How to use your Mac’s external storage to store and execute programs

MacOS allows you to run compatible applications from an external drive. You can save a lot of storage space by moving some software onto an external drive.

It’s an easy process and we’ll explain how to complete it. We recommend using an SSD because it’s more durable and faster.

Disk Utility is a tool that allows you to prepare an external drive.

Here’s how you can format an external drive.

1. Connect your external storage to your Mac.
2. Search for Disk utility using Spotlight.
3. Find your external drive in the sidebar, under External.
4. Control: Click on the drive name and choose Erase.
5. Select the name and click on it APFS As the You can also download the format of your choice . You can find out more about Mac File Systems for External Drives In our dedicated guide to the topic).
   
6. Click Erase, and wait until the process is complete.
7. To exit the menu, click Done.

How to transfer and run applications from an external drive

Installing an application onto your external drive is generally possible in two different ways:

• You can install the application on a Mac and then move it to an external hard drive by clicking the “Move” button. Apps You can also find out more about the following: Find out more about Finder Drag the app to the external drive by finding it and clicking on it.
  
• You can install the application directly on your external storage device by running the installation file. Drag the icon of the application into the external drive, instead of the Applications folder.
  

All you need to do now to run an application is click on it in your storage device. Your Mac will verify the first time you run an app from your external storage device, but it won’t do so again.

Organize Mac Apps on External Drive

Create a folder in your external drive and use it to organize your apps. You can also create shortcuts for those you will be using frequently. Follow these steps to do this:

1. Select your external drive in ‘s Finder.
2. Control – Click on an empty space within the drive and select New folder.
3. You can name the folder anything you want, including “Applications”.
   
4. Click Control and then select Create Alias in the context menu.
5. Drag the shortcut to the Dock or desktop.

You can also check out other tips to manage folders on Mac.

Save Mac Storage Space with External Drives

You can run large applications selectively by using an external SSD drive. If you only use Adobe Premiere Pro at the studio, for example, you could put the application on an external drive, and keep the drive there. You won’t have to fill your Mac up with apps that you don’t use at home.

By developing the habit of choosing which apps to run from an external drive, you can better manage the storage space on your Mac and avoid the issues that arise with low storage.