Photos: Photos and videos are stored in the Photos app.iCloud Drive: This contains all files stored in iCloud Drive.iOS Files: Contains backup data and firmware for backups of iOS using a Mac.Apps: Contains all apps installed on the Mac (excluding apps that come with the system and cannot be uninstalled, such as “Contacts”, “Mail”, “Safari”, etc.).Music Creation: Contains library band, Logic, and MainStage content.Developer: Contains cache and project build data - plus indexes for “Xcode”.Messages: Contains conversations from the Messages app, including attachments.Mail: Mail and attachments received using the Mail app.The system classifies files in storage space into the following categories: How can I free up this space? What Files Are Included in the System?.Why does it take up so much room? And after clicking “Manage”, why can’t I do anything with this category?.What exactly does the category Other contain?.

While most are self-explanatory, the category of “Other” leads to some confusion, and the following questions:

The system will display the storage space on the above bar graph according to the amount of space occupied by different file categories. To evaluate storage space on the hard drive, you’ll need to click “About this machine” -> “Storage space”. This situation is especially common since the upgrade to the Big Sur/Monterey.

Although hard disk space is always increasing, with the continuous updates of macOS systems and apps, people still struggle with storage issues after using a Mac for a while.

Cleaning mac hard drive space