OS X Yosemite: Delete files and folders
At any time, you can get rid of files, folders, and other items that you no longer need. You start by dragging items to the Trash, but the items aren’t deleted until you empty the Trash.
Delete an item from your Mac
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Drag the item to the Trash. Or select the item, then press Command (⌘)–Delete.
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Click the Trash, then click Empty. You can also choose Finder > Empty Trash.
When you see a warning message, click OK.
Note: If you see Empty Securely or Finder > Secure Empty Trash instead of Empty or Empty Trash, see If the Empty Trash command isn’t in the Finder menu.
Delete a locked item from your Mac
You must unlock the item before putting it in the Trash.
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Select the item, then choose File > Get Info or press Command (⌘)-I.
If you are not logged in as an administrator, you may need to click the lock icon
, then enter an administrator name and password. -
Drag the item to the Trash, click the Trash, then click Empty. You can also choose Finder > Empty Trash.
When you see a warning message, click OK.
Securely empty the Trash
Even after you empty the Trash, deleted files can be recovered using data-recovery software. For extra security, you can delete files so they can’t easily be recovered.
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Drag the item to the Trash.
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Click the Finder icon in the Dock, then choose Finder > Secure Empty Trash. When you see a warning message, click OK.
To always empty the Trash securely, choose Finder > Preferences, click Advanced, then select “Empty Trash securely.”
Files deleted in this way are completely overwritten by meaningless data. This may take some time, depending on the size of the files.
Prevent the Trash warning message from appearing
Once: Press the Option key when you click Empty or choose Empty Trash.
Always: Turn off the warning in the Advanced pane of Finder preferences. Choose Finder > Preferences, click Advanced, then deselect “Show warning before emptying the Trash.”
If you change your mind before emptying the Trash
Click the Trash to open it, then drag the item out of the Trash, or select the item and choose File > Put Back.