Small internal drives
Large games, installers, and videos can crowd out current work.
Where the space goes
Course history
Old coursework may still be needed for a portfolio, exam, or reference.
Sync versus backup
Deleting a synchronized file can delete the cloud copy too; synchronization is not an independent backup.
A practical cleanup workflow
Start with a free tool
NullDisk’s direct Mac edition is fully featured with reminders. GrandPerspective and OmniDiskSweeper are other free Mac options.
Scan familiar folders
Begin with Downloads, Movies, or a game library. Avoid system folders you cannot identify.
Archive finished work
Make a separate verified backup of completed courses and research before removing local copies.
Review and recheck
Preview selected items, use the intended removal action, and check free capacity after Trash is emptied when you are ready.
Tools to compare
NullDisk offers native Mac maps, SSH/cloud sources, and development cleanup, plus a separate CLI. Match each tool’s platform and features to the job.
- GrandPerspective — People who want a free, inspectable treemap and reusable scan records. Requirements: macOS 14+ (current release)
- OmniDiskSweeper — Mac users who prefer a free size-sorted browser to a chart. Requirements: macOS
- SquirrelDisk — People wanting a free open-source GUI across desktop systems and remote storage. Requirements: macOS, Windows, Linux
NullDisk features → · CLI and terminal workflows →
Common questions
Do I have to pay for NullDisk cleanup?
No. All features in the direct Mac edition are free with reminders. Paying once removes reminders; it is optional.
Should I delete a game folder manually?
Use the game launcher’s uninstall or move command so it can handle manifests, shared files, and saved-game behavior. Back up saves before changing installations.