Back up your Mac
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Back up with Time Machine
Automatically back up all your files with Time Machine, which is built in to your Mac, or choose another backup method.
Create a backup![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/macbookpro/content-link-timemachine-icloud-backup_2x.png)
Store files in iCloud
You can also use iCloud and iCloud Drive to store files, such as your photos, documents, and music.
Set up iCloud and iCloud Drive![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/psp/content-link-timemachine-restore_2x.png)
Restore your Mac from a backup
When you have a backup, you can use it to restore your files at any time, including after the original files are deleted from your Mac.
Restore from a backup![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/psp/content-link-tools-icon-macos_2x.png)
Prepare your Mac for service
Making a backup is an important part of preparing your Mac for service, especially because some types of repair might require erasing or replacing your hard drive.
How much space do I need for a backup?
To see the size of a specific file or folder, click it once and then press Command-I. To see storage information about your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen. Choose About This Mac and click the Storage tab. For Time Machine backups, it's good to use a drive that has at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac.
![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/macos/sierra/content-link-backup-mac-icloud.png)
Free up storage on your Mac
macOS can save space by storing your content in the cloud. This isn't a backup, but it includes new tools to make it easier to find and remove large or unwanted files before you make a backup.
Use Optimized Storage in macOS![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/softwaretechnologies/diskutility/content-link-format.png)
Erase or format a storage device
You can use Disk Utility if you need to erase or format a storage device.
Learn how to use Disk UtilitySearch for more topics
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Have a question?
Ask everyone. Our Apple Support Community can help you find answers.
Ask the Apple Support Community![](/web/20211217035756im_/https://support.apple.com/content/dam/edam/applecare/images/en_US/repair/artcol-contentlink-expert_2x.png)