MacOS – Can Finder delete a file directly and bypass moving it to the Trash

findermacos

Is it possible to really delete a file (ie, bypass the Trash) from Finder? Currently, when I want to reclaim space from a USB drive, I rm files/folder from the Terminal, but I'd like to do it from the GUI (similar to Shift+Delete in Windows).

Best Answer

Delete Immediately @ Github (free)

  1. Download the file Delete Immediately.service
  2. Move the file to ~/Library/Services. You may have to create the folder.
  3. Restart the finder by running killall Finder;
  4. You can also assign a keyboard shortcut to this service in System Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts →Services

screenshot of the app's context menu

screenshot of the app's confirmation dialog