how best to find and delete duplicate files?

Hello woodbilder,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities! It looks like you're looking for an automated way to find duplicate files when searching iCloud Drive, and we'd like to do what we can to help.

There is not an automated way to search for duplicate files. However, there is a way that may help with finding them. You posted in the iCloud for iOS device, but indicated you're using an iMac, so we'll cover both devices.

Access iCloud Drive files from your iPhone and other devices

You can use the "Sort by" to sort by added date or alphabetical order.

Get to know the Finder on your Mac

Use the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Take care!

Hi woodbilder,

Thank you for clarifying. We do hope that you feel better and are back to normal soon.

As it turns out there isn't an Apple app which can search for duplicate files for you.

However, Finder > Documents is the best way to look for duplicate files, as you can sort them by name, or even date created/last modified.

Check out this page in the macOS User Guide:

Organize your files in the Finder on Mac

Cheers!

Hey woodbilder,

Thanks for the reply, and that's a great question.

These are third-party apps, not from Apple. If you decide to go that route, as opposed to using Finder, we'd recommend reading all the reviews first. You'll find them when viewing an app.

Take care!