How to Drag Files from the Safari Downloads Popover

This article provides a quick overview and step-by-step instructions on how to move or attach downloaded files directly from the Safari web browser's Downloads popover. By utilizing macOS drag-and-drop functionality, you can place newly downloaded items straight onto your Desktop or into an email message without ever needing to open a Finder window.

Accessing the Safari Downloads Popover

Before you can drag a file, you need to access the Downloads list in Safari.

  1. Download a file in Safari. Once a download starts or finishes, the Downloads icon (a circle with a downward-pointing arrow) will appear in the top-right corner of the Safari toolbar.
  2. Click the Downloads icon to open the popover menu, which displays a list of your recent downloads.

Note: If you do not see the icon, either you have cleared your download history, or no files have been downloaded during your current session.

Dragging a File to the Desktop

Moving a file from the popover to the Desktop actually relocates the file from your Mac's "Downloads" folder to your "Desktop" folder.

  1. Position your Safari window so that a portion of your Mac's Desktop is visible in the background.
  2. Click the Downloads icon in the Safari toolbar to open the popover.
  3. Locate the file you want to move in the list.
  4. Click and hold the file's icon on the left side of the popover row. (Avoid clicking the magnifying glass on the right, as that will open the Finder).
  5. While holding down the mouse button or trackpad, drag the file out of the popover and onto the visible area of your Desktop.
  6. Release the mouse button or trackpad to drop the file onto the Desktop. The popover will now reflect that the file's location has changed.

Dragging a File into an Email Message

Dragging a file into an email attaches a copy of the file to the message, leaving the original file safely in your Downloads folder.

  1. Open your email application (such as Apple Mail) and open a new message composition window.
  2. Arrange your screen so that both the Safari toolbar and the new email message window are visible at the same time.
  3. Click the Downloads icon in the Safari toolbar to reveal your downloaded files.
  4. Click and hold the icon of the file you wish to attach.
  5. Drag the file directly into the body of the email message. You will see a green plus (+) icon appear next to your cursor, indicating that the file is ready to be copied into the email.
  6. Release the mouse button or trackpad to attach the file to your email.

Using Mission Control or the Dock for Full-Screen Apps

If your Safari window is taking up the whole screen and you cannot see the Desktop or your email client, you can still use this method:

  • To reach the Desktop: Begin dragging the file from the Downloads popover, and while still holding the click, press the Command + F3 keys (or use your designated "Show Desktop" trackpad gesture) to push all windows aside, then drop the file.
  • To reach the Mail app: Begin dragging the file from the Downloads popover and drag it down to the Mail icon in your Mac's Dock. Hover over the Mail icon for a second until the open email window pops to the front, then drag the file up into the message body and release.