Merging USB Partitions into one

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abcdjtmbr Author

Level 1

4 points

Merging USB Partitions into one

Hi there,

Thanks in advanced for checking out this query & any potential help.

I've never had an issue with a USB partition except this one. It is a SanDisk Extreme Pro.

Problem:
- I seem to be unable to merge 3 partitions into one
- I have, to the best of my knowledge, tried most of the solutions I've seen online
- The problem seems to be that I am unable to "erase" a partition within Disk Utility. I've provided screenshots. I have the option to erase the drive and reformat it but then it is still partitioned into 3.
- I am unable to re-partition the drives.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Mar 7, 2023 10:07 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

34,271 points

Mar 7, 2023 10:32 AM in response to abcdjtmbr

In Disk Utility, click View > Show All Devices and then partition the USB device, rather than just the volume.

The best format for that device on Catalina will be the APFS format with GUID partition map, unless you plan to use it with another Mac that uses an older version of macOS. In that case, format with Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

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Answer 2

Mar 9, 2023 6:30 AM in response to abcdjtmbr

The Format should be APFS.

The Scheme should be GUID Partition Map.

When done, your device will look similar to the startup device, with one Container but with only a single partition.

And with the APFS format, it's easy to add or remove partitions.

To Add a partition, select the container and click the (+)Volume button above.

To Delete a partition, select the partition you wish to remove and click the (–)Volume button above.

You wrote that you use this for DJ-ing. But this device will only be connected to your Mac and not another piece of equipment, yes? If this must be connected to another device like the Pioneer, then the format may not be correct for that device and you'll need to check your gear manual for the appropriate format and run this process again.

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