To remove a folder's display from the FL Studio browser, you typically remove its search path from FL Studio's settings rather than deleting the actual folder from your computer. This action cleans up your browser's view without affecting the physical files on your hard drive.
How to Remove Folder Paths from FL Studio Browser
FL Studio's browser often displays folders based on default paths, plugin installations, or custom "extra search folders" you've added. To "delete" a folder from the browser usually means to stop FL Studio from displaying that specific directory.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Browser Search Paths
Follow these steps to remove an unwanted folder path from your FL Studio browser's display:
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Open File Settings:
- Navigate to Options in the FL Studio top menu bar.
- Select File settings (or General settings and then the File tab, depending on your FL Studio version).
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Locate "Browser extra search folders":
- In the File settings window, you'll find a section labeled "Browser extra search folders." This list contains all the custom paths FL Studio scans for content.
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Remove the Folder Path:
- Double-click the specific folder path you wish to remove from the list.
- After double-clicking, press the Enter key. This action effectively "removes" the entry from the list.
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Refresh the Browser:
- The browser's view might not update instantly. To see the changes, you may need to close and then reopen the File settings window, or even close and reopen FL Studio itself. Once refreshed, the removed folder path will no longer appear in your FL Studio browser.
Key Distinction: Removing Path vs. Deleting Folder
It's crucial to understand the difference between removing a folder path from the FL Studio browser and deleting the folder itself:
- Removing a Path from Browser: This action only hides the folder from the FL Studio browser's directory tree. The actual folder and its contents (samples, presets, etc.) remain untouched on your computer's hard drive. This is ideal for decluttering your browser without losing any data.
- Deleting a Folder from Your Hard Drive: To physically delete a folder and all its contents from your computer, you must do so using your operating system's file explorer (e.g., Windows Explorer or macOS Finder). This action is permanent and cannot be undone through FL Studio.
Summary of Actions
| Action Type | Location for Action | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Remove Folder Path | FL Studio File Settings | Folder no longer appears in FL Studio Browser; contents remain on hard drive. |
| Delete Folder (Physical) | Your Operating System's File Explorer | Folder and all its contents are permanently removed from your computer's hard drive. Affects all applications. |
By managing your "Browser extra search folders," you maintain a streamlined and efficient workflow within FL Studio, ensuring only relevant content is displayed.
For more detailed information on FL Studio's file management and browser settings, you can refer to the official Image-Line FL Studio Manual.
