Files & Storage

Explains how to back up files, apps and photos to an external drive with Time Machine. Covers choosing the backup disk, how often backups run and how to restore.

Walks through recovering space when the startup disk is nearly full: checking usage, optimising storage, moving or deleting files and getting temporary relief.

Explains how macOS can keep files, photos and attachments in iCloud and download them only when needed to free up disk space. Points to the Storage page in System Settings for recommendations.

Shows how to turn on iCloud Drive so documents are available on your other devices. Covers moving Desktop and Documents into iCloud and what to do if saves fail for lack of space.

Explains how to prepare a drive that works on both Macs and PCs. Recommends MS-DOS (FAT) for disks up to 32 GB and ExFAT for larger ones, and warns that erasing deletes everything.

Describes using First Aid in Disk Utility to find and fix format and directory errors that cause odd behaviour. Advises backing up first and working up the sidebar from volumes to the device.

Covers what to check when a drive reads fine but will not accept new files. Looks at free space, drive format, ownership permissions and disk errors.

Shows how to erase and format an external drive with Disk Utility so the Mac can use it. Includes choosing the partition scheme and file system.