---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-is-guid-partition-map
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-guid-partition-map
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Disks, APFS and formats"
question: "What partition scheme should I choose — GUID or Master Boot Record?"
alt_questions:
  - "guid partition map vs mbr"
  - "scheme option disk utility"
  - "mbr or guid for usb mac"
  - "partition scheme external drive mac"
  - "apple partition map"
short_answer: "Use GUID Partition Map for nearly everything on a Mac. Master Boot Record is for older devices like some cameras and TVs, usually with exFAT or FAT."
tags: ["partition scheme", "guid", "disk utility"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-erase-or-format-a-drive-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What partition scheme should I choose — GUID or Master Boot Record?

Choose **GUID Partition Map** for almost everything on a modern Mac, including APFS and drives used for Time Machine. **Master Boot Record** is mainly for compatibility with older devices — some cameras, TVs or older Windows PCs — usually alongside exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT).

The Scheme menu appears in Disk Utility's Erase sheet when you select the whole device (View → Show All Devices).