---
id: mac-storage-basics.how-do-i-select-many-files-to-delete-at-once
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-select-many-files-to-delete-at-once
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Finder tools for finding space"
question: "How do I select lots of files at once to delete them on a Mac?"
alt_questions:
  - "select multiple files mac"
  - "shift click finder"
  - "command click select files"
  - "select all files in folder mac"
  - "delete many files at once mac"
  - "bulk delete finder"
short_answer: "Command-click to pick individual items, Shift-click for a range in list view, or Command-A for everything, then press Command-Delete to move them to the Trash."
tags: ["finder", "select", "delete"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-sort-files-by-size-in-finder", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-show-free-space-at-the-bottom-of-finder-windows"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How do I select lots of files at once to delete them on a Mac?

In Finder:

- **Command-click** adds or removes single items from the selection.
- **Shift-click** in list view selects a continuous run of items.
- **Command-A** selects everything in the folder.

Then press **Command-Delete** to move the selection to the Trash. A quick way to clear out a folder of old files is to sort by **Date Modified** or **Size** in list view first, so the candidates sit together.

Check the selection count in the status bar (**View → Show Status Bar**) before deleting, so you don't take more than you meant to.