Save space on your iMac
With Optimize Storage, you can automatically free up space on your iMac by making files available on demand. Your oldest files are stored in iCloud and on your email IMAP or Exchange server, so you can download them at any time. There are also tools to identify and delete big files.
Optimize storage. To see recommendations for how you can free up space on your Mac, go to System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Storage.
Select an option under Recommendations to do any of the following:
Store in iCloud: Store all files, photos, and messages in iCloud and save space on your Mac.
Desktop and Documents: Store all the files from your Desktop and Documents folders in iCloud Drive. When storage space is needed, iCloud Drive keeps recently opened files on your Mac and makes your oldest files available on demand.
Photos: Store all full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud Photo Library while keeping optimized versions on your Mac.
Messages: Store all messages and attachments in iCloud. When storage space is needed, iCloud keeps recent attachments on your Mac and makes your oldest files available on demand.
Even though your files are stored in the cloud, you can access them right where you left them on your iMac. See Access your iCloud content on your Mac.
Optimize Storage: Save space on your Mac by optimizing the storage of movies and TV shows in the Apple TV app. You can choose to automatically remove movies or TV shows from your iMac after you watch them. You can download them again at any time.
Empty Trash automatically: Automatically erase items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.
To help you save space as you work, macOS also:
Prevents you from downloading the same file twice from Safari.
Alerts you to remove installer software when you finish installing a new app.
Clears logs and caches that are safe to remove when youâre low on storage.
Learn more. See Optimize storage space on your Mac.