Storage Types

How to Find and Delete .DMG Files on Mac

June 7, 2026·2 min read

What Are DMG Files?

DMG files are disk image files used to distribute Mac software. When you download an app from the internet, it usually comes as a .dmg file. You open it, drag the app to Applications, and the installation is done. But the old installers mac users download often sit forgotten on the drive, wasting space for months or years.

Each DMG file can be anywhere from 50 MB to several gigabytes depending on the app.

Find All DMG Files on Your Mac

Open Finder, press **Cmd+F**, and change the search to "This Mac." Set the Kind filter to "Disk Image" or type ".dmg" in the search field. Finder will show every DMG file on your Mac, including ones buried in subfolders you forgot about.

Sort the results by size to see the largest old installers mac has been holding onto. Common large DMGs include Xcode, Microsoft Office, Adobe installers, and game files.

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Check Before Deleting

Before deleting a DMG, make sure the app is already installed. If you see an app in your Applications folder, its DMG installer is no longer needed. The only reason to keep a DMG is if you want to reinstall the app later without downloading it again.

For apps you can easily re-download, delete the DMG without hesitation. For rare or hard-to-find apps, consider moving the DMG to an external drive instead.

Delete DMG Files in Bulk

Select all the DMG files you want to remove in your Finder search results. Press **Cmd+Delete** to move them all to Trash, then empty the Trash. This single action can free up several gigabytes quickly.

Also look for .pkg files, which are another type of installer file on Mac. These dmg files mac accumulate alongside DMGs and can be cleaned up the same way.

Prevent Future DMG Buildup

After installing any app from a DMG, eject the disk image and immediately delete the DMG file. Make this a habit and you'll never accumulate old installers again. Some browsers can be configured to automatically delete downloads after opening, which helps automate this process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are DMG files safe to delete after installing an app?

Yes. Once the app is in your Applications folder, the DMG installer file serves no purpose and can be safely deleted.

How do I find all DMG files on my Mac?

Open Finder, press Cmd+F, search This Mac, and type .dmg. All disk image files on your Mac will appear in the results.

How much space do DMG files usually take?

Individual DMGs range from 50 MB to several GB. Users who install many apps typically accumulate 5-15 GB of old DMG files.