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macOS Catalina: "file already exists, replace it?" popup, how to select Replace with keyboard?

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2 answers
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When trying to save a file that already exists, macOS typically shows the "File already exists, replace it?" popup, like this: Cancel Replace popup In previous versions of macOS (like Mojave, High Sierra, etc) I was always able to choose either Cancel or Replace **using the keyboard**. However since Catalina, it doesn't seem to be working. As displayed in the screenshot above, the Cancel button is highlighted by default. If I press the Return key it will choose Cancel. However I used to be able to switch between Cancel and Replace by using the Tab key. But not anymore. Also tried the cursor left and right keys (← and →) but to no avail. This particular example is from macOS' default Preview app, but it's the same in pretty much any application. Also in some applications I could previously use something like ⌥+Return or ⌘+Return to choose either the left or right option respectively (Cancel or Replace in this case) but that doesn't seem to be working either. Is there a different keyboard shortcut or combination of buttons nowadays? Or do I really HAVE to use the mouse to choose Replace ?
Asked by RocketNuts (1529 rep)
Sep 9, 2020, 10:49 AM
Last activity: Sep 10, 2020, 04:44 AM