Why is my MacBook's storage full despite a small app size?

My MacBook keeps telling me that my storage is full due to a high gb in apps (137,28 gb) when the app that takes up the largest storage is only taking up 320 mb.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air, macOS 15.1

Posted on Feb 22, 2025 04:48 AM

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1 reply

Feb 22, 2025 10:00 AM in response to CMMacbook

Here are two points to know.

  • Any reported space used/available is accurate only when using DiskUtility.
  • The Other category, which reports usage, is a potpourri of files which include:

• System temporary files

• macOS system folders

• Archives and disk images (.zip, .iso, etc. - often found in the Downloads folder)

• Personal user data

• Files from the user’s library (Application Support, iCloud files, screensavers, etc.)

• Cache files

• Fonts, plugins, extensions

• Other files that are not recognized by a Spotlight search

• Media files that cannot be classified by Spotlight as a media file because they are located inside of a package

They can be located anywhere on your hard drive. The files that you have control over are located in the Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music and Movies folders.


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Why is my MacBook's storage full despite a small app size?

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