Duplicate files · Where it looks and what it skips
Which folders does the duplicate finder check on my Mac?
Short answer: On this Mac, the duplicate finder checks your Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Movies and Pictures folders. iCloud Drive and each connected cloud account are checked separately; system folders, your Library folder and app data are never part of the scan.
The This Mac source checks your Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Movies and Pictures folders — the places where copies of downloads, exports, photos and videos usually pile up.
iCloud Drive is checked separately under its own iCloud Drive row, and each connected cloud account has a row of its own under Cloud & remote.
System folders, your Library folder and app data aren't part of the scan, so the finder only ever suggests removing copies of your own files. Choosing your own list of folders isn't available right now.