---
id: apps.what-is-the-difference-between-move-and-offload
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/what-is-the-difference-between-move-and-offload
category: "Apps"
subcategory: "Offloading and restoring apps"
question: "What's the difference between moving and offloading an app?"
alt_questions:
  - "Move vs Offload"
  - "Should I move or offload?"
  - "Offload or move app external drive"
  - "Which frees more space, move or offload?"
  - "Difference move offload uninstall"
short_answer: "Move keeps the app working from your fast drive (its data stays on your Mac). Offload archives the app and its data to the drive for maximum space, but it won't open until restored."
tags: ["move app", "offload", "comparison"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/what-does-offload-do", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/how-do-i-move-an-app-to-an-external-drive", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/apps/how-do-i-uninstall-an-app-completely"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What's the difference between moving and offloading an app?

**Move** keeps the app working: it runs from your fast drive, with a shortcut left behind, and its settings and data stay on your Mac. **Offload** parks the app **and** its data on the drive and removes both from your Mac — it frees more space, but the app won't open until you restore it.

- Use **Move** for big apps you still use now and then.
- Use **Offload** for apps you rarely or seasonally use.
- Use **Uninstall** for apps you don't want at all.

All three are reversible: moved and offloaded apps come back with one click, and uninstalled items go to the Trash.