---
id: finder-location.can-i-keep-my-own-files-on-the-same-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/can-i-keep-my-own-files-on-the-same-drive
category: "Finding things in Finder"
subcategory: "What's on your external drive"
question: "Can I keep my own files on the external drive alongside Storage Studio's folder?"
alt_questions:
  - "Use the fast drive for other files too"
  - "Does Storage Studio need the whole external drive?"
  - "store my own stuff on the storage studio drive"
  - "Is the external drive dedicated to Storage Studio?"
  - "Can I put photos on the same SSD?"
short_answer: "Yes. Storage Studio only manages its own folder; the rest of the drive is yours. Free space is shared, and Transfer Drive and Backup Drive copy only Storage Studio's working folder, so back up your other files yourself."
tags: ["external drive", "own files", "free space"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/can-i-rename-or-reorganise-files-on-the-drive-directly", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/finder-location/where-is-the-backup-made-by-backup-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I keep my own files on the external drive alongside Storage Studio's folder?

Yes. Storage Studio only manages its own folder on the drive; everything else is yours to use however you like in Finder.

Keep two things in mind:

- **Free space is shared.** Your own files and Storage Studio's moves draw on the same drive, so keep an eye on the free space shown in **Inspect fast drive**.
- **Transfer Drive and Backup Drive** copy Storage Studio's working folder — your relocated apps and folders and its own records — not unrelated files elsewhere on the drive. Back those up yourself.

Avoid saving your own files *inside* Storage Studio's folder, where they could be confused with relocated data.