How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files on Mac – Secure Solution

Summary: When your Mac Operating System works slower, it might be because your storage is about to be full. In that case, you must check for duplicate files. If found, remove them from your system. However, it can be challenging to locate and delete duplicate files one by one. Consequently, we have various proven solutions to delete duplicate files on Mac. You can choose either: manual or professional Duplicate Finder and Remover Tool. 

User query: “Recently, my Mac OS has been taking a long time to load applications and browsers. When I searched for the storage, I found that it was almost full. Since my PC holds a lot of important data that I can’t afford to delete. Hence, I’m looking for a technique to remove duplicate files on Mac instead of deleting entire files or folders. Also, the procedure should be risk-free. If anyone has a solution for doing this safely and efficiently, feel free to suggest me.”

Why Do I Have Lots of Duplicate Files? 

Duplicate files can be created in various scenarios, such as when accidentally tapping on a mail attachment or other files. Additionally, users might unintentionally create duplicates by dragging and dropping files from the library to the desktop for easier access. Regardless of purpose, there are numerous ways duplicates can end up on your system.

How to Delete Duplicate Files on Mac? – Top 5 Techniques

In this section, we will provide the solution to locate the duplicate files and remove them. However, the methods are: 

• Delete Duplicate Files via Finder,
• Using the Library to delete identical Photos,
• Eliminate similar Music Files, and
• Remove Duplicate Files From Download Mail Folder. 

#1. Clean Up Duplicate Files on Mac – Using Finder 

1. To delete duplicate files on Mac, run the Finder application on your Mac. 
2. After this, navigate to File > New Smart Folder.
3. Then, tap the plus sign (+) from the upper-right corner.
4. Next, mention the criteria to locate the duplicate files and click the Save button. 
5. Further, provide the name to your Smart Folder and assign the location to save the files. 
6. When duplicate files are shown, arrange them according to name, size, or date to find duplicate files easily. 
7. Lastly, choose the files to delete and drag and drop them into the trash. 

#2. Search and Remove Identical Photos From the Library

Before you start, make sure you choose the right folder or have the original copy of these images. After that, follow the given steps to delete duplicate files from the photos library. 

1. Firstly, launch the Photos application. 
2. Next, search for the Duplicates option from the left-hand side. 
3. Afterwards, it will show you all the identical photos.
4. Further, choose the duplicate photos and remove them.

#3. Delete Similar Music Files

1. To delete identical music files, open the Music app. (say iTunes). 
2. After that, press the File option from the top menubar. 
3. Next, select the Library tab and then tap Show Exact Duplicate items. 
4. Now, all your duplicate files will be visible, now browse duplicate files carefully and delete them.  

#4 Remove Similar Files From Download Mail Folder

1. First of all, launch Finder.
2. Then, navigate to the Go option from the menu bar and then tap Go to Folder…
3. Enter this path in the search field: ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail. Tap Enter from the keyboard. 
4. Now, browse the duplicate files from the list and move them to the trash. 

Note: When you delete the duplicate photos, they will be saved in the deleted Folder. To remove it permanently, remove the photos from the deleted folder as well. 

As the above procedures are manual, it increases the change of loss such as:

• It is prone to human errors. 
• Accidentally removing the original file. 
• Unable to scan duplicate files automatically. 
• It is a long process to search and delete them securely. 

If you need a secure method, read and follow the below method. 

#5 Automated Software to Eliminate Duplicate Files on Mac

MacSonik Duplicate File Finder and Remover is a top-notch Software. This software is an all-in-one application as it helps you remove duplicate photos, videos, audio, videos, and other document files. Apart from this, this wizard will help you to scan duplicate data from bulk files/folders. Additionally, it scans duplicate files based on file content and names. In addition, it provides an option to deal with duplicate files, such as moving them to separate folders, moving them to the bin, or deleting them permanently. 

Step-by-Step Procedure to Get Rid of Duplicate Files on Mac

Here are the detailed steps to find and delete duplicate files without causing any errors.

1. To delete duplicate files on Mac, install and launch the Duplicate File Finder for Mac on your system. 
2. Next, click the Add Files/Add Folder tab from the left-hand side to add files/folders that have duplicate data. Hit Choose. 
3. Now, apply the required filters from the right-hand side. Click Next. 
4. After this, all your duplicate and unique files will be visible. 
5. Then, tick the duplicate files from the preview panel and select the Mode: Single and Batch.  
6. Next, choose either option: Move to trash, Create a Separate Folder, and Delete Permanently. 

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed different methods to delete duplicate files on Mac. You can choose either method at your convenience. If you need a guaranteed and safe solution, the automated technique is best as it detects and removes duplicate files instantly. Also, the process is smooth and effort-free. Moreover, you can use this utility to store all duplicate files in a separate folder instead of deleting them. 

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