There’s no simple answer to that question: like we say, the categories of ‘Other’ covers a sweeping of different file types. It contains all the same files, such as those listed in the previous section, so when we talk about System Data and Other, we're talking about the same thing. In a recent macOS update, Apple changed the name of the 'Other' category in the storage tab to 'System Data'. Are 'Other' and System Data the same thing? It’s also one that you’ll need to be careful about when you’re deleting - this is something we’ll come to in a later section. In ‘Other’, you can expect to find the following types of files:Īs you can see, it’s typically a really eclectic collection of file types.Īnd that’s exactly what makes ‘Other’ such a hard category to manage. Really, ‘Other’ returns to miscellaneous content - files that don’t fall into any particular category such as audio, video or images. It’s divided into colour categories, and you’ve guessed it: one of them is ‘Other’. Here, you’ll see a meter that lets you know how much of your device’s storage you’ve used, and how much you’ve got left.

In the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll find the Apple menu - click on that.

Click on your desktop, or the Finder icon in the dock.Here’s how you can find out how much storage you’re currently using on your Macbook or iMac. In this explainer, we'll go into just what that ‘Other’ category in your Mac storage is - and how you can clear it to keep your Mac running at full speed. What CleanMyMac X really does is pull all your files together into one place for you to go through, including those 'Other' files - which, as we'll explain, are often scattered across your Mac. It won’t automatically delete any files: you still have total control about what gets removed from your Mac and what doesn't. Nevertheless, like any spring clean, clearing your Mac storage is an essential task - and luckily, there are services out there that will do all the decluttering for you.ĬleanMyMac X is a downloadable tool from MacPaw that will free up space on your Mac with the simple click of a button. Of course, sifting through files that have potentially been gathering the proverbial dust for years isn't much fun. It's only natural to find your device filled with files you no longer need or want, whether they're duplicates, outdated caches, broken downloads or holiday pics for with your ex.Īnd while devices like the Macbook Pro, Macbook Air and this year’s iMac feature more storage than ever before, that doesn't mean you should be complacent about what's filling your hard drive. But the question is: what file types are exactly to be found in 'Other', and where will you find them on your Mac?

Clean other storage on mac