mac disk utility format for mac and windows

Mac Disk Utility: Understanding Format Options for Mac and Windows

When it comes to formatting your Mac OS Extended (Journaled) storage drive, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Before you begin, make sure you know which version of macOS you're using. If you're unsure, click here to determine your version.

If you're running a newer version of macOS (10.13 High Sierra or later), Apple recommends using the Apple File System (APFS) format. However, if you're using an earlier version of OS X (such as 10.12 Sierra), Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is still recommended.

When choosing a hard drive for installing and using NI products on your Mac computer, make sure it's not formatted case-sensitive. For best results, your external drive should be formatted the same as your operating system's native format.

To verify if your selected hard drive's format is Case-sensitive, follow these steps:

1. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities.

2. Choose the hard drive volume you want to verify from the list on the left-hand side of the window.

Important

If a hard drive is formatted 'case-sensitive', the system distinguishes between uppercase and lowercase letters used for volume and folder names. On Mac systems, hard drives can be formatted in various ways. It's essential to understand these options to ensure compatibility with your software and hardware.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to format your storage drive correctly and avoid any potential issues when using NI products on your Mac computer.

Mac disk utility format for mac and windows