Storage usually disappears into a small number of very large files: video exports, disk images, virtual machines, game data, old backups and archives. Finding those first gives you the biggest return for the least effort.
Method 1: Storage settings
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
- Click the ⓘ button next to Documents.
- Select Large Files. Files are listed with the largest at the top, along with when you last opened them.
- Select a file and click the magnifying glass to reveal it in Finder, or Delete to remove it.
This view is quick, but it does not include everything, for example files inside app libraries.
Method 2: Search by size in Finder
Finder can search your whole Mac for files above a certain size.
- Open a Finder window and press Command-F.
- Make sure This Mac is selected at the top of the search.
- Click the first menu (it usually says Kind) and choose Other.
- Search for File Size, tick it, and click OK.
- Set the rule to is greater than 1 GB. Try 500 MB if nothing appears.
- Choose View > as List and sort by Size.
Click Save in the search bar to keep this as a Smart Folder in your Finder sidebar, so you can check it again in a few months.
Method 3: See folder sizes in Finder
By default, Finder does not show the size of folders. To turn it on:
- Open a folder such as your home folder and choose View > as List.
- Choose View > Show View Options.
- Turn on Calculate all sizes, then sort by Size.
Work down from the largest folder to find where space is going. Your Movies, Downloads, Documents and Desktop folders are usual suspects.
Method 4: A read-only Terminal command
If you are comfortable with Terminal, this command lists the folders in your home folder by size, smallest to largest. It only reads sizes; it does not change anything.
du -sh ~/* 2>/dev/null | sort -h
To look inside a folder, replace ~/* with that folder, for example ~/Movies/*. Terminal may ask for permission to access some folders.
Common large files and what to do with them
| File type | Typical source | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
.mov, .mp4 |
Screen recordings, exports, phone videos | Keep the final version; delete drafts or make a smaller copy |
.dmg, .pkg, .zip |
Installers and downloads | Usually safe to delete once used |
| Virtual machine files | Parallels, VMware, UTM | Delete VMs you no longer use from within the app |
| Library folders | Photos, Music, Final Cut, Logic | Manage from inside the app, never by deleting files inside the library |
| Device backups | iPhone and iPad | Manage from Finder or Storage settings |
Before you delete
Use Quick Look (select a file and press Space) to check what it is. Move files to the Trash rather than deleting them immediately, so you can recover them if you change your mind. Only empty the Trash once you are sure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see the size of folders on a Mac?
In Finder, switch to list view, choose View > Show View Options, and turn on Calculate all sizes. Then sort by the Size column.
Why does the Large Files list not show everything?
Storage settings focuses on documents. Files inside app libraries, system folders and some hidden folders are not listed. Use a Finder size search or folder sizes to look further.
Is it safe to delete large files inside a Photos or Music library?
No. Open the library in its app and delete items there. Deleting files inside a library package can damage the library.
Want this done for you?
spacerecover scans your Mac for caches, old installers, app leftovers, large files and developer build-up, explains each one in plain words, and clears what you approve in one step. Items go to the Trash first, so you can undo.