Apple - How can I make all folders in Finder "snap to grid"?

The following steps applied "Snap to Grid" even for previously created folders.

Tested on:

• 10.6.x
• 10.7.3
• 10.8.x
• 10.9.x

• 10.12.5

  1. Go to any folder control
  2. Control click on the empty space
  3. Click on Show View Options
  4. In the "Sort by" drop down bar select "Snap to Grid"
  5. At the bottom of the window click on the "Use as Defaults" button

NOTE: Because this will become the default setup for ALL Finder windows you may consider manipulating the Icon size, Grid spacing, Text size, Label position, Background, etc... accordingly.

ALSO: If folders do not appear to have snapped to grid on a previously created folder, Relaunch Finder or you could try to toggle the "Icon size" down and back up too refresh the current window.

Update for 10.10: When you are in the "Show View Options" Menu, the "Snap to Grid" setting has been moved to the "Sort By:" drop down bar.