1. Clear Downloads Mac
2. Clean Downloads Folder Mac
3. How Do I Clear The Downloads Folder On My Mac
4. How Do I Delete Downloads On Mac

If you are a novice in terms of using a Mac, have you asked yourself where all your downloaded files go? By default, all your downloaded files go to the Downloads folder. This applies to any downloads made from web browsers like Chrome, Safari, or even from file transfer apps like AirDrop. Since the Downloads folder is the default download destination in Mac, you may want to know how to quickly access it. Below are some of the fastest and easiest ways to get to the folder and access your files.

Where to Find the Downloads Folder

Jul 31, 2015 Large and Old Files helps you clean up your Downloads folder with just a few clicks. Here's how to clear old downloads on your Mac: Download the free version of CleanMyMac X. Install and launch the app. Click Large & Old Files. Scan your Mac and then select whatever you wish to remove. Delete Downloads on Mac Permanently and Automatically. Delete download apps and history on Mac. Clean up duplicated large and old files on Mac. Uninstall apps from Mac. Work for Macbook Pro/Air, Mac Pro/mini, iMac, etc.

In all Mac computers, the Downloads folder is located in the Home directory where it is aptly named the same, Downloads.

Another way to access it is to use the Finder’s sidebar.

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1. Go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar.
2. Check Downloads to make it accessible in the Sidebar.
3. To get to the Downloads folder in less than a minute, press the keys Option + Command + L.

How to Change the Download Destination on Your Browser

Although the default file download destination is the Downloads folder, it can be changed on your browser. For instance, on Safari, this is how you do it:

1. Open Safari > Preferences > General.
2. Under File Download Location, select a different folder where you want to save your entire Safari downloads.

If you are worried that you might have a hard time looking for your downloaded files once you change the download destination folder, don’t be. In most cases, a Download button will appear in the web browser’s toolbar after every successful download. If you click it, you will see a list of all your recent downloads.

How to Manage Your Downloaded Files

With all the wide assortment of files you’ve downloaded to your Mac, expect your Downloads folder to be very messy. Some files are redundant, while others are nestled with your app installers, photos, and copies of your monthly utility bills.

Sort all your files to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Use the Finder’s column view to filter the files by type or by date. If there are larger files that are no longer needed, delete them.

Keep Your Mac Safe No Matter What You Download

While searching for something online, unnecessary files and applications may be unknowingly downloaded onto your Mac. Sometimes, you also find yourself downloading a plethora of stuff, which you don’t actually use and need.

Now, with all the junk files saved on your computer, it won’t be surprising that in the long run, your Mac becomes slow and inefficient. If you don’t want that to happen, start clearing space. Restore it to its former glory by locating the biggest space hogs using 3^rd party cleaning tools like Mac repair app. Once you have identified such files, get rid of them. Your Mac will be thankful if you did.

Did you find our article interesting and helpful? We’d love to hear from you! Chat with us in the comments section below.

Clear Downloads Mac

Click here to return to the 'Clear Downloads Folder using AppleScript' hint

I agree. You could also use (path to me) and employ this script in any other folder, albeit the app name becomes relevant. Perhaps 'Empty This Folder' is more universal.
On first read, I could not readily accept this as a good hint; but when I accepted the premise that some users really do use the Downloads folder from the Dock and don't quite always get the concept of exploring Finder directly, and that this essentially adds a constant command to the Dock Grid (or Stack), I had to kinda come around to the idea.
Seems like effort should be made to force it to sort to top or preferably the bottom of the list, though, when the folder is not set to Date Added, so you don't have to hunt for it.

I must be really bored today:

tell application 'Finder' to move (every item of (container of item (path to me) as alias) whose name is not (name of item (path to me) as text)) to trash

Save the above single line as a compiled application and name it whatever you want; I suggest 'Clear This Folder' or 'Move Contents of This Folder to Trash'.
Be careful where you run it, because it will Trash everything in its directory.
I thought about using do shell script and rm, but this method allows the user to recover with a simple Command-Z (Undo Move).

Clean Downloads Folder Mac

Nice one! I like a simple one-liner, and will be employing this in my Downloads folder...which does get way overloaded with junk seemingly all the time.

In lieu of accumulation and occasional clearing, I HIGHLY recommend using Hazel. http://www.noodlesoft.com
Hazel sorts your downloaded files based on rules that you set up. Movies can be sorted with movies, TV shows can be sorted with TV shows, PDFs can be sorted with PDFs. And most importantly, you can delete files 'of a certain age.'

How Do I Clear The Downloads Folder On My Mac

I would just use a login hook, or a log out hook and use some sort of user detection (like who owns the console) to fill in the path of what user is using it. Then it would work for all users on your system.

How Do I Delete Downloads On Mac