Search for ALL large files and folders (not just some) using Finder (not third-party)

findersearch

I am looking for space! I would like to search for all large folders and files. I found this answer but so far my searches failed to show some of the large files, including a .pkg file that was in my home directory (the 'house' icon). I just use "normal" finder, and then with the controls – where I am trying to find a way to say size > 100MB or something to that effect. But I don't even see size.

I also can not see how to display all folders on my computer where again folder size > 100MB. Are these possible using the Finder controls?

edit: To address the comments I've added an additional example. It's the selective file type that's bothering me. Here I create some files with python and look with Finder. Finder decides that I should not know about two of the files because the "Kind" is "Document". If I display the folder, they are there, but Finder won't show them if I'm searching. 

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import json

y = [3,1,5,2,0]

np.save("TestDifferent", y)

with open("TestDifferent.json", "w") as outfile:
    json.dump(y, outfile)

with open("TestDifferent.txt", "w") as outfile:
    outfile.write(str(y))

with open("TestDifferent.weird", "w") as outfile:
    outfile.write(str(y))

plt.figure()
plt.plot(y)
plt.savefig("TestDifferent")
plt.show()

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screen shot 1 of Finder

screen shot 2 of Finder

Best Answer

It is not possible to search for folders by file size. The combined size of all files and folders contained in a folder is computed on the fly by Finder when you ask for it.

For normal Finder windows, you can enable the option to “Calculate all sizes” in View > View Options. That option is not available for search results.

What you can do is search for files that were recently added to the system and then check the total size of folders where such a files were found. While the file you find using this method may be small, it can be part of a larger collection of files you have downloaded or installed.

I have written a blog post that shows how to find large files and folders. In the blog post I use HoudahSpot. Full disclosure: I am the developer of HoudahSpot.

You can use much the same techniques with Finder. HoudahSpot however makes it easier to set up the search. It also has the ability to show the “total size” of folders as a column in search results. You can also use HoudahSpot to quickly compute the total size of a folder.

Both Finder and HoudahSpot search the Spotlight index. Neither will be able to find system files. Yet HoudahSpot will come up with search results that the Finder intentionally hides.

BTW, if disk space "went missing” just recently, try restarting your Mac. This will clean up temporary files left behind by applications.

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