files or folders with Command+X and paste them into another Finder location with Command+V, instead of relying on the usual copy-then-move shortcut. The app is designed for people who manage files often and want a more familiar keyboard workflow on Mac. It runs in the background after setup and only changes how these shortcuts behave when Finder is active. File moves are still carried out by Finder itself, so the app is focused on simplifying the shortcut behavior rather than replacing Apple’s file management tools. It also supports the ForkLift file manager for users who work outside Finder.
Key features
- Cut files and folders in Finder with Command+X
- Paste moved items into another location with Command+V
- Keep file moves handled by Finder's native move behavior
- Run quietly in the background after one-time setup
- Work with the ForkLift file manager in addition to Finder
- Leave files in place until you actually paste them
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Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
Command X is a legitimate utility for changing Finder keyboard behavior, and the access it asks for is normal for that purpose. It runs in the background and may require Accessibility permission so it can intercept and remap key commands when Finder is active. It does not move anything until you paste, and Finder performs the actual file move. A practical limitation is that the same shortcut can interfere with cutting text while renaming a file in Finder or using Finder search, so use the standard shortcuts in those situations if needed.
Recommendation: Keep Command X if you want Windows-style cut-and-paste behavior for files on your Mac. If you no longer use it, you can remove it without affecting macOS beyond losing this shortcut behavior and any related accessibility permission you granted.
Common paths
/Applications/Command X.app
Container paths
~/Library/Containers/com.sindresorhus.Command-X
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