If you need to make more storage space available on your Mac, use its built-in tools to optimize storage space, or free up space in other ways.
Optimize storage space
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac.
- Click Storage. At first the storage bar estimates the amount of used and available storage space. When it finishes calculating, it shows segments representing several categories of files.
- Click the Manage button to open the storage management window:
- To begin optimizing storage space, choose from features such as Store in iCloud,* Optimize Storage, and Reduce Clutter. Learn more about these features.
- To measure progress as you make changes, refer to the amount of “available” space shown at the top of this window, or in About This Mac.
Free up storage space in other ways
- Delete unneeded media, such as music or movies or podcasts, which can use a lot of storage space.
- Delete unneeded files in the Downloads folder. You can open the Downloads folder from the Dock or by choosing Go > Downloads from the menu bar in the Finder.
- Delete unneeded email in the Mail app. To delete junk mail, open Mail and choose Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail. To delete mail that you've moved to the Trash, choose Mailbox > Erase Deleted Items.
- Move some of your files to external storage, such as Google Drive, Box or an external drive connected to your Mac.
- Uninstall apps that you no longer use.