In Finder, select the files you want to permanently delete. If you’re tired of your Trash filling up or you’re worried about someone recovering one of your deleted documents, you can completely erase a file.

* Sandra Gutierrezĭeleted items don’t simply disappear from your computer-instead, they sit in the Trash folder until you empty it. Permanently delete files “You can’t undo this action.” Once you decide on these new settings, macOS will apply them to any Finder windows you open in future. The next dialog box lets you set icon size, grid spacing, text label size and positioning, and more. Open a new window, head to the View menu at the top of the page, and choose Show View Options.

When you’re browsing through your files in Finder, you don’t have to accept the default view. Clean up System Preferences Trying to find the right setting often feels like playing a game of “Where’s Waldo?” Sandra Gutierrez If you prefer manual control, pick Review Files to check out the largest files on your system and decide whether or not to erase them. To automatically remove cloud-based files that don’t require local storage-such as iTunes TV shows, iTunes movies, and email attachments-select Optimize. In the window that appears, open the Storage tab and click Manage. At the top of the screen, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. If you’re running low on hard drive space, macOS can help. Then you can use the next dialog box to choose your sharing method, the file’s recipients, and whether they will be able to make changes to it. At the top of that Finder window, click the Share button-it looks like an arrow pointing out of a box-and pick Add People. Open Finder and select the file you want. If you have an iCloud account, you can easily share your files with your contacts from within macOS.

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