Simple management of storage space in iTunes?

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Simple management of storage space in iTunes?

I have 500GB of space taken up on my primary iMAC with downloaded iTunes movies. I don't need to hold all of this on the computer - I could just re-download something I want to watch again from the Store. What is the best way to release the space and keep the download functionality? I tried deleting a movie through iTunes on my iMAC - it certainly disappears, but does so completely. It does not show as downloadable or that it has been purchased - its completely gone. On the other hand, using both my Apple TV and an iPad, I can see the same movie still there in my account in the iTunes Store as a purchased movie, so I can find a way to retrieve it. Is it possible to free the space on my iMAC while still seeing on that same device in iTunes what could be downloaded if I want it? Sorry for such a dumb question, but before deleting dozens of movies, I want to know.

Using iTunes 12.1.2.27 on OSX Yosemite 10.10.3

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 2, 2015 3:45 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Cunnla

Level 6

8,257 points

May 2, 2015 4:24 AM in response to pharmastat59

The easiest way to free up space on your Mac is to move the whole iTunes folder to an external HD and the next time you start iTunes, hold down the Option key and select Choose Library. You can then navigate to the iTunes folder on the external HD.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

411,223 points

May 2, 2015 8:56 AM in response to pharmastat59

It is unsafe to assume you can re-download. If a distributor pulls an item from the store that may be it unless you have your own copy. Do as Cunnla instructs and use external storage. Then buy a second drive and back up the first one. If you do not use the movies often and do not want the burden of having the whole library on an external drive it is possible to create a second movie-only library on that drive and only use it when you want to watch a movie.

Your past purchases may not appear if you bought them with a different AppleID or if you have them hidden.

Sept. 2013 Jimzgoldfinch post - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5277219?answerId=22872651022#22872651022 - "Go into iTunes Store and from quicklinks select Purchased. On the next screen, select Not on this Computer. This will show tracks that are available for download."

Make sure purchases are not hidden

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5277219?answerId=23158875022#23158875022 -

Make sure Cloud items are showing -

itunes>preferences>store -- > click box "show itunes in the cloud purchases"

Don't confuse different places labeled 'purchases' (images of iTunes window) - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6467925?answerId=26364186022#26364186022

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