However, third-party tools for compatibility exist in the market. MacOS reads NTFS but it doesn’t write to it. NTFS acts as Windows’ default file system. MacOS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted) works for file names with capital letters. Alternatively, MacOS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted) to thwart unauthorized access to a lost or misplaced drive. For pre-High Sierra Macs, it has MacOS Extended (Journaled) as the default. Mac OS ExtendedĪpple out-crowded this file format with the launch of High Sierra in 2017. However, it’s not compatible with older generations of macOS, Windows, and Linux. The APPS boasts better efficiency, reliability, and allows you to encrypt to shield data for your computer. It became the default format for internal drives or newer external hard drives dedicated for Mac. APFS (Apple File System)ĪPPS, Apple’s newly-created file system was incubated along with the High Sierra upgrade. Even better, this hard drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac. ExFATĮxFAT surpasses the 4GB capacity supported by MS-DOS FAT systems. FAT32 cannot transfer files beyond the 4GB limit. It pales in comparison to new file systems hitting the market with file support sizes of more than 4GB. MS-DOS FAT or FAT32 on some versions allows you to format a hard drive compatible with Windows or Mac. Part 1: Differences Between Some Common File Systems MS-DOS FAT People Also Read: Guide on How to Clone Mac Hard Drive to SSD The Best External Hard Drive for Mac in 2022 If you encounter this scenario, read on to implement full compatibility with your Mac.Ĭontents: Part 1: Differences Between Some Common File Systems Part 2: Easy Way to Format An External Drive for Mac Part 3: Other Approachs to Format An External Hard Drive Although it’s compatible with Mac OS X, it’s not suitable for Aperture. Most external hard drives are pre-formatted as FAT 32. You also have to format before setting up a new external hard drive to stash your Aperture Library. Sometimes, preparing an external drive for backups or copying items onto it also entails total obliteration of data. But accessory manufacturers tend to craft accessories or peripherals gravitating towards Windows because a vast majority of external hard drives come preformatted for Windows.

Mac users format a n external hard drive before handing over to another person to erase existing data.

Macos format external hard drive