How to free up space on Mac
If you are a Mac user, you have probably experienced the frustration of seeing your storage space quickly diminish. With the increase in file sizes and programs we use daily, our computer's storage space becomes more precious.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to free up space on your Mac and keep your computer in excellent condition. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on managing storage space on your Mac.
How does storage space work on Mac?
Before discussing strategies for freeing up space on your Mac, it is important to understand how storage space works on your computer. Apple has introduced an operating system called macOS that offers many advanced features for managing storage space.
In essence, the operating system divides your hard drive into two parts: the main partition and the recovery partition. The main partition contains all of your operating system and installed program data, while the recovery partition is used to recover the system in case of problems.
In addition, macOS also uses a technology called "storage management" that allows the operating system to automatically optimize free space on the hard drive. For example, macOS can automatically delete temporary files and unused caches to free up space on your computer.
How to check storage space on Mac?
Before starting to free up space on your Mac, it is important to know how much space you actually have available. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen
- Select "About This Mac"
- Click on the "Storage" tab
In this section, you can see how much memory is available on your hard drive and how much space has already been used. Additionally, you can also see which folders and programs are taking up the most space on your computer.
Now that you have a better understanding of how storage space works on Mac and how to check it, you are ready to start freeing up space on your computer!
Identifying unnecessary or duplicate files
One of the best ways to free up space on your Mac is to identify and remove unnecessary or duplicate files. This may seem like a tedious task, but there are many tools available that can make the process much easier.
Using the "Optimize Storage" app
If you use macOS Sierra or later versions, you can use the built-in "Optimize Storage" app. This app helps you identify large and rarely used files and moves them to the "Archive" folder, thus freeing up space on your main hard drive.
Using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a Mac cleaning software that helps you identify and remove unnecessary or duplicate files from your computer. The program analyzes your hard drive and shows you all the files that can be safely deleted without causing any harm to the system.
Manually deleting duplicate files
If you prefer to do things manually, you can search for duplicate files using the built-in search function in Finder. You can search for files with the same name or content. Once you have identified the duplicate files, you can delete them manually.
- Remember to double-check before deleting any file to avoid accidentally deleting something important.
- Also, make sure to empty the trash after deleting the files to free up actual space on your hard drive.
Identifying and removing unnecessary or duplicate files may take time, but it is an effective way to free up space on your Mac. Use available tools to simplify the process and be careful when deleting files from your computer.
Deleting unused applications
Oftentimes, our Macs are filled with applications that we no longer use. These take up valuable space on the hard drive and slow down the system.
To free up space on your Mac, it's important to delete unused applications.
How to delete applications on Mac
- Open the Applications folder from Finder or Launchpad
- Find the application you want to delete
- Click on the application and drag it to the Trash
- Go to the Trash and click Empty to permanently delete the application
Note that some applications may have associated files that need to be deleted separately. Also, if you purchased an application through Mac App Store, you should delete it from the App Store itself.
In any case, make sure to carefully check which files you are deleting before doing so. It may be helpful to make a backup copy of important files before proceeding with deleting applications.
Using macOS Storage Management function to free up space
If you are a Mac user, you probably already know about the Storage Management function in macOS. This feature helps you manage space on your hard drive and free up space efficiently.
To access the Storage Management function, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen.
- Select "About This Mac".
- Click on the "Storage" tab.
- Click on "Manage" to access the Storage Management function.
From the Storage Management window, you can get a complete overview of your hard drive and files that take up more space. Additionally, you have access to various options for freeing up space, such as:
- Reduce system files: This option removes obsolete or temporary system files that are no longer needed on your computer.
- Automatically empty trash: This option automatically empties the trash every 30 days, freeing up space occupied by deleted files.
- Remove apps: This option allows you to locate the apps that take up the most space and easily remove them from your computer.
- Manage files: This option allows you to view the largest files on your computer and delete them if they are no longer needed.
In addition, you can also use the "Archive" function to move less frequently used files to an external disk or iCloud, thus freeing up space on your main hard drive.
Using macOS Storage Management is a simple and effective way to free up space on your computer. Try it today and see the difference!
Consider using an external drive for data storage
If you need to free up space on your Mac, one solution may be to use an external drive to store your data. This will allow you to move less frequently used or heavier files to another drive, thus freeing up space on your computer's internal disk.
External drives are available in different shapes and sizes, from classic USB sticks to portable hard disks with several terabytes of storage. The choice depends on the type of file you need to store and the amount of space you need.
How to choose the right external drive
Before purchasing an external drive, it is important to consider some factors:
- Capacity: How much capacity do you need? If you only need to store text documents, a USB stick may be sufficient. If you want to store high-resolution photos and videos, you will need a drive with much more capacity.
- Type of connection: How do you want to connect the drive to your Mac? Options include USB, Thunderbolt, and Firewire. Make sure your Mac has the correct port for your external drive.
- Portability: Do you need to take the external drive with you? In that case, you should opt for a smaller and lighter drive.
- Speed: If you need to move very large files, transfer speed can be important. Check the specifications of the drive before purchasing it.
After considering these factors, you can choose the external drive that best suits your needs. Once purchased, it is easy to use: simply connect it to your Mac via the correct port and drag the files you want to store onto the new drive.
Remember that using an external drive not only helps you free up space on your Mac but also protects your data in case of internal disk failure. Additionally, if you need to access your files from different devices or want to share them with others, an external drive can be a very convenient solution.
Conclusion
Freeing up space on your Mac is essential to keep your computer efficient and fast. Using an external drive to store your data is a simple and effective solution to free up space on your computer's internal disk. Remember to carefully evaluate the features of the external drive you intend to purchase, so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs. This way, you can not only free up space on your Mac, but also protect your data and access it conveniently from different devices.

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





