Find and remove duplicate files

Steps

1. 01Step 1 of 6

   Step 1. Open Duplicates

   Press ⇧⌘I. Three steps run across the stage. Saved scan is your last Storage scan. Same size is every group of files with exactly the same size, found from the scan without reading a single file. They are candidates, nothing more.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Saved snapshot13/10/2026, 09:12

   —No verified extra copies yet.

   Open Same size and choose Verify Contents to compare file contents.

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Same size

   96groups

   241 files

   Unverified · sizes only

   Verified identical

   —groups

   Not checked

   Saved sizes suggest candidates. Verify Contents checks for independent identical copies.

   Selected for review

   0files

   Candidate minimum100 MB

   Excluded foldersNone

   Refresh CandidatesVerify Contents…Selected group onlyExclude Folders…Storage…

   Same-size groups · Unverified

   3 files × 4.2 GBUp to 8.4 GB if identical

   2 files × 2.8 GBUp to 2.8 GB if identical

   4 files × 912 MBUp to 2.67 GB if identical

   2 files × 1.6 GBUp to 1.6 GB if identical

   5 files × 268 MBUp to 1.05 GB if identical

   2 files × 640 MBUp to 640 MB if identical

   3 files × 212 MBUp to 424 MB if identical

   2 files × 388 MBUp to 388 MB if identical

   2 files × 356 MBUp to 356 MB if identical

   2 files × 318 MBUp to 318 MB if identical

   Files with the same saved size3 files × 4.2 GB

   Contents are unverified. Select files for manual cleanup, including all copies, or verify them first.

   Select All Shown

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Desktop/exports/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Documents/Archive/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   What is known

   Same saved size · 4.2 GB each, from the saved Storage snapshot

   Contents not compared · files can differ even when their sizes match

   Verify Contents compares samples first, then full SHA-256 for files whose samples match. Files are only read.

   Selection

   Retained across groups and pages · up to 200 files per review

   Clear SelectionReview…

2. 02Step 2 of 6

   Step 2. Verify the contents

   Click Verify Contents…. l/Activity reads the candidates and compares them, first by samples and then by a full fingerprint of each file. Only files whose entire contents match move on. Tick Selected group only to check one group instead of all of them.

   Large files take time. You can Pause and resume later.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Saved snapshot13/10/2026, 09:12

   —No verified extra copies yet.

   Open Same size and choose Verify Contents to compare file contents.

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Same size

   96groups

   241 files

   Unverified · sizes only

   Verified identical

   —groups

   Not checked

   Saved sizes suggest candidates. Verify Contents checks for independent identical copies.

   Selected for review

   0files

   Candidate minimum100 MB

   Excluded foldersNone

   Refresh CandidatesVerify Contents…Selected group onlyExclude Folders…Storage…

   Same-size groups · Unverified

   3 files × 4.2 GBUp to 8.4 GB if identical

   2 files × 2.8 GBUp to 2.8 GB if identical

   4 files × 912 MBUp to 2.67 GB if identical

   2 files × 1.6 GBUp to 1.6 GB if identical

   5 files × 268 MBUp to 1.05 GB if identical

   2 files × 640 MBUp to 640 MB if identical

   3 files × 212 MBUp to 424 MB if identical

   2 files × 388 MBUp to 388 MB if identical

   2 files × 356 MBUp to 356 MB if identical

   2 files × 318 MBUp to 318 MB if identical

   Files with the same saved size3 files × 4.2 GB

   Contents are unverified. Select files for manual cleanup, including all copies, or verify them first.

   Select All Shown

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Desktop/exports/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Documents/Archive/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   What is known

   Same saved size · 4.2 GB each, from the saved Storage snapshot

   Contents not compared · files can differ even when their sizes match

   Verify Contents compares samples first, then full SHA-256 for files whose samples match. Files are only read.

   Selection

   Retained across groups and pages · up to 200 files per review

   Clear SelectionReview…

3. 03Step 3 of 6

   Step 3. Open a verified group

   Click the third step, Verified identical. Each group on the left is a set of files proven to be the same. Select one to see every copy with its folder, size and date.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Saved snapshot13/10/2026, 09:12

   31.6GBin verified extra copies

   226 files fully compared · 3 excluded, changed or unreadable

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Same size

   96groups

   241 files

   Unverified · sizes only

   Verified identical

   86groups

   214 copies

   Verified by full hash

   Saved sizes suggest candidates. Verify Contents checks for independent identical copies.

