Photos Transferred to External, But Still Taking up Mac HD Space, How Do I Free Up Space

Question

Level 1

5 points

Photos Transferred to External, But Still Taking up Mac HD Space, How Do I Free Up Space

I transferred my iPhoto and Photos library to an external hard drive and those libraries no longer show up in my Finder now so I'm assuming I did it correctly, however my Mac HD storage says that photos are still taking up 285 GB on my Mac HD. I would like to free up that space so I have room on my hard drive. How do I get that 285 GB back so it will be free space? I'm hoping that by freeing the space my iMac will work faster and more efficiently. If someone has an answer, please let me know, it will save me time and money so I don't have to take it to the computer shop. Thank you kindly.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Sep 26, 2019 8:27 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Old Toad

Level 10

207,829 points

Sep 26, 2019 9:33 AM in response to graywhale

I transferred my iPhoto and Photos library to an external hard drive and those libraries no longer show up in my Finder

You did empty the Trash Bin, right?

If you're seeing that photos amount in the About This Mac it's known to be quite erroneous. Try reindexing your hard drive for Spotlight: How to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support.

Reply

Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

207,829 points

Sep 26, 2019 11:42 AM in response to graywhale

Did you check the amount of free space on your boot drive via the Finder by Control (right) - clicking on the drive and selecting Show Info from the contextual menu?

It is about what you expect for your drive?

Reply

Answer 3

graywhale Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 26, 2019 10:07 AM in response to Old Toad

Yes, I have emptied the Trash many times as I did the transfer months ago. But still showing 285 GB being used on my Mac HD for photos.

Reply

Answer 4

graywhale Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 26, 2019 11:50 AM in response to Old Toad

Yes, checked it - Capacity 499 GB / Available 74 GB - it shows the same as if I go under the Storage option in About This Mac (which 285 GB is Photo Storage).

Reply