https://DevOpsCloud.io -- Cloud Monk Losang Jinpa, Ph.D., MCSE/MCT, GitOps DevOps Engineer

• macOS file systems
• macOS file systems
• macOS filesystem

Return to Filesystems

macOS uses several file systems to manage data on its storage devices, including the older HFS+ and the more recent APFS (Apple File System). Each file system has unique features that affect performance, security, and file recovery. Understanding these systems helps in efficiently managing data and recovering lost files on macOS.

Below is an overview of the most commonly used macOS file systems and recovery strategies.

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1. HFS+ (Hierarchical File System Plus)

HFS+ was introduced in 1998 and remained the default file system for macOS until 2017. It supports journaling, which helps prevent data corruption but can complicate recovery efforts.

• **Features**

   * Journaling to protect against corruption.  
   * Case-sensitive and case-insensitive options.  
   * Supports large file sizes but is prone to fragmentation.

• **Recovery Options**

   * Use `Disk Utility` to repair [[HFS+]] volumes.  
   * Third-party tools like `Disk Drill` or `Data Rescue` can scan for deleted files.

 **Command Example:**
 ```bash
 diskutil repairVolume /Volumes/VolumeName
 ```

 *Relevant links:*  
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210898  
 https://www.cleverfiles.com/

—

1. APFS (Apple File System)

APFS was introduced in 2017 as the default file system for macOS High Sierra and later. It is optimized for SSDs, offering better encryption, snapshots, and improved file handling.

• **Features**

   * Native support for snapshots and clones.  
   * Strong encryption for data protection.  
   * Instant file and metadata operations for high performance.

• **Recovery Options**

   * Use `Disk Utility` to check and repair [[APFS]] volumes.  
   * Access snapshots through Time Machine or `tmutil`.  
   * Third-party recovery tools like `Data Rescue` and `Disk Drill` offer deep scanning.

 **Command Example:**
 ```bash
 tmutil listlocalsnapshots /Volumes/VolumeName
 ```

 *Relevant links:*  
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208496  
 https://developer.apple.com/documentation/apple_filesystems/apfs

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1. **Time Machine Backups**

macOS’s native Time Machine utility helps create incremental backups on external drives. These backups provide an easy way to restore lost files and system states.

• **Recovery Process**

   * Open the Time Machine interface to browse historical backups.  
   * Restore specific files or entire directories.

 **Command Example:**
 ```bash
 tmutil restore /path/to/file /target/location
 ```

 *Relevant links:*  
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250  
 https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/NetworkingInternet/Conceptual/TimeMachineUserGuide/Introduction/Introduction.html

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1. **Third-Party Recovery Tools**

When native tools like Time Machine or Disk Utility cannot recover lost files, third-party tools are often effective:

• **Disk Drill**: A powerful tool supporting HFS+, APFS, and even non-macOS file systems.
• **Data Rescue**: Specializes in deep file recovery for complex data loss scenarios.

 *Relevant links:*  
 https://www.cleverfiles.com/disk-drill-mac.html  
 https://www.prosofteng.com/data-rescue-mac

—

macOS primarily uses APFS and HFS+ file systems, each offering unique features for data management and recovery. While native tools like Disk Utility and Time Machine provide essential recovery options, advanced cases may require third-party tools. To prevent data loss, regular use of Time Machine backups or snapshots in APFS is recommended. Understanding the structure and recovery tools for these file systems ensures better data protection and recovery capabilities on macOS.