"Other" storage on a Mac includes uncategorized files like disk images, caches, logs, and plugins that accumulate over time and can grow large. 1. Check Downloads and Desktop folders for forgotten large files like .dmg or .zip archives and delete them. 2. Clean user and system caches via Finder’s Go to Folder (Command Shift G) using ~/Library/Caches and /Library/Caches, removing only contents inside. 3. Remove old disk images and installers from Downloads, Desktop, or Applications, including duplicate apps. 4. Use macOS Storage Management (Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage) to offload files to iCloud, optimize storage, enable automatic trash emptying, and review large or old files. 5. Search for large "Other" files in Finder by setting Kind to "Other" or sorting by Size/Date Modified, or use tools like OmniDiskSweeper (free) or DaisyDisk/CleanMyMac (paid) for visual analysis. 6. Clear browser caches in Safari, Chrome, or Firefox and check apps like Adobe or Slack for large local cache data. While "Other" storage will never be zero due to essential system files, careful cleanup can reclaim significant space without risk, provided you back up data and avoid deleting system-critical folders.

"Other" storage on a Mac refers to files that don’t fall neatly into standard categories like Apps, Photos, Audio, or System. It’s a catch-all category in your Mac’s storage breakdown (found in Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage) and often includes a mix of file types such as disk images, archives, logs, caches, plugins, system support files, and miscellaneous documents.

While not inherently problematic, "Other" can grow large over time—sometimes taking up tens of gigabytes—making it frustrating when you're trying to free up space.

Why "Other" storage gets so big

The "Other" category includes:

• Disk images and archives (.dmg, .iso, .zip, .tar files)
• Cache files (from browsers, apps, or system processes)
• Logs and temporary files
• Plugin and extension files
• Hidden system files and metadata
• Files in unusual formats not recognized as media or documents
• Leftover files from uninstalled apps

Because macOS doesn’t clearly label these, they quietly accumulate in the background.

How to reduce "Other" storage

1. Check your Downloads and Desktop folders

Many downloaded files (especially .dmg installers or zip archives) end up here and are forgotten.

• Open Finder > Downloads and sort by size.
• Delete old installers, disk images, or large archives you no longer need.
• Do the same for your Desktop, as files here count toward storage.

2. Clean up system and user caches

Caches speed up apps but can grow large.

• Open Finder, press Command Shift G, and type:

  ~/Library/Caches

  This is user cache—safe to delete contents of most folders here.

• For system caches (more advanced):

  /Library/Caches

  ?? Don’t delete the folder itself—just the files inside. Some apps may run slightly slower on next launch as they rebuild caches.

3. Remove old disk images and installers

• Look for .dmg or .pkg files in your Downloads, Applications, or Desktop.
• Drag them to Trash and empty it.
• Also check /Applications for duplicate or old apps.

4. Use macOS Storage Management tool

• Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage.
• Use these options:
  • Store in iCloud: Offload files to iCloud.
  • Optimize Mac Storage: Removes watched movies, old email attachments.
  • Empty Trash Automatically: Enables auto-cleanup.
  • Review Files: Browse large and old files manually.

5. Check for large files with Finder or third-party tools

• In Finder, click on This Mac, then search.
• Click the search bar, then:
  • Add "Kind" is "Other"
  • Or sort by Size or Date Modified
• Look for unexpectedly large files with odd extensions.

Alternatively, use lightweight tools like:

• OmniDiskSweeper (free): Shows folder sizes.
• DaisyDisk or CleanMyMac (paid): Visual map of storage usage.

? Pro tip: Sort files by size in Finder and look for anything over 500MB you don’t recognize.

6. Clear browser caches and app junk

• Safari: Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All
• Chrome/Firefox: Clear browsing data, especially cached images and files.
• Some apps (like Adobe or Slack) store large local caches—check their settings.

Final notes

• "Other" will never be zero—it includes essential system files.
• Be cautious when deleting files in Library or system folders.
• Always back up important data before bulk cleanup.

Basically, "Other" isn’t magic—it’s just stuff macOS doesn’t categorize. With a few targeted cleanups, you can often reclaim several gigabytes without risk.

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