External drives · Space on the drive
Can I delete files from Storage Studio's folder on the drive to make room?
Short answer: Avoid deleting there in Finder — those files back shortcuts on your Mac, so you'd leave broken links. Move items back first and delete them normally, use Remove for offloaded apps, or use the Delete option on items Storage Studio flags as broken.
It's better not to delete there directly. Items in that folder are the real contents of apps and folders that still have shortcuts on your Mac, so deleting them in Finder leaves broken shortcuts behind and Storage Studio will flag those items as damaged.
Instead:
- Move it back first (Storage Inspector, Data Parking or the Apps window), then delete it from your Mac as usual.
- For an offloaded app you no longer want, use Remove in the Apps window's Offloaded tab.
- For broken leftovers Storage Studio has flagged, use the Delete option it offers, which cleans up the data, the dead shortcut and its record together.