Mac Disk Space Helper · Help

What is taking up space on my Mac? Find the biggest folders and files

When your Mac is low on space, the storage bar can show broad categories but not always the particular folder or file you had in mind. You can use macOS Storage for an overview, then inspect a folder to see its larger contents.

Start with the Mac storage overview

Open Apple menu  > System Settings > General > Storage. In older macOS versions, check Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. The category names and route may differ slightly by version. This view helps show whether Apps, Documents, Photos, or another category deserves a closer look.

Sort a folder in Finder

Open Finder and choose a likely folder, such as Downloads or Documents.
Switch to list view, then choose View > Show View Options and enable Calculate all sizes if it is available.
Click the Size column to sort. If sizes are missing, wait for Finder to calculate them.
Open large folders and repeat, taking care not to move or delete items you do not recognise.

Scan a folder you choose

Mac Disk Space Helper gives a visual breakdown of the folders and files inside a folder you select. It can help you notice a large archive, old export, or project folder. It reads sizes only: it does not delete, move, or automatically clean anything.

A scan only describes the folder you chose and items macOS allows the app to read. It is not a live reading of every storage category or a guarantee that the largest visible file is safe to remove.

Choose your next step

Open an item in Finder and check what it is, when you last used it, and whether you have another copy. Keep anything you still need. For more context, read how to make more space safely.