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How to Find Large Files on Mac?

Published in Mac Troubleshooting 3 mins read

Finding large files on your Mac can be done in a few different ways, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some methods:

1. Using Finder

  • Open Finder: You can access Finder by clicking its icon in the Dock or by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Space to open Spotlight Search and typing "Finder."
  • Navigate to the desired location: Once Finder is open, navigate to the location where you suspect large files might be located. This could be your Downloads folder, Documents folder, or any other relevant location.
  • Use the "Size" column: In the Finder window, click the "Size" column header to sort files by size. This will arrange the files from largest to smallest, making it easy to identify large files.
  • Filter by file type: You can further refine your search by using the "Kind" column. This allows you to filter files by type, such as images, videos, documents, etc., which can help you find specific categories of large files.

2. Using Disk Utility

  • Open Disk Utility: You can find Disk Utility in your Applications folder or by searching for it in Spotlight.
  • Select your Mac's hard drive: In the Disk Utility window, select your Mac's hard drive from the list on the left.
  • Click "First Aid": This will scan your hard drive for errors and provide you with a list of files that are taking up the most space.

3. Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party applications available that can help you find large files on your Mac. Some popular options include:

  • DaisyDisk: This app provides a visual representation of your hard drive, allowing you to easily identify large files and folders.
  • OmniDiskSweeper: This app offers a simple interface for scanning your drive and finding large files.
  • GrandPerspective: This app provides a graphical representation of your disk usage, helping you identify space-consuming files and folders.

4. Using Spotlight Search

  • Open Spotlight: Use the keyboard shortcut Command + Space to open Spotlight Search.
  • Enter a search query: Type in a search query related to the type of files you're looking for, such as "large files," "video files," or "music files."
  • Filter by size: In the search results, you can filter files by size using the "Size" filter option.

By utilizing these methods, you can effectively locate large files on your Mac and reclaim valuable storage space.

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