Mac Guide: Using Trash Efficiently in macOS is Easy With These Tricks

Unarguably, the concept of Trash in macOS and Recycle Bin in Windows is one of the fantastic functionalities in computer systems. Before this invention, deleting files was possible through text commands or referring to the entire list of files. Even after such hectic manual processes, it was common for users to commit mistakes like choosing the wrong file.

It won’t be wrong to refer to the Trash on Mac as a buffer. You have the liberty to move files in the Trash folder anytime and still retrieve them. You don’t need to delete these files unless you require some extra space in your drive.

Now, many people raise the security of deleted and recovered data. If you are juggling the same doubts, you need to know about the Trash folder in detail.

Shifting files to the Trash folder –

Moving the unwanted files to the Trash folder is easy and quick. All you need to do is drag and drop them in the Trash folder in the Dock. If you have been using macOS for a long time, you may remember the Trash folder displaying on the Desktop. But being under the Dock means that you don’t have to move the windows to see it. You had the liberty to drag one or more files to the icon to place them in the Trash folder. 

Another way of moving the files to the Trash folder is by using the keyboard shortcut. Just press the ‘Delete’ command, and you are done. 

Retrieving files from the Trash folder –

There are times when we accidentally throw a useful file in the Trash folder. Here, all you have to do is drag the file to Desktop or another window you have already opened. Another quick shortcut is to press the ‘Z’ command from the Finder option, and you will see the deleted file in its actual location again. If you feel there is no way to bring back the file you recently deleted, just right-click on the file and click on ‘Put Back.’ The Finder option will drag the file back in its original location.

Note – Some Apple apps send the files to the Trash randomly. For instance – if you have deleted a file from iTunes, you need to retrieve it manually. Here, the Undo or Put Back commands will not work anyhow. 

Emptying the Trash folder –

There are plenty of ways to empty the trash folder and make more space in your system. There are many apps available to simplify this task for you. All you need is to get direct access to these Mac cleaner apps, and you are done. 

Besides, the other way is through the Finder folder, which confirms deleting all files stored in the system. This process helps to make more space in the MacBook for you. 

The bottom line is that –

Using the Trash folder in macOS is no rocket science. It’s super-fast and hassle-free to store all your unwanted files in this folder and clear them whenever required. The efficiency of the Trash folder depends on how you utilize it.