So problem here is that I have accidentally removed the application shortcut from the left hand menu in mac os x finder. The one that opens all the installed program shortcuts. I searched prior to writing this, but I only got how you restore the springy url terminal activator. Mac OS X, version 10.5.4
Considering how intuitive much of the Macintosh interface is for most folk, you’ve found one of the corners that are a bit odd and can be hard to figure out.
Turns out there are two ways to accomplish what you seek, however, one that’s easy but requires you to trust the interface and another that’s a more Windows-like configuration window with checkboxes.
First off, the easy way is to move to your hard drive in the Finder, so you can see the “Applications” folder:
![mac finder no applications](https://www.askdavetaylor.com/2-blog-pics/mac-finder-no-applications.png)
Now, drag the Applications folder to the left side and watch what happens:
![mac finder dragging applications](https://www.askdavetaylor.com/2-blog-pics/mac-finder-dragging-applications.png)
Move it carefully up and down until you just see a thin blue line (as I have in the above screen capture) and then let go of the mouse button.
Done!
If you’d rather try “plan b”, choose Finder –> Preferences… and click on the “Sidebar” option. Here’s what you’ll see:
![mac finder preferences sidebar applications](https://www.askdavetaylor.com/2-blog-pics/mac-finder-preferences-sidebar-applications.png)
As you can see, simply click on the “Applications” button, close the window, and you’ve solved the problem a second way.
Either way, I think you’ll be able to solve your problem now.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your description on how to remedy my App icon situation was both accurate and easy to follow. Thanks again, Dave. — Brian Mugg
Thanks a lot; this helped me. I initially thought that I had to reinstall all my applications! 🙂
You rock! Thanks a million!!!
Well, the first thing you proposed I had already done, but I was not satisfied with the folder icon and the fact that it is not the original icon, much like the result you get from the second proposition!
Thank you indeed very much for considering and answering my question. I really appreciate it!
Will handle immediately!
Cheerios!
P.