Additional Information
Quickly find large, unwanted files and sweep them into the trash
| Version | OmniDiskSweeper 1.15.1 |
| Requirements |
macOS 11.0 Big Sur or later |
| Updated | September 14, 2024 |
| Author | The Omni Group |
| Category | Cleaning and Tweaking |
| License | Freeware |
| Language | English |
| Download | 92 |
Overview
OmniDiskSweeper for Mac is a software that enables macOS users to clean up their hard drives. It is a free application developed by The Omni Group and allows users to scan their hard drives to create an organized list of all their content. The application is safe to use, with a clean user interface that does not include advertisements or malware. The developers are committed to maintaining the privacy of the users, and if there are changes to the security standards, the users will be notified.
Overview
The user interface of OmniDiskSweeper has multiple panels that expand the categories of libraries after scanning the hard drive. Users can click on each category to see the content of each folder. The titles with an arrow to the right expand to allow users to browse additional items. The user interface is designed in the style of the Macintosh HD menu, and items are listed in descending order in each panel. Large files and folders are at the top of the lists, while content with zero bytes is usually found at the bottom of the record.
Users can select the hard drive they want to evaluate from the Drive List that appears when they launch the software. The window shows both external and internal hard disks that are connected, with the amount of free, used, and total space written next to each drive. The software lets users delete files directly in the user interface by clicking on the Delete button. However, this feature is not always practical since images are not displayed when an item is highlighted, and users may not realize what they are deleting.
While the native macOS disk utility manager does give users storage information, it has its limitations. It cannot open certain categories, such as 'System' and 'Other.' However, OmniDiskSweeper allows users to scan these areas to view the content. Although the software gives users a comprehensive view of their system, the user interface makes deleting risky. To reduce the risk of deleting important files, users can search for the record in the Finder app, which allows them to see a preview or launch the content to let them securely delete unwanted files, documents, applications, folders, etc.
It used to be a paid application, but it is now free. Users have unlimited access to the platform when they download and install the software. Since Omni Disk Sweeper app is lightweight, users do not have to compromise their storage space to optimize their hard disk.
How to Use
Overview
The user interface of OmniDiskSweeper has multiple panels that expand the categories of libraries after scanning the hard drive. Users can click on each category to see the content of each folder. The titles with an arrow to the right expand to allow users to browse additional items. The user interface is designed in the style of the Macintosh HD menu, and items are listed in descending order in each panel. Large files and folders are at the top of the lists, while content with zero bytes is usually found at the bottom of the record.
Users can select the hard drive they want to evaluate from the Drive List that appears when they launch the software. The window shows both external and internal hard disks that are connected, with the amount of free, used, and total space written next to each drive. The software lets users delete files directly in the user interface by clicking on the Delete button. However, this feature is not always practical since images are not displayed when an item is highlighted, and users may not realize what they are deleting.
While the native macOS disk utility manager does give users storage information, it has its limitations. It cannot open certain categories, such as 'System' and 'Other.' However, OmniDiskSweeper allows users to scan these areas to view the content. Although the software gives users a comprehensive view of their system, the user interface makes deleting risky. To reduce the risk of deleting important files, users can search for the record in the Finder app, which allows them to see a preview or launch the content to let them securely delete unwanted files, documents, applications, folders, etc.
It used to be a paid application, but it is now free. Users have unlimited access to the platform when they download and install the software. Since Omni Disk Sweeper app is lightweight, users do not have to compromise their storage space to optimize their hard disk.
How to Use
- Download and Install OmniDiskSweeper app: You can download the app from the Omni Group website, FileHorse or from the Mac App Store.
- Launch the program: Once installed, launch the application from the Applications folder or from the Launchpad.
- Select the Drive You Want to Analyze: Once launched, you'll see a list of all the drives connected to your computer. Select the drive you want to analyze by clicking on it.
- Scan the Drive: After selecting the drive, click the "Sweep" button at the bottom of the window or double-click on the drive name to start scanning. The app will analyze the drive and create a list of all the files and folders on the drive, sorted by size.
- View the List: Once the app is finished scanning the drive, it will show you a list of all the files and folders, sorted by size. You can see how much space each file or folder takes up, and you can click on a folder to see its contents.
- Delete Unwanted Files: If you want to delete unwanted files, you can do so directly in the app by selecting the file and clicking on the "Delete" button. However, be careful when deleting files, as you may accidentally delete important files. It is recommended to search for the file in Finder and delete it from there.
- Exit the Application: Once you are finished using the application, you can exit by clicking the "Quit" button at the bottom of the window.
Overall, OmniDiskSweeper for macOS is a helpful tool to analyze and clean up your hard drive on a Mac computer. It provides a detailed view of your hard drive, allowing you to see which files and folders are taking up the most space and giving you the ability to delete unwanted files to free up space.
FAQ
What is OmniDiskSweeper?
The app is a free utility for Mac that helps you quickly find and delete large files on your hard drive.
How do I use OmniDiskSweeper?
After downloading and installing the app, launch it and select the drive you want to scan. Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of files and folders sorted by size. You can then delete any large files you no longer need.
Is OmniDiskSweeper safe to use?
Yes, OmniDiskSweeper is safe to use. It only scans your hard drive and provides you with a list of files and folders that you can choose to delete. However, it's always a good idea to double-check before deleting any files to ensure that you don't accidentally delete anything important.
How much does OmniDiskSweeper cost?
OmniDiskSweeper is completely FREE to use.
Does OmniDiskSweeper work on macOS Catalina and newer?
Yes, it works on macOS Catalina and newer versions of macOS.
Can I use Omni Disk Sweeper to delete system files?
No, it's not recommended to use Omni Disk Sweeper to delete system files, as it could cause issues with your Mac. You should only use it to delete files that you've created or downloaded.
Can I customize the scan to include specific folders?
Yes, you can customize the scan to include specific folders by selecting "Customize..." from the File menu and choosing the folders you want to scan.
How do I delete a file using OmniDiskSweeper?
To delete a file using the app, simply select the file you want to delete and click the "Delete" button. You'll be prompted to confirm that you want to delete the file before it's permanently deleted.
Can I recover a file that I accidentally deleted using OmniDiskSweeper?
No, once a file is deleted using OmniDiskSweeper, it cannot be recovered. Be sure to double-check before deleting any files.
Can I use OmniDiskSweeper to clean up my startup disk?
Yes, it can help you clean up your startup disk by identifying large files that you no longer need. However, it's important to be cautious when deleting files from your startup disk, as it can cause issues with your Mac. Be sure to only delete files that you're certain you no longer need.
Conclusion
All in all, OmniDiskSweeper is an optimal application for Mac users to clean up their hard drives. It offers a safe, clean, and ad-free user interface and a comprehensive view of the system, including the 'System' and 'Other' categories. It is easy to use and lightweight, making it an ideal application for users who want to optimize their hard disks.
While the software's deletion feature is convenient, users must exercise caution when deleting files. By using OmniDiskSweeper as a guide and searching for the files in the Finder app, users can securely delete unwanted files, documents, applications, folders, etc.
