"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Windows Vista - Explorer

Stack Similar Files

SUMMARY: When viewing folders in Explorer, stack files by type, date, size, or other options.

When viewing files in Explorer folders in Windows Vista, especially inside folders with dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of files, you may find it difficult to spot the exact file you need. Or, you may be looking through a folder to determine how many images you have, which files are taking up the most space, which files were updated recently and those modified a long time ago, and other options.

To help facilitate these and other tasks you can stack similar files together. Below are two ways to do so complete with examples:

1. Hover your mouse on a column header representing the file data you wish to use for the stacking.

2. A down-arrow should appear - click it.

3. Select "Stack by" and the column header.

Stacking sound files by size.

The folder will now appear as stacks of similar items.

Stacks of files by size.

You can also use the menu bar.

1. Press the Alt key to temporarily show the menu (if it is not already visible), and then select "View" - "Stack By".

2. Choose the column by wish you want to stack.

Stacking files by type.

The folder will now appear as stacks of similar items.

Stacks of files by type.

Once stacked, double-click a stack to view the similar files, and use the "Back" arrow or press Alt + Left-Cursor-Key to return to the stacks.