Mac storage basics · External storage and adding space
Can I use a network drive (NAS) to free up space on my Mac?
Short answer: Yes, for archives and shared media; connect with Finder's Go → Connect to Server. It's slower than a direct SSD, and apps like Photos don't support libraries on network shares.
Yes, for files you don't need constantly: a NAS is good for archives, media libraries you stream, and shared family files. Connect from Finder with Go → Connect to Server (Command-K).
It's slower than a directly connected SSD and depends on your network, and some apps (for example Photos libraries) aren't supported on network shares. Keep libraries and working projects on a local drive.