How to Delete Files and Documents on Mac in Various Situations

February 17, 2022Ashley Mae

Users have a lot of files, photos, documents, and apps on their Mac laptops and computers. Plus, even on the most expensive Mac machines, the hard drive storage is limited. That makes the storage space run out quickly. As result, your machine will become slower and slower. Many Mac users complained that they cannot find the unwanted files or delete them easily because of the unique navigation. This guide tells you how to delete files on Mac.

Part 1: The Ultimate Way to Delete Files on Mac
Part 2: How to Delete Mac Files Manually
Part 3: FAQs about Delete Files on Mac

Part 1: The Ultimate Way to Delete Files on Mac

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How to Permanently Delete Files on Mac

Step 1:

Install Mac Cleaner

Launch the best file cleaner for Mac after you install it on your computer or laptop. Click the Cleaner button and you will be presented with main features. Choose the Large & Old Files option to enter the main interface. If you want to clear temp files on Mac, choose System Junk instead.

Step 2:

Scan files

Press the Scan button to begin looking for files and documents on your Mac. It may take a while if you have a lot of files on the hard disk. Wait for files scanning to finish, and click the View button to move on.

Step 3:

Delete files on Mac

Now, you can preview your files by size and date, such as larger than 100MB, more than one year, and more. You can also locate a specific file by entering the keyword in the Search bar at the top right corner. Check the box next to each file that you want to remove, and click on the Clean button at the bottom right side.

Part 2: How to Delete Mac Files Manually

There are several ways to delete files, documents, or a folder on Mac manually depending on the circumstances and your preference. We explain each of them in detail so that you can pick your favorite method and learn the steps clearly.

Way 1: How to Delete Files on Mac in Finder

Step 1:

Run the Finder app from your Dock, and go to the Downloads folder from the left side. To delete documents on Mac, switch to the Documents folder instead. Or go to the Go menu and choose Go to Folder, and enter the directory into the box, and hit Go to quickly access the target folder.

Step 2:

Highlight the unwanted file and you have three options:

1. Right-click on it, and choose Move to Trash. Go to the Trash folder on the Dock, right-click on the deleted file, and choose Delete Immediately.

2. Hold down the Option key on your keyboard, and go to the File menu at the same time. Choose Delete Immediately, and click Delete button on the popup dialog.

3. Press Option + Command + Delete keys simultaneously. When prompted, hit the Delete button.

Note:To select multiple files, keep pressing the Command key and select the files one by one.

Way 2: How to Delete Documents on Mac with Storage Manager

Step 1:

Click and expand the Apple menu, and choose the About this Mac option.

Step 2:

Head to the Storage tab and click the Manage button to access the storage manager screen.

Step 3:

Now, you can view your files by type. To delete documents on Mac, for example, go to the Documents tab from the left side.

Step 4:

Hold down the Command key and select unwanted documents. Click the Delete button at the bottom right corner. Then empty your Trash folder to permanently delete documents on Mac.

Way 3: How to Delete a Folder on Mac by Terminal

Step 1:

If you prefer to delete a folder on Mac with command lines, go to the Applications folder and head to Utilities. Make sure that you sign in to the computer as an administrator. Launch the Terminal app.

Step 2:

The file deletion command is sudo rm -R. Type the command into the Terminal app, and drag and drop the wanted file into the app too. This will add the filename and directory after the command.

Step 3:

Press the Return key on your keyboard. When prompted, enter your passcode to confirm file deletion.

Part 3. FAQs about Delete Files on Mac

1. Why I cannot delete files on Mac?

There are several reasons why you cannot delete a file on Mac. When an app or a process is using the file, for example, you cannot move or remove it. Moreover, a locked or encrypted file cannot be deleted directly.

2. What is the delete key on a Mac?

There is no Delete key on the latest machines. When deleting a file, the regular Delete key can be done by holding down the Function or fn key. Moreover, the Backspace key works as the Delete key in some cases.

3. Can I delete files from my Mac without an administrator password?

If you simply delete a file to the Trash folder and remove it, you do not need the password. However, other actions may require the administrator's sign-in or password.

Conclusion

Now, you should learn how to delete files, a folder, or documents on Mac quickly. Of course, you can do it manually in the Finder app, Storage Manager, or using the Terminal app. For beginners and average people, Aiseesoft Mac Cleaner is the easiest way to clean up unwanted files from your hard drive. If you encounter other questions about this topic, please feel free to leave your message below this post and we will reply with it as quickly as possible.

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