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#2 Delete App using the Application Uninstaller Some apps have an uninstaller (ex: Photoshop have an uninstaller). If you find an app with uninstaller, then you can use that uninstaller to remove it. If your Mac has an Apple-installed or third-party SSD, you can’t use Secure Erase, nor do you necessarily need it, as Apple explains in a support document (see the note at the end). SSD data can. Oct 28, 2016 I'm trying to free up storage space on my MacBook and I have about 16.86 GB of what Im guessing are old device backups and software update files, is it safe to permanently erase them? More Less MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013), iOS 10.1. A free trial is offered, $39.99/year to buy. Here’s how to completely erase unwanted files or folders with the app: Download CleanMyMac and install the app on your Mac.; Launch it, click on the “Shredder” feature located on the bottom left of the app. With Snow Leopard this sheet offers Zero Out Deleted Files, 7-Pass Erase of Deleted Files, and 35-Pass Erase of Deleted Files. Under Lion you see a slider that offers essentially the same options.
One of the most basic computer functions — deleting files and folders — is also one of the most essential. https://disakaisercharts.weebly.com/decadry-label-software-for-mac.html. If you never get rid of anything, soon enough all those extra gigabytes will take a toll on your Mac’s processing power, RAM, and hard drive, not to mention your digital life will resemble a dreadful episode of Hoarders.
So deleting files is good and healthy. But how do you do that? Most people right-click on what they need gone and choose Move to Trash from the menu or use the File option in the menu bar. Others employ the ⌘ + Delete shortcut, which works across the system (even within dialog windows). Experts, however, often find themselves defaulting to the command line delete directory feature. Let’s see how and why you should learn it too.
Why delete file command line feature is important
Since macOS is a Unix-based system, nearly all system tasks you do every day with the help of its graphic interface can also be performed via the command line tool called Terminal.
With regards to delete file or delete folder command line functionality, Terminal lets you:
- Effortlessly erase one or multiple files, folders, and apps, bypassing any error messages you can get when you go the traditional route.
- Remove files from Trash, including ones you can’t delete by simply emptying the trash.
- Get rid of files that are invisible to you within Finder (usually system or root files, for example, .htaccess).
- Delete files and folders in cases when Finder is unresponsive.
Note: The Mac command line delete file feature is final and irreversible. While it lets you avoid any error messages, it also removes the files completely, without any possibility of retrieving them later on.
How to use delete file command line feature
Removing files from your Mac forever using Terminal is deceptively simple: just use the rm command followed by the name of the file. Here’s how it works in practice:
- Launch Terminal from your Utilities folder in Applications.
- Check which directory you’re in by typing ls -la
- Then navigate down a directory with cd [directoryname] or up a directory with cd ./
- When you’re in the same directory as the file you want to delete, type rm [filename.extension]
- If you want to delete multiple files at once, list them all, but make sure there’s a space between each one.
- Press Enter to execute the command.
Now all the files you specified after rm are gone for good. Navigate directories in your Mac and repeat the process as many times as you want. How to download garageband song as mp3.
Free easy drawing software for mac. Surprised there was no confirmation before your files were deleted? Luckily there’s a way to add one as a safeguard for not deleting the wrong file by accident. Just use -i after the rm but before the first filename, like this: rm -i [filename.extension]. Terminal will then ask you whether you’re sure you want to delete the file. Reply y or yes followed by Enter and the file will be gone. This also works for multiple files, but you’ll have to confirm the removal of each one separately.
How to make command line delete directory
Surprisingly, you can’t delete a folder using the rm command because it has its own: rmdir.
Otherwise, rmdir works exactly the same as rm:
- Navigate to the appropriate directory using Terminal.
- Type rmdir [directoryname]
- Hit Enter.
Sadly, you can’t use the -i hack when you’re deleting folders, so be extra careful!
Another thing to keep in mind is that rmdir only deletes the directory, but can’t delete any files or folders located within that directory.
To delete a folder with everything in it, you need to use rm -r followed by the folder’s name. Using -i to create a warning here is possible and done like this: rm -ir [foldername].
When it’s too difficult to find a folder or file via Terminal, but you can detect them in Finder, simply drag and drop the file onto the Terminal window to generate its path.
Find and delete heavy folders in seconds
Terminal commands are indispensable when you encounter stubborn files that just won’t go away, giving you all kinds of errors. But when you want to offload some space-hogging files and folders (including invisible ones) to release some much-needed Mac productivity and speed, you need to use an efficient app that can help you avoid manually navigating directories up and down.
Whats the best mp3 download program for mac. CleanMyMac X is exactly what you need. It’s one of the best Mac optimization utilities in the world and contains a wealth of useful features, from streamlining your system files to scanning your Mac for viruses.
However, what we’re looking for now specifically is the Space Lens feature:
- Launch CleanMyMac X (free download here).
- Navigate to Space Lens in the sidebar.
- Click Scan.
- The app will graphically show you which files or folders take up the most space in each directory. Navigate through them all and check the ones ready for deletion. When done, just hit Remove.
