Delete Language Files and Save Hard Drive Space

Delete Language Files And Save Hard Drive Space-2 I expect that most of you, like me, do not use your computer in more than one or two languages. However, many software developers assume you do. Many applications are loaded with useless language files that suck up your precious hard drive space. However, it is quite easy to remove these pesky files and free gigabytes of space!
Open the Applications folder, and select an application. Control-click and select “Get Info”. Make sure the section of the Info box titled “Languages” is open. Look over the list; are there any languages there that you do not need? If there are, select them and click “Remove…”
This can save you a couple gigabytes if your computer contains large applications like Final Cut or iWork, or even if you just have many small applications.
Now, go through all the rest of your applications and repeat the process! It takes a long time, but you won’t regret it once your hard drive is all freed up. Make sure to empty your trash once you’re done, otherwise you really won’t be doing yourself any good.

Technorati Tags: Hard Drive, Languages, OS X, Save Hard Drive Space

Submitted on September 6, 2007 at 6:30 pm - Delete Language Files and Save Hard Drive Space was written by Omer Zach - There have been 11 comments - Categorized in Intermediate Tips, OS X Tips

11 Responses to “Delete Language Files and Save Hard Drive Space”

Maya

Yup, I used this one too. Only problem is it can take a little while :-/ But it does free up a ton of space! September 6th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Tom Clancy

Alternatively, you could have a freeware app do it for you: http://monolingual.sourceforge.net/" rel="nofollow">http://monolingual.sourceforge.net/ September 7th, 2007 at 9:07 am
omerzach

You're right, I didn't realize that Monolingual worked on applications too, I thought it was only for system stuff. I suppose it is a much better way. September 7th, 2007 at 4:11 pm
michael

the only way to delete unwanted entries is to highlight it then click the "-" buttton. but i then get a warning that this action my cause the application to stop working correctly. the application i used was address book. will it in fact stop working correctly? January 28th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Omer Zach

As long as you do not delete the language in which you run OS X, there shouldn't be a problem with the application.

I have yet to run into a problem with a deleted localization file while running OS X in English. January 28th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
michael

went to do this but now the + - at the bottom aren't accessible. i've highlighted a language, tried it checked and unchecked but the + - remain inaccessible. it worked yesterday so why not today:( January 31st, 2008 at 10:13 am
Upyourz

Nice tip- I saved 15T's between all the apps on my galactic supa comp. Hurrah praise the lord March 13th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Tckwiz

i just use monolingual wich clears it all automaicly March 14th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Carol

I just used monolingual and it was great. Easy to download and easy to use. I set it up and let it run. No problems at all. I have a MBA, and can use all the space I can get.
Thanks for the tip. March 30th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
macosofia

macoffice 2008 definitely will cause a problem do not even try it :) October 14th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Gary I.

Monolingual deletes most unwanted languages. But if you do
a restart and try it again you will find several languages re-appear.
When I cleared architectures, the same thing - it was right back
waiting to be cleared again. It's a good utility but far from
perfect. December 5th, 2008 at 1:33 pm