Mac storage basics · Finding big files, Downloads and the Trash
Why is my Documents folder so big when I don't keep much in it?
Short answer: Apps often save recordings, game saves, projects and exports there. Sort Documents by size with Calculate all sizes on, and handle app folders through their apps.
Many apps save their own data in Documents without asking — meeting recordings, game saves, project folders, exported media, and libraries for creative or developer tools. Over time those can outweigh your own files.
Open Documents in list view, turn on Calculate all sizes (View → Show View Options), and sort by size. Folders named after apps usually belong to them: check that app's settings before deleting, and move old projects to an external drive rather than deleting them. If Documents syncs with iCloud, see freeing space in an iCloud-synced Documents folder.