Optimized Storage (macOS 10.12 Sierra and later)
Article ID = 166Article Title = Optimized Storage (macOS 10.12 Sierra and later)
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 14th September 2016
Article Last Updated = 23rd September 2016
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?166
Article Brief Description:
How to use the new Optimized Storage configuration options/settings in macOS 10.12 Sierra or later
Optimized Storage
Apple introduced a new feature called "Optimized Storage" with macOS 10.12 Sierra and it is available in the latest version of macOS. This feature enables you to save space on your Mac through a variety of different options. Optimized Storage requires iCloud.Viewing Primary Optimized Storage Options
Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage tab
The Storage window gives you a simplistic, colour coded overview of what is stored on your boot drive (and any other storage devices currently connected to the Mac). You may have a white section with diagonal grey lines called "Purgeable" - this consists of what macOS considers to be very old files which can probably be easily archived/deleted to free up some space immediately. If you click on the "Manage…" button to the right you gain access to specific recommendations:
NOTE: Some of these options can be turned on/off elsewhere in the system/other applications but the Optimized Storage window gives you access to most of the controls (but not all) in one place.
Store in iCloud
This currently gives you two options:- Store files from Desktop and Documents in iCloud Drive - this is the same as Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Options… > Desktop & Documents Folders
- Store photos and videos in iCloud Photo Library - this is the same as Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Photos > Options… > iCloud Photo Library OR Macintosh HD > Applications > Photos > Preferences > iCloud > iCloud Photo Library
This will move the chosen data primarily to the cloud but will potentially still synchronise data and take up storage on your local Mac, so you must refine the options if you want to optimise your local Mac's storage:
Desktop and Documents - go to Apple menu > System Preferences > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Options… > Documents tab and tick "Optimize Mac Storage" at the bottom
Photos - go to Macintosh HD > Applications > Photos > Preferences > iCloud > tick "iCloud Photo Library" and select "Optimize Mac Storage"
Optimize Storage
This option will automatically delete iTunes films and TV programmes that you have watched. If you use Apple's Mail application you will also get options for automatically removing attachments from local storage too.
NOTE: You won't lose the films or TV programme as purchased iTunes content can be re-downloaded from the iTunes Store.
This option is the same as Macintosh HD > Applications > iTunes > Preferences > Advanced > Automatically delete watched films and TV programmes
Empty Trash Automatically
This option will automatically delete files in the Trash that are older than 30 days.
This option is the same as Finder > Preferences > Advanced > Remove items from the Trash after 30 days
Reduce Clutter
This option gives you an overview of all your files that you can filter in specific ways such as:- Large Files - quick access to files that take up the most storage space
- Downloads - quick access to downloaded files such as disk images and installers which can be large and therefore take up the most storage space
The Main Optimized Storage Window
The list on the left of the main window gives you access to common types of optimized storage - this list will be populated by the various options that you turn on/off here and in individual applications e.g.- Recommendations - the primary Optimized Storage options (see above)
- Applications
- Documents - this is the same as the "Reduce Clutter" option above
- GarageBand
- iCloud Drive
- iOS Files
- Trash
- Photos
Applications
You can quickly see a list of all applications on your Mac (but not the ones that came with macOS). Sorting the list by Size allows you to see which applications take up the most storage space. Apps downloaded from the Mac App Store can also be seen and deleted directly from the list presented here.
NOTE: You won't lose Mac App Store applications as purchased apps can be re-downloaded via the App Store app > Purchased tab.
GarageBand
Certain types of GarageBand data can be deleted from here.iCloud Drive
This is the same as 'Desktop and Documents' in the "Store in iCloud" option above.
iOS Files
If you use iTunes to backup your iOS device these backups will be shown (and can be deleted) from here.Trash
This is the same as the "Empty Trash Automatically" option above but it also gives you a list view of what's in your Trash with options to delete individual items and a button to "Empty Trash".
Photos
This is the same as 'Store photos and videos in iCloud Photo Library' in the "Store in iCloud" option above.
If this information helped you or saved you time and/or money why not donate a little to us via PayPal?
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.
If this information helped you or saved you time and/or money why not donate a little to us via PayPal?
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.
Go to this
web page
to donate to us.
All proceeds go directly to MacStrategy / Burning Helix to help fund this web site.
Go to this
web page
to donate to us.
