How to delete files on Mac

Managing Mac storage: A comprehensive guide to deleting files

Daily Mac usage involves installing apps, creating files, and downloading data. However, even high-end Macs have limited storage. This guide provides various methods for deleting unnecessary files to reclaim space and improve performance.

Basic File Deletion:

Several methods exist for deleting files:

1. Drag and Drop: Drag the file to the Trash icon in the Dock.
2. Right-Click Menu: Right-click the file and select "Move to Trash."
3. Keyboard Shortcut: Use the ⌘ Delete shortcut.

Deleted files reside in the Trash until emptied. To securely empty the Trash:

• Right-click the Trash icon and select "Empty Trash."
• Open the Trash and click "Empty."

Individual files can be deleted directly from the Trash by right-clicking and selecting "Delete Immediately."

Note: Maintaining a Time Machine backup is crucial, even for permanent deletions.

Finder preferences allow disabling the Trash emptying warning and enabling automatic Trash cleanup after 30 days. iCloud Drive files are automatically removed from the Trash after 30 days.

Files in the Trash can be restored by dragging them out or right-clicking and selecting "Put Back."

Permanent File Deletion:

For permanent deletion, bypassing the Trash:

• Hold the Option key, click Finder in the menu bar, and select "Delete Immediately."
• Use the shortcut Option ⌘ Delete.

This action is irreversible. For sensitive data, a professional file shredder like CleanMyMac X's Shredder is recommended.

Deleting Large Files:

macOS provides a built-in utility to identify and delete large files:

1. Click the Apple icon ➙ About This Mac ➙ Storage ➙ Manage…
2. Navigate to Documents ➙ Large Files.
3. Select and delete files.

CleanMyMac X offers "Large & Old Files" and "Space Lens" for more detailed analysis and deletion of large or unused files.

Deleting Multiple Files:

Select multiple files using ⌘ (command) or Shift keys for simultaneous deletion. Gemini, a duplicate file finder, efficiently identifies and removes duplicates and similar files.

Troubleshooting Un-Deletable Files:

Files may be un-deletable due to:

• Open Files: Close the file.
• Locked Files: Unlock using File ➙ Get Info (⌘ I), unchecking the "Locked" box.
• Permission Issues: Adjust permissions in Get Info ➙ Sharing & Permissions, or log in as an administrator.
• Files in Use: Close related apps, use Activity Monitor to stop processes, or restart your Mac.

Force Deletion via Terminal:

Use rm -f (files) or rm -rf (folders) commands in Terminal. For stubborn files, use sudo rm -f and provide your password.

Caution: Terminal commands require caution. Incorrect usage can cause system errors.

Deleting Hidden Files:

Hidden files can be made visible using ⌘ Shift . (dot) in Finder. Delete as usual.

Emptying a Problematic Trash:

Hold Option while right-clicking the Trash icon and selecting "Empty Trash" to resolve emptying errors. Disk Drill can recover accidentally deleted files.

CleanMyMac X, Gemini, and Disk Drill are available for trial through Setapp.

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