Just got a new hard drive? Great! Now it’s time to format it in order to have an optimal workflow.

Why do we format our HDDs (Hard Drive Discs)? 

We work in a MAC environment here at Philadelphia Neighborhoods and manage large files. As a rule of thumb, one minute of video uses about one gig of space on a storage device. The default formatting of most HDDs is Fat 32, which does not allow you to transfer large files, such as video clips longer than four minutes. It is for this reason that we use the MAC OS Extended (Journaled) format for Final Cut Pro and other multimedia projects.

Types of HDD Formats:

There are three main types of formats that you’ll work with – MAC OS Extended (Journaled), ExFat (recommended) and MS-DOS (Fat 32).

The MS-DOS format allows you to open files on either a MAC or PC, but comes with a drawback. It only allows you to transfer four gigs at a time. Do not use this while working with Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro (FCP). It will make transferring a five-minute video clip impossible.

The MAC format only allows you to use files on a MAC. This format has no file size transfer limit.

ExFat allows you to use files on both platforms without limitations. It is for this reason that we recommend this format.

Partitioning your HDD using a MAC: Use this method if you do not choose the recommended ExFat format.

Before moving forward, be warned that doing the following will erase all content on your drive. If you already put stuff on there, simply copy the contents of your external drive to a folder on a computer so that you can put the files back onto the drive after it is formatted.

We recommend formatting your HDD to both MAC and PC with the majority of space being allocated for MAC. You can accomplish this by partitioning your HDD. It will give your HDD a dual identity- part MAC and part PC.

Step 1-

Type “Disk Utility” in the Finder

HD Step 1

 

Step 2-

Select your HDD in the dialogue window. It should go without saying, but make sure to NOT select the main MAC Hard Drive. This process would complete erase the main computer hard drive.

HD STEP 2

 

Step 3-

Select “2 Partitions” under Partition Layout

HD SELECT 2 PARTITIONS

 

You’ll now see two frames like the ones below.

SELECT 2 PARTITIONS MED

 

Step 4-

Click on the top box (named MURL MAC in the picture above). Select “MAC OS Extended (Journaled) from the drop-down menu and then choose how much space it will have. We recommend allocating at least 500 gigs for the MAC side of your HDD.

MAC SPACE SELECT

 

Step 5-

Click on the bottom box, give it a name (e.g.:Neil PC) and make sure “MS-DOS FAT” is selected from the drop-down menu.

FAT 32 TIGHT

 

Step 6-

Click “Apply” and then click “Partition” when the dialogue box below appears.

SELECT PARTITION BUTTON

 

All Done 🙂

HD END RESULT

 

Your HDD will now appear as two different devices on your computer. You can easily transfer files between the two.