By using Space Lens with CleanMyMac X, it’s easy to get rid of gigabytes of junk, and it all takes under a minute. Don’t forget to check back and repeat the process every month or so, and your Mac will keep performing at top speed for years to come.
What is secure erasing a file on Mac?
Secure erasing a file is removing the file completely from your Mac. What this means is, is that a file that is securely erased cannot be recovered by you or any third-party applications; it's the ultimate way to completely get rid of files.
See, when you typically empty the Trash, you're just deleting the access point to the file. Think of it like… a file is written on paper (your Mac) in pencil, and you erase the file with an eraser — You can still see the marks that were made on the paper! But, when you secure erase, you rewrite gibberish over the original pencil marks, and then erase it: there's no way to read it (it can't be recovered)!
So, there are two ways we can securely erase a file: one is via a Mac utility with a secure eraser and the other is with the Trash.
How to securely erase files using the 'rm' command
Previously, you could securely delete files on your Mac using the “rsm” command in Terminal. Apple has eliminated this option with the introduction of the macOS Sierra. But, there is still a way to safely delete files using the “rm” command.
Firstly, you need to enable some settings in System Preferences.
- Open System Preferences (Apple menu > System Preferences)
- Select the Keyboard.
- Go to the Shortcuts tab.
- Enable New Terminal at Folder and New Terminal Tab at Folder.
Now, you need to go to Finder and find the folder that stores the file you want to delete securely. Right-click it and choose New Terminal at Folder. Now the Terminal window should open.
In the Terminal window:
- Enter
rm -P PrivateFile.txt
command, but instead of “PrivateFile” use your file name. Instead of “txt” use the extension your file has. - Press Enter.
And your file is gone!
When entering your file name in Terminal, make sure you write it correctly. If your file name has a space like, My File, you need to put the name in brackets like this “My File.docx”
Erase Deleted Files
How to securely erase files with CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X has a secure eraser called the Shredder. It makes it incredibly easy to securely erase files. With CleanMyMac, all you have to do is:
- Download CleanMyMac X and launch it.
- Click Shredder.
- Select your file with 'Select Files…'
- And click Shred.
And that's how you securely erase files with a secure eraser like CleanMyMac X. Plus, CleanMyMac X has a bunch of other features that help you keep your Mac clean and up to speed. Download CleanMyMac X and see what a difference it makes on your Mac right now!
How to securely delete files on flash drives/SD cards
macOS comes with a built-in feature that allows you to erase your flash drive, SSD, or SD card. To start, you need to connect your drive to your Mac. Then, follow the instructions:
How To Erase Mac Hd
- Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
- Select your drive in the External category on the left. Make sure you don’t erase your internal hard drive. It contains all your data and you won’t be able to restore it once erased.
- Click the Erase button.
- Type a name for your drive and choose a format. Apple recommends using ExFAT format.
- Press Erase to confirm. If you drive is successfully erased, you should see a message like this:
Safely erase multiple files using an encrypted disk image
Disk images (.dmg) provide a secure way to store and share your private files. You can store your disk image in any cloud storage, on your Mac or external hard drive. And given the fact that you can encrypt the disk image, no one will be able to access your data.
If you want to delete multiple sensitive files and data in one go, you can use a disk image as well. You’ll need to create an encrypted .dmg file and transfer your files there. Then, you can lock the disk and delete it, making your data unrecoverable for anyone. Here’s how to do that step-by-step:
- Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
- Go to File, select New Image, then, Blank Image.
- Type your disk name in the Save As field. Make sure to add the .dmg extension.
- Type size and choose format.
- Select the Encryption method. Apple recommends the first method (128-bit AES encryption).
- Provide a password to encrypt your disk image and press Choose.
- And press Save.
Now you can drag and drop the files you want to delete to the disk image. Then, right-click the disk image and press Eject to lock it.
Open source presentation software for mac pro. Move this disk image to the Trash and you’re done. Though your files are now in the Bin, no one can access them without your encryption key. Empty the Trash to let your sensitive files be gone forever!
How to securely erase files on Mac OS X
It's not difficult, but it does take some time. Just remember that when you securely erase a file, it will take a bit longer than if you were to normally empty your Trash. To secure erase files in the Trash, just:
Completely Wipe Mac
- Control-click on the Trash icon in your Dock, at the bottom of your screen.
- Press the Command button.
- Click Secure Empty Trash.
- And again, select Secure Empty Trash.
Secure Erase Mac
These instructions work with OS X Yosemite. Secure Empty Trash feature isn't available since the El Capitan OS X update. If you are running an older version, instead of pressing the Command button in step 2, you might have to press Ctrl or Alt/Option.
But again, secure erasing files is even easier with CleanMyMac X. There's no holding buttons or deleting one file (or all the files) at a time. Just select or drag your file(s) to the Shredder and click Shred. Voila — That's it! Plus, CleanMyMac X does so much more than just securely erase files. It helps you clean your entire Mac, run basic Mac maintenance, monitor its hardware health, and even completely uninstalls apps. Download for free now and see what a difference it makes on your Mac.