Duplicate Finder groups files that match the tool’s comparison criteria. It helps reduce redundant copies, but it cannot determine which location is most meaningful to you.
Configure the scan
Open Settings → Scanning → Duplicate Files to review the minimum file size. A larger threshold focuses on files with greater storage impact; a smaller threshold increases the number of files and scan time.
Scan for duplicates
- Open Files → Duplicate Files Finder.
- Select the folder or folders to scan.
- Avoid overlapping selections when possible.
- Start the scan.
- Wait for comparison to finish before making selections.
Choose copies to keep
In every group, preserve at least one verified copy. Prefer a copy that:
- Lives in the expected project or library.
- Has the ownership and permissions you need.
- Is referenced by an application or workflow.
- Exists on reliable storage.
- Is included in your backup.
Two identical file contents can have different paths, names, dates, tags, or project roles. Do not remove a copy solely because its bytes match another file.
Do not automatically prefer the newest date: copying an older file can give it a newer creation date. A copy on a backup or archive disk also serves a different purpose from two working copies on the same disk.
Managed libraries and backups
Be cautious inside Photos libraries, music libraries, application bundles, Time Machine data, package contents, source-control internals, and virtual machines. Their owning software may require a specific internal structure.
After removal
Open the project or application that used the files and confirm that it still works. Run a new duplicate scan to see the current state rather than relying on the previous group.