I use that a lot myself. And every time I do I wonder why I have to go grab something from the Finder (that window is often under a lot of other stuff) at all, when that Finder folder should be offered up right there in the save dialog under Recent Places or similar. Instead, I have to go dig up that Finder window and drag from there to the save dialog. How stuff gets into that Recent Places listing and why is beyond me. Having an open Finder window apparently isn’t enough. 
When in a save dialog I use command tab to move to
the Finder. Click and hold the folder I want to save into.
I just drag the file or folder icon or proxy icon into the open/save dialog. At least up though catalina–if they broke that with the the newer stuff, it’s yet more reason for me not to upgrade my primary mac.
I just drag the file or folder icon or proxy icon into the open/save
dialog. At least up though catalina–if they broke that with the the
newer stuff, it’s yet more reason for me not to upgrade my primary mac.
oops. I blame my lack of reading comprehension on it being too hot in the house this afternoon, and possibly, partly, (grabbing at excuses!) because I almost always have relevant folders already handily visible or needing no more than one click to expose it. There is virtue in the right kind of messiness.
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Default Folder, from St Clair, would be an awful lot easier and quicker. It’s one of the “must have” utilities I install on any Mac. I’ve been using it for well over 20 years.
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It might seem like a lot when explained step by step, but in my case I nearly always know that the Finder window is there up in front and available. I use less than a second to do it.
I use Photoshop and Lightroom, which covers all my screens. Then I have to switch to Finder. As you say, no need to do that if it is already there and then it is lightning fast.
+1. Been using Default Folder for more years than I can remember. With a Save dialog open, click on any Finder window to cause the Save dialog to select the folder shown in that window.
I love Default Folder. The Finder window you want doesn’t even have to be visible. Default Folder will “find” the window even if it is behind other app windows. Default Folder displays the “found” window at the tip of the pointer, so you know what’s going to happen when you click.
I love Default FolderX too, as someone who uses, ahem, default folders for types of files. Set them up and it is instant.
I also like being able to navigate through history using Option - Arrow for previously open folders.
I agree about Default Folder. I don’t remember having a Mac without it (although I suppose it wasn’t on my Mac Plus). It makes opening and saving files so much easier. It’s one of my most important utilities.