   Selected for review

   2files8.4 GB by saved size

   Candidate minimum100 MB

   Excluded foldersNone

   Refresh CandidatesExclude Folders…Storage…

   Identical groupsRecheck Group

   Saved comparisons · Recheck Group reads current contents.

   3 copies × 4.2 GB8.4 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 2.8 GB2.8 GB extra logical bytes

   4 copies × 912 MB2.67 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 1.6 GB1.6 GB extra logical bytes

   5 copies × 268 MB1.05 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 640 MB640 MB extra logical bytes

   3 copies × 212 MB424 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 388 MB388 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 356 MB356 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 318 MB318 MB extra logical bytes

   Select files to remove3 copies × 4.2 GB · 8.4 GB extra

   Suggested keeper: /Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Select All ShownSelect ExtrasSelect Extras keeps the suggested copy. Selecting every file allows removing all copies.

   CopySizeModifiedKeeper

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keeping

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Desktop/exports/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keep

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Documents/Archive/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB2 Jul 2025Keep

   How this group was verified

   Sample hashes matched · SHA-256 of the first and last 64 KiB

   Full contents matched · full-file SHA-256 for every copy in the group

   Independent copies · known hard-link aliases are never candidates

   Each shown page rechecks file metadata; Recheck Group reads current contents

   Selection

   Retained across groups and pages · up to 200 files per review

   2 automatic extras · keeper preservedClear SelectionReview…

4. 04Step 4 of 6

   Step 4. Keep one, select the extras

   Above the copies, Suggested keeper names the copy l/Activity proposes to keep. Click Select Extras. Every other copy is ticked and the keeper is left alone, marked Keeping. To keep a different copy, right-click it and choose Keep This Copy.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Saved snapshot13/10/2026, 09:12

   31.6GBin verified extra copies

   226 files fully compared · 3 excluded, changed or unreadable

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Same size

   96groups

   241 files

   Unverified · sizes only

   Verified identical

   86groups

   214 copies

   Verified by full hash

   Saved sizes suggest candidates. Verify Contents checks for independent identical copies.

   Selected for review

   2files8.4 GB by saved size

   Candidate minimum100 MB

   Excluded foldersNone

   Refresh CandidatesExclude Folders…Storage…

   Identical groupsRecheck Group

   Saved comparisons · Recheck Group reads current contents.

   3 copies × 4.2 GB8.4 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 2.8 GB2.8 GB extra logical bytes

   4 copies × 912 MB2.67 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 1.6 GB1.6 GB extra logical bytes

   5 copies × 268 MB1.05 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 640 MB640 MB extra logical bytes

   3 copies × 212 MB424 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 388 MB388 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 356 MB356 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 318 MB318 MB extra logical bytes

   Select files to remove3 copies × 4.2 GB · 8.4 GB extra

   Suggested keeper: /Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Select All ShownSelect ExtrasSelect Extras keeps the suggested copy. Selecting every file allows removing all copies.

   CopySizeModifiedKeeper

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keeping

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Desktop/exports/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keep

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Documents/Archive/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB2 Jul 2025Keep

   How this group was verified

   Sample hashes matched · SHA-256 of the first and last 64 KiB

   Full contents matched · full-file SHA-256 for every copy in the group

   Independent copies · known hard-link aliases are never candidates

   Each shown page rechecks file metadata; Recheck Group reads current contents

   Selection

   Retained across groups and pages · up to 200 files per review

   2 automatic extras · keeper preservedClear SelectionReview…

5. 05Step 5 of 6

   Step 5. Review and remove

   The stage counts what is selected, and the basket bar confirms that the keeper is preserved. Click Review… and then Move to Trash. Before anything is moved, the extras and their keeper are compared in full one more time.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Saved snapshot13/10/2026, 09:12

   31.6GBin verified extra copies

   226 files fully compared · 3 excluded, changed or unreadable

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Same size

   96groups

   241 files

   Unverified · sizes only

   Verified identical

   86groups

   214 copies

   Verified by full hash

   Saved sizes suggest candidates. Verify Contents checks for independent identical copies.

