How to Delete Multiple Files on Mac

Deleting multiple files on a Mac can be a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large number of files to delete. Whether you want to free up disk space or organize your files, finding an efficient way to delete multiple files is essential. In this blog post, we will explore different options and methods to help you easily delete multiple files on your Mac.

What’s Needed

To delete multiple files on your Mac, you will need the following:

• A Mac computer running macOS
• The files you want to delete
• A basic understanding of the file system on your Mac
• A willingness to spend a few minutes learning new methods

Video Tutorial:

What Requires Your Focus?

When it comes to deleting multiple files on your Mac, there are a few key areas that require your attention. These include:

• Selecting the right files to delete
• Choosing the most efficient method
• Ensuring you don’t accidentally delete important files
• Consideration of the pros and cons of different methods

Option 1. How to Delete Multiple Files via Finder

Deleting multiple files using the Finder is the most common and straightforward method. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps:
1. Open a Finder window.
2. Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to delete.
3. Click and hold the Command key on your keyboard.
4. Click on each file you want to delete while keeping the Command key held down.
5. Once you have selected all the files, right-click on one of the selected files and choose "Move to Trash" from the context menu.
6. Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Delete to move the selected files to the Trash.

Pros:
– Quick and easy method
– No additional software required
– Works on any version of macOS

Cons:
– The deleted files are moved to the Trash, which still takes up disk space until you empty the Trash
– It’s not suitable for deleting a large number of files or files spread across multiple folders

Option 2. How to Delete Multiple Files via Terminal

Using the Terminal on your Mac provides a more powerful and flexible way to delete multiple files. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps:
1. Open the Terminal application (usually found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder).
2. Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to delete using the "cd" command. For example, if your files are in the Documents folder, type "cd Documents".
3. Once you are in the correct folder, use the "rm" command followed by the filenames you want to delete. For example, to delete files named "file1.txt" and "file2.txt", type "rm file1.txt file2.txt". You can also use wildcards (*) to delete multiple files with similar names, such as "rm file*.txt" to delete all files starting with "file" and ending in ".txt".
4. Press Enter to execute the command.

Pros:
– Provides more control and flexibility
– Suitable for deleting a large number of files or files in different folders

Cons:
– Requires some understanding of the Terminal commands
– Deleting system files or important folders can cause serious consequences, so it’s important to exercise caution

Option 3. How to Delete Multiple Files via Third-Party Applications

If you prefer a more user-friendly approach, there are several third-party applications available that can help you delete multiple files on your Mac. Here are a few popular options:

1. Gemini 2: Gemini 2 is an intuitive and powerful app that can quickly scan your Mac for duplicate files and help you delete them with ease. It also includes a feature to delete similar files, which can be handy for organizing your files.

2. AppCleaner: AppCleaner is a lightweight yet effective application for completely uninstalling apps from your Mac. It helps you remove both the app and its associated files, freeing up disk space.

3. FilePane: FilePane is a versatile file management tool that allows you to perform various actions, including deleting multiple files, with just a few clicks. It provides a convenient and efficient way to handle your files.

Pros:
– User-friendly interfaces
– Additional features for file management and organization
– Can handle complex file deletion tasks

Cons:
– Most third-party applications come with a cost, although some offer free trials or limited free versions
– It’s important to choose trusted applications from reputable sources to ensure your system’s security

Why Can’t I Delete Multiple Files?

If you encounter any difficulties when trying to delete multiple files on your Mac, there could be a few reasons why. Here are three alternative solutions to consider:

1. File Permissions: Check the file permissions of the files you want to delete. If you don’t have the necessary permissions, you won’t be able to delete them. You can adjust the file permissions by right-clicking on the file, selecting "Get Info," and modifying the permissions under the "Sharing & Permissions" section.

2. In-use Files: If any of the files you want to delete are currently in use by other applications, you may need to close those applications first before attempting to delete the files.

3. Hierarchical Structures: Some files may be part of a hierarchical structure, where deleting a top-level folder or parent file is required to delete all the related files. Make sure you are deleting files in the correct order to avoid any issues.

Implications and Recommendations

When deleting multiple files on your Mac, there are a few implications and recommendations to keep in mind:

1. Data Loss: Deleting files is permanent, and there is no way to recover them from the Trash once it has been emptied. Make sure to double-check the files you are deleting and ensure you have proper backups in place.

2. Trash Management: Regularly empty your Trash to free up disk space. Remember that files in the Trash still occupy disk space until you permanently delete them.

3. Organize Your Files: Deleting multiple files can be an opportunity to evaluate and organize your files. Consider creating folders and sorting your files into logical categories to make future file management easier.

The Bottom Line

Deleting multiple files on your Mac doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right methods and tools in hand, you can efficiently delete unwanted files and streamline your file management process. Whether you choose to use the Finder, Terminal, or third-party applications, make sure to weigh the pros and cons and select the method that best suits your needs.

5 FAQs about Deleting Multiple Files on Mac

Q1: Can I recover deleted files from the Trash?

A: No, once you empty the Trash, the deleted files are permanently removed from your Mac. Therefore, it’s important to double-check the files you are deleting before emptying the Trash.

Q2: Can I delete files in bulk on macOS Catalina or later?

A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post, such as using Finder or Terminal, work on macOS Catalina or later versions.

Q3: What happens if I delete system files using Terminal?

A: Deleting system files or important folders using Terminal can cause serious consequences, including system instability or malfunction. It’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure you are deleting the right files.

Q4: Are there any free alternatives to third-party applications?

A: Yes, there are free alternatives available for file management, such as using the built-in tools on macOS or exploring open-source applications. However, they may have limited features compared to paid options.

Q5: How can I quickly select a large number of files in Finder?

A: To select a large number of files in Finder, you can click and drag a selection box around the files or use the Command + A keyboard shortcut to select all files in a folder.