---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-use-a-nas-for-mac-storage
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-use-a-nas-for-mac-storage
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "External storage and adding space"
question: "Can I use a network drive (NAS) to free up space on my Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "nas for mac storage"
  - "network storage mac"
  - "store files on nas mac"
  - "smb share mac storage"
  - "nas vs external ssd 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."
tags: ["nas", "network", "storage"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/is-an-external-ssd-a-good-way-to-add-storage"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I use a network drive (NAS) to free up space on my Mac?

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.