To free up Mac storage space, you can use three methods to find and process large files: 1. Use the system's own storage management tool to view the "big file" list in "About Native" - ??"Storage"; 2. Set file size and modification time in Finder to search for large files; 3. Use third-party tools such as DaisyDisk, OmniDiskSweeper, or GrandPerspective to scan and visualize disk usage. Each method has its own advantages, the system tools are convenient and fast, Finder provides more accurate search options, and third-party software provides stronger analysis functions. Remember to clear the wastebasket after deleting it to avoid remaining space.
If you're trying to free up space on your Mac, finding and dealing with large files is a good place to start. It's not always obvious where those big files are hiding — they could be old videos, downloads, or even app caches. The good news is, there are several straightforward ways to locate them without needing any technical expertise.
Use the Built-in Storage Management Tool
macOS has a handy feature built right into the system that helps you see what's taking up space.
- Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage , then click Manage .
- From there, you'll see categories like Large Files , Documents , Apps , etc.
- Click on Large Files and macOS will show you a list of the biggest files across your user account, including documents, movies, and application support files.
This method doesn't require any extra software and give you a clear picture of what's eating up your disk space. Just keep in mind it might not show system files or files from other user accounts.
Search in Finder for Large Files
If you want more control or need to dig deeper, Finder can help too.
- Open a new Finder window and hit Command F to start a search.
- In the search bar, click the button and choose File size from the dropdown.
- Set it to is greater than and type something like 500 MB (you can adjust this number based on your needs).
- You can also add another condition by clicking again and choosing Last opened date or Date last modified to find older large files.
Finder's search can take a few seconds to load all results, especially if you have a lot of files. Once loaded, you can sort by size or kind to make browser easier.
Try Third-Party Tools for More Control
If you want more powerful features — like scanning your entire drive or visualizing file sizes with charts — third-party tools can help.
Some popular options include:
- DaisyDisk – shows a color-coded map of your disk usage and lets you delete files directly
- OmniDiskSweeper – a free tool from The Omni Group that shows folder sizes and lets you drill down
- GrandPerspective – open-source and visually intuitive, great for seeing which folders are taking up space
These apps typically scan your drive and give you a block diagram where bigger blocks mean larger files or folders. They're especially useful if you're not sure where to look or if the built-in tools don't go deep enough.
Keep in mind that after deleting large files, especially using third-party tools, it's a good idea to empty your Trash regularly — some deleted files still take up space until you do. Also, avoid deleting system or app files unless you know what you're doing.
Basically that's it.
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