Music app: Should I keep downloaded music after import?

I have a large music library from songs & albums that I have downloaded. One these are loaded into the Music app, is it necessary to keep the downloaded files? I am trying to free up some space on my harddrive.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Mar 4, 2026 5:23 AM

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Posted on Mar 5, 2026 5:37 AM

This depends on how you set up the Music App to manage your Library.


If you select an imported Song in the Music App, Right-Click and Show in Finder.

Does at point to your downloaded File or to a File inside the Music App Library? (often discussed here).


If it points to a File inside the Music App Library you got a redundant copy and you are free to clean up your downloads.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 5, 2026 5:37 AM in response to jomoncon

This depends on how you set up the Music App to manage your Library.


If you select an imported Song in the Music App, Right-Click and Show in Finder.

Does at point to your downloaded File or to a File inside the Music App Library? (often discussed here).


If it points to a File inside the Music App Library you got a redundant copy and you are free to clean up your downloads.

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Music app: Should I keep downloaded music after import?

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