---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-use-one-drive-for-time-machine-and-files
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-use-one-drive-for-time-machine-and-files
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Time Machine basics"
question: "Can I use the same external drive for Time Machine and my own files?"
alt_questions:
  - "time machine and storage same drive"
  - "partition drive for time machine and files"
  - "use backup drive for other files mac"
  - "add volume to time machine disk"
short_answer: "Yes — add a separate APFS volume for your files and let Time Machine use its own. But if the drive fails you lose both, so back up files that live only there."
tags: ["time machine", "apfs", "external drive"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-an-apfs-container-and-volume", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-big-should-a-time-machine-drive-be"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I use the same external drive for Time Machine and my own files?

Yes, by giving them separate areas: in Disk Utility add a separate **APFS volume** (or partition) for your files on the same drive, and let Time Machine use its own volume. APFS volumes share space, so you don't have to fix sizes in advance.

The catch: if that one drive fails, you lose both your backup and the files stored there. For files that live *only* on the drive, a separate backup is wise.