---
id: duplicates.what-does-the-duplicate-finder-skip
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/what-does-the-duplicate-finder-skip
category: "Duplicate files"
subcategory: "Where it looks and what it skips"
question: "What does the duplicate finder skip on my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "Which files are excluded from the duplicate scan?"
  - "Does the duplicate finder look at hidden files?"
  - "Why are some files not included in the duplicate check?"
  - "Does it scan node_modules or Git folders?"
  - "What is left out of a duplicate scan?"
  - "Are caches checked for duplicates?"
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."
tags: ["duplicates", "exclusions", "scan"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/which-folders-does-the-duplicate-finder-check-on-my-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/why-werent-my-small-files-checked-for-duplicates", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/duplicates/does-it-find-duplicates-inside-my-photos-library"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What does the duplicate finder skip on my Mac?

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.