Managing your files efficiently becomes quite a task in the digital age, where storage space is a precious commodity. For Mac users, the Finder is the go-to tool for navigating the file system. However, macOS lacks a built-in feature to show folder sizes on Finder.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods and tools to help you effortlessly show folder sizes on Mac Finder, allowing you to take control of your storage and optimize your system’s performance.
This guide explores methods to reveal folder sizes on Mac effortlessly. It covers native workarounds, third-party apps, and command-line solutions.
Gain insights and control over your Mac’s storage space. From simple tricks to advanced techniques, this overview has you covered. Take charge of your storage management efficiently.
In this Article, we'll see:
2 simple ways View Folder Size using Mac Finder on macOS?
You cannot simply open up finder and see the folder size hovering below it. You will need to do a few steps to know the accurate size of folder size on your Mac using Finder.
Here are two ways to view folder size on Mac using Finder.
1) Using Get Info
- Open the Finder Window.
- Navigate to the Folder location.
- Left Click on the Folder.
- Click “Get Info” to view the folder or specific file size.
2) Showing Items as a List on Finder Window
- Open Finder Window.
- Switch the Icon Layout to List View.
- Navigate to the desired folder.
- View the Size from global view.
Using Third-Party Applications to View Folder Size on Mac
Several third-party applications offer a more visual and user-friendly approach to folder size analysis. One such application that you can use is CleanMyMac X.
CleanMyMac X is designed to help users clean up and optimize their Mac systems.
Space Lens in CleanMyMac X provides a visual representation of your storage, allowing you to identify large files and folders easily.
Here is how you can use this amazing application to view folder sizes on Mac.
1) Open CleanMyMac X
Ensure that you have CleanMyMac X installed on your Mac. You can download it from the official MacPaw website.
The first step is to launch the CleanMyM ac X application.
2) Navigate to Space Lens
Now, go to the Space Lens within the application. You can easily locate it on the sidebar.
3) Scan Your Storage
Initiate a scan of your storage using Space Lens. The tool will analyze your disk space and visually represent your files and folders.
4) Explore Large Files and Folders
Space Lens will present a visual map of your storage, with larger files and folders represented by larger blocks. You can expl ore these blocks to identify space-consuming items.
5) Take Action
Once you’ve identified large files or folders you no longer need, you can use CleanMyMac X to remove them, safely freeing up valuable disk space.
Keep in mind that the user interface and features of applications can evolve with updates, so it’s recommended to refer to the latest CleanMyMac X documentation or the application itself for any changes or additional features related to Space Lens.
Also Read: Learn how to properly Delete Time Machine Backups on MacOS!
Remember to use such tools with caution and always make sure to back up important data before performing any significant cleanup or optimization actions on your Mac.
How to see Folder Size on Mac Command Line?
While Mac Finder may not offer a straightforward way to reveal folder sizes, the command line provides a powerful and efficient solution using the “du” (disk usage) command.
In this section, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of using mac terminal to see folder sizes on your Mac.
1) Navigating to the Desired Directory
Before delving into the command, open the Terminal application on your Mac.
Once there, use the “cd” (change directory) command to navigate to the specific folder whose size you want to check. For instance.
2) Running the “du” Command
With the target directory selected, execute the “du” command to display the folder sizes.
The “-h” flag ensures that the sizes are presented in a human-readable format, making it easier to interpret.
3) Viewing a Specific Folder Size
To check the size of a particular folder within the current directory, specify its name after the “du” command.
4) Displaying Total Size
For an overview of the total size of the current directory and its subdirectories, use the following command.
This command provides a summary of sizes for the immediate contents of the directory.
5)Analysing Results
As the “du” command executes, it will list the sizes of directories and subdirectories within the specified location. The sizes are presented in a hierarchical structure, allowing you to identify which folders contribute most significantly to your storage usage.
Why is Finder not showing Folder Size on Mac?
The macOS might fail to show folder sizes on Finder for various reasons.
One common cause is the intricacies of how macOS calculates folder sizes. The Finder typically provides an estimate rather than real-time calculations, and this process can be delayed or interrupted, especially with large or deeply nested folders.
Additionally, issues related to Spotlight indexing, which is responsible for cataloging file information, may hinder the accurate display of folder sizes. Incorrect disk permissions or corruption within the file system can also contribute to this problem.
In some cases, Finder glitches or bugs might be responsible, necessitating a system restart or other troubleshooting steps.
Utilizing third-party applications for more detailed disk space analysis can offer a workaround. Addressing the issue may involve rebuilding Spotlight indexes, checking and repairing disk permissions, and using alternative tools to obtain precise folder size information.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of showing folder sizes on Mac Finder is a crucial step toward effective storage management.
Furthermore, harnessing the power of the command line to reveal folder sizes is a valuable skill. By navigating through directories and employing the “du” command with various options, users can gain insights into their storage allocation, identify space-consuming folders, and take proactive steps to optimize their Mac’s performance. With this guide, you can unlock a deeper understanding of your Mac’s storage landscape.
Whether you opt for native solutions, third-party applications, or command-line methods, the goal is to gain insights into your storage usage and take control of your digital space.
Experiment with different tools and techniques to find the best approach for your preferences and workflow, and enjoy a more organized and efficient Mac experience.
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