Duplicate files · Where it looks and what it skips
What does the duplicate finder skip on my Mac?
Short answer: The scan skips hidden files, shortcuts, packages such as photo libraries and app bundles, developer folders like Git repositories and node_modules, caches, the Trash, folders Storage Studio has moved for you, and files under 1 MB unless Include small files is on.
To keep suggestions safe and meaningful, the scan leaves out:
- Hidden files and shortcuts (aliases and links) — only real files are compared.
- Packages such as photo libraries and app bundles — Storage Studio doesn't reach inside them.
- Developer folders such as Git repositories, node_modules and build output, where identical files are expected and needed.
- Caches and the Trash.
- Folders Storage Studio has moved for you, which it manages itself.
- Files under 1 MB, unless you turn on Include small files.
Everything else in your Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Movies and Pictures folders is compared.