It enables you to regularly share files with your friends. MS-DOS FAT (aka FAT32): In addition to Mac, it can also be written and read by Linux and Windows. You can encrypt it so that no one can access the contents on your drive. Mac OS Extended (encrypted) would be an ideal option if you probably carry your laptop or external drive here and there. Mac OS Extended (Journaled/HFS+): If you didn't update your Mac OS to High Sierra, the default file system on your Mac shoule be Mac OS Extended. What's more, it is compatible with SSD and flash storage devices only. However, it won't be readable and usable on machines that are not running Mac High Sierra, Windows or Linux PCs. Which one is right for your circumstance? We'll describe them here, and you'll be able to make your choice after reading the details.ĪPFS: This is the default file system in Macs with High Sierra. There are a few file formats you can use, but it depends on the purpose you want to use the drive for.

The most important, you should decide which format to use. Part 1: Which File Format You Should Choose?īefore you begin formatting the drive, there are a few things to do. LineRescue Recover Deleted files from Win/Hard Drive

Click Apply - the following will be displayedAnyRecover for PC Recover Deleted files from Win/Mac/Hard DriveĪnyRecover for iOS Recover Deleted files from iPhoneĪnyRecover for Android Recover Deleted files from Android.Click the Options button and select GUID Partition Table.

Set Format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Under Partition Layout, select 1 Partition.

NOTE: If you don't see the Partition tab then the volume is selected, not the drive

Select the Partition tab on the right-hand side of the window.

Select the drive on the left showing the capacity.

To open Disk Utility - Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility IMPORTANT: Reformatting the drive will erase all data on the drive, so you should copy any data you want off the drive prior to formatting.

Click here to see other formatting options for your operating system.

Looking for a different formatting option? If you need to go between macOS and Windows format your drive ExFAT on macOS

Mac OS Extended (Journaled) does not work natively with Windows.

It is required when using Time Machine for the operating systems listed earlier.

It is important to keep the following in mind when formatting Mac OS Extended (Journaled):

Not seeing your version of macOS? Click here to see other versions of macOS and different formatting options.

Not sure which version you are using? Click here to determine your version of macOS.

IMPORTANT: This article applies to the following Mac OS X versions:

Reformat mac