What File System is for Mac OS?

macos tips
1

I purchased a new external SSD and want to take it as my work helper. I have a MacBook Pro, so I want to learn what are the file systems for Mac OS. Which file system is the best for my external SSD?

2

APFS is the best file system for your Mac as long as you only use the SSD on Mac computers. If you also need to use the SSD on Windows PCs sometimes, you’d better choose exFAT. exFAT is compatible with macOS and Windows and can hold files in large sizes.

3

macOS supports multiple file systems, including APFS, Mac OS Extended (Journaled) (also called HFS+), exFAT, and FAT32. Using which one depends on the macOS version your Mac runs and your specific needs.

APFS (Apple File System)

The default file system for macOS 10.13 High Sierra and later. It is optimized for modern storage devices (SSDs) but is also compatible with traditional hard drives (HDDs).

Highlights of APFS:

  • Snapshots: It allows for creating read-only points in time of the file system and is useful for backups and recovering earlier states.
  • Encryption: Provide built-in full-disk encryption for enhanced security.
  • Space sharing: Multiple volumes can dynamically share free space. This feature greatly improves storage management.

Mac OS Extended ( also known as HFS+)

The default file system before the introduction of APFS. Despite being replaced by APFS, Mac OS Extended is still used on Macs, particularly on older Macs or external drives that are compatible with older macOS versions.

Features of Mac OS Extended:

  • Journaling: It keeps track of file changes in a journal, helping to prevent file system corruption in the event of a crash or power failure.
  • Case-sensitive and case-insensitive: For case-sensitive, files and folders are treated differently whether their names use uppercase or lowercase letters, while for case-insensitive, are the same.
  • File system compression: It allows users to save space by compressing certain types of files automatically without any manual intervention.
  • Supports large file sizes and volumes: Support file sizes up to 8 exabytes (8 billion gigabytes) and can handle a large number of files on a single volume.

Read: APFS vs. Mac OS Extended

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)

Although exFAT is a file system developed by Microsoft, macOS fully supports it. exFAT is designed for flash drives, external hard drives, and other portable storage devices that need to be used across multiple platforms like macOS and Windows.

Features of exFAT:

  • Both are compatible with macOS and Windows.
  • Support large files and volumes. The file size it supports is up to 16 exabytes and the partition size it supports is up to 128 petabytes.
  • Optimized for flash storage. For example, external SSDs, SD cards, and USB flash drives.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32)

FAT32 is designed to replace FAT16 but is replaced by exFAT. Similar to exFAT, it has cross-platform compatibility. It is often used on SD cards and USB flash drives.

The biggest drawback of FAT32 is it has a 4GB file size limit and a 32GB partition size limit. So, it is more efficient for small storage devices.

Thus, if you have a modern Mac that runs the latest macOS version and only uses the SSD drive on Mac devices, you’re suggested to format it to APFS. If you prepare to transfer files between macOS and Windows with this drive, you’re suggested to use exFAT.

1 Like
4

What a clear explanation! I got it, thx a lot!