Space Analyzer builds a local view of how storage is distributed beneath a selected folder or disk. It is designed for investigation: scanning alone does not remove files.
Start an analysis
- Open Files.
- Choose Space Analyzer.
- Select the folder or volume you want to inspect.
- Grant folder access if macOS asks.
- Start the scan and keep the volume connected.
- Open large branches to move from broad categories toward individual files.
Start with your Home folder when investigating personal storage. Choose an entire disk only when you need a broader view and are prepared for a longer scan.
Read the result
Folder totals represent accessible items counted during that scan. They may differ from Finder or System Settings because of protected data, purgeable storage, snapshots, links, cloud placeholders, or files changing during the scan.
A large folder is not necessarily removable. Common large data includes photo libraries, virtual machines, developer files, device backups, videos, mail, and cloud caches.
Investigate an item
Use the path and Finder to establish ownership. Before removing anything, ask:
- Is it an original file or a cache?
- Does an application manage this folder?
- Is the content synced or backed up?
- Is an external project referencing it?
- Can it be recreated without major cost?
Use the owning app’s storage controls for managed libraries whenever possible.
Improve scan completeness
Grant the selected folder, connect unavailable volumes, and enable Full Disk Access only if protected locations are relevant. Then start a new scan.
Reclaim storage
After identifying a target, use the appropriate focused tool or Finder. Space Analyzer’s role is to explain distribution; use Cleanup for supported generated data and Applications for app removal.