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I don't know what is using my storage

What is "other"?

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 17, 2022 6:57 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 18, 2022 2:18 AM

What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?


Free up storage space on your Mac


OmniDiskSweeper Safe to use


GrandPerspective 


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other " Category


Other: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 18, 2022 2:18 AM in response to Ccatmeow

What is “Other” storage on a Mac, and how can I clean it out?


Free up storage space on your Mac


OmniDiskSweeper Safe to use


GrandPerspective 


How to delete Time Machine snapshots on your Mac


See used and available storage space on your Mac


Locate backups of your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


The final word from Apple on Managing the " Other " Category


Other: Contains files that don’t fall into the categories listed here. This category primarily includes files and data used by the system, such as log files, caches, VM files, and other runtime system resources. Also included are temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. You can't manage the contents of this category. The contents are managed by macOS, and the category varies in size depending on the current state of your Mac.

Feb 17, 2022 7:25 PM in response to Ccatmeow

These are the files that cannot be categorized.


The file types considered Other in Mac storage may include:

  • MacOS system files and folders.
  • Temporary files.
  • Common document and file types (for instance, PDF, DOC, PSD).
  • Archives and disk images (such as ZIP, ISO, DMG).
  • App plugins, add-ons, and extensions.
  • Files from your library (such as Application support, iCloud files, and screensavers).
  • Cached files (user cache, browser cache, and system cache).
  • Files not recognized by a Spotlight search, such as a virtual machine hard drive.


Try following the steps on this Apple Support page: Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support

I don't know what is using my storage

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