   Selected for review

   2files8.4 GB by saved size

   Candidate minimum100 MB

   Excluded foldersNone

   Refresh CandidatesExclude Folders…Storage…

   Identical groupsRecheck Group

   Saved comparisons · Recheck Group reads current contents.

   3 copies × 4.2 GB8.4 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 2.8 GB2.8 GB extra logical bytes

   4 copies × 912 MB2.67 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 1.6 GB1.6 GB extra logical bytes

   5 copies × 268 MB1.05 GB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 640 MB640 MB extra logical bytes

   3 copies × 212 MB424 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 388 MB388 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 356 MB356 MB extra logical bytes

   2 copies × 318 MB318 MB extra logical bytes

   Select files to remove3 copies × 4.2 GB · 8.4 GB extra

   Suggested keeper: /Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   Select All ShownSelect ExtrasSelect Extras keeps the suggested copy. Selecting every file allows removing all copies.

   CopySizeModifiedKeeper

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Movies/Lisbon trip 2025/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keeping

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Desktop/exports/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB14 Jun 2025Keep

   Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov/Users/sam/Documents/Archive/Lisbon trip 2025 master.mov

   4.2 GB2 Jul 2025Keep

   How this group was verified

   Sample hashes matched · SHA-256 of the first and last 64 KiB

   Full contents matched · full-file SHA-256 for every copy in the group

   Independent copies · known hard-link aliases are never candidates

   Each shown page rechecks file metadata; Recheck Group reads current contents

   Selection

   Retained across groups and pages · up to 200 files per review

   2 automatic extras · keeper preservedClear SelectionReview…

6. 06Step 6 of 6

   Step 6. Photos that only look alike

   The second view in the title bar, Similar photos, compares the pictures in a folder you choose and groups the ones that look alike. This view is for looking only. Nothing can be removed from it. If you decide a photo should go, reveal it in Finder.

   DuplicatesFind identical files to remove, and review photos that look alike.

   Identical filesSimilar photosSearch or jump to…⌘K

   Compared13/10/2026, 09:12

   42possible matches

   12 reference photos · 1,860 images comparedCompared folder: /Us…Pictures/Lisbon 2025

   Saved scan

   2,184,306items

   Root /

   Ready

   Photo folder

   1,860images

   Lisbon 2025

   Compared

   Possible matches

   42photos

   12 reference photos

   Estimate · review only

   An explicit comparison reads image contents to make small thumbnails. Nothing is selected or removed from here.

   Skipped images

   3

   Photo libraries, packages, links, cloud-only files and images over 64 MiB are never read.

   Show Skipped…

   Choose Folder…/Users/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025Compare PhotosStorage…

   Showing comparison: /Users/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025Source scan: / · 13 Oct 2026 at 09:12 · complete coverage

   Reference photos12

   IMG_4821.jpeg…s/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   +14

   IMG_4760.jpeg…sers/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Alfama

   +4

   IMG_4902.jpeg/Users/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Belém

   +3

   IMG_4688.jpeg…s/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Tram ride

   +3

   IMG_5013.jpeg…Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Sintra day trip

   +3

   IMG_4731.jpeg…sers/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Alfama

   +3

   IMG_4875.jpeg/Users/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Belém

   +2

   IMG_4644.jpeg…s/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Tram ride

   +2

   IMG_5047.jpeg…Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Sintra day trip

   +2

   IMG_4958.jpeg…sers/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Market

   +2

   IMG_4803.jpeg…s/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   +2

   IMG_5102.jpeg…sers/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Sunset

   +2

   IMG_4821.jpeg14 possible matches to this reference photo

   Reveal All in Finder

   Reference

   IMG_4821.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   Reference photo

   IMG_4821 edit.jpeg…sers/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Edits

   Same thumbnail hashCompare

   IMG_4822.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   1 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4823.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   2 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4824.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   2 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4826.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   4 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4827.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   4 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4830.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   5 of 64 bits differCompare

   IMG_4831.jpeg…/sam/Pictures/Lisbon 2025/Miradouro

   5 of 64 bits differCompare

   Closest matches firstPage 1PreviousNext

   Review onlyLook-alike photos are not duplicates. To remove one, reveal it in Finder; nothing is selected or removed from this view.