How to choose a flash file system for Mac
Makradar Technologies / / December 19, 2019
When the flash drive is behaving incorrectly or there is a need to erase it entirely, accepted formatting the drive. This procedure removes all data and often recovers normal operation.
In the process of formatting the computer prompts you to select a file system (FS). So we call a way to organize data on a flash drive. MacOS the user is given a choice of the following systems: MS-DOS (FAT), ExFAT or OS X Extended.
It is important to format the drive to the file system that is best suited for your equipment. Let's see what the file system of flash drive is optimal for Mac and why.
Types of file systems and their features
MS-DOS (FAT) - the so-called FS macOS known to Windows users as a FAT / FAT32. It is compatible with all computers, and is supported by consoles, and home appliances such as video cameras, or even of old media players.
For all its versatility MS-DOS (FAT) has a major drawback: a formatted in the file system, a USB flash drive can not write to files that are larger than 4 GB.
ExFAT - a newer filesystem that is supported in macOS environment since version X 10.6.5, and In Windows - with XP SP2. Obviously, the disadvantage of this format is the lack of compatibility with earlier versions of operating systems. In addition, not all USB-devices support ExFAT. Well, plus the fact that he is able to work with file sizes greater than 4 GB.
Mac OS Extended (Journaled) It ensures maximum compatibility with flash-drive macOS and is the default file system for the hard drive on a Mac. There are no restrictions on the size of the recorded file using Mac OS Extended (Journaled) no. At the same time, the file system is not supported by Windows, and many USB-devices.
You can also see the list of available file system Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled). It differs from the previous one only by case sensitivity. For example, files and hello.txt Hello.txt in this FS will be considered different. If it does not you need to choose the usual Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
NTFS - another FS, with which you may encounter. Formatted drives in it have no restrictions on the volume of files and is compatible with Windows. But macOS stored on a USB flash drive files can only be viewed without recording capabilities. In addition, some USB-devices do not support NTFS.
What file system to choose
As you can see, the choice of storage file system depends on which devices you will use it. If it's a Mac, and other machinery Apple, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
For Mac and Windows-based PCs ExFAT is perfect.
If you want to achieve maximum compatibility with the stick Number of USB-devices and do not plan to write to her files larger than 4 GB, choose MS-DOS (FAT).
How to change the file system
To change the file system drive, format it using the "Disk Utility". Do not forget, this procedure destroys all data.
But first, check the current file system of the stick. To do this, simply run the "Disk Utility" and select the drive in the left pane. After this, the screen will display detailed information on a flash drive, including its type FS, which can be seen next to the drive name.
If the current file system does not suit you, click on the top bar on the button "Delete". In the resulting window, select the new file system and click "Erase" again. After a few seconds the utility to change the file system of the stick.