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When determining how space is divided on a hard drive, some, more visual users may want a way to have the information represented graphically, rather than in numbers. While simple and of limited overall use, GrandPerspective for Mac is a good option for those looking for a different way to analyze folder and hard drive space.
Download and installation of GrandPerspective for Mac completed easily, but it only contained a basic readme file with no dedicated instructions, which was a detriment due to the complex nature of the program and its interface. It was also unclear if technical support existed. The program's main menu allows users to select a folder or drive to analyze. After a short time of analysis, the program brings up a two-dimensional image with different size squares, each representing a file on the computer. Users can click on each square and press a "reveal" button that tells what it is and brings up a finder window showing its location. This allows the file to be deleted to free up more space. The folder can be rescanned with a click of one easily-identifiable button.
For those users who want a different way to view hard drive or folder usage, GrandPerspective for Mac performs its stated functions well, despite its limited functionality and lack of user direction.
Publisher's Description
From Eriban Software:
GrandPerspective is a small utility application for Mac OS X that graphically shows the disk usage within a file system. It can help you to manage your disk, as you can easily spot which files and folders take up the most space. It uses a so called tree map for visualisation. Each file is shown as a rectangle with an area proportional to the file's size. Files in the same folder appear together, but their placement is otherwise arbitrary.
What's new in this version: It features two minor improvements both requested by users. Firstly, the ability to report file sizes with a decimal base. Secondly, the ability to copy the path of a selected item to the paste board. Also included is a minor bug fix.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 23 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"Shows disk usage well."
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.3
Pros
Gives you a good overview of where your disk space has gone.
Cons
Takes a long time to get to its conclusion.
Summary
Give it a go.
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"1234567890"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.3
Pros
1234567890
Cons
1234567890
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"A real help in clearing out the deadwood!"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.2
Pros
Seeing graphically the biggest disk-hogs and being able to drill down for the details is much faster.
Cons
The scanning process is not dynamic, so when a folder is removed, it takes some time to see the details before hunting for another removable chunk of disk space.
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"WhaT xcan I say free and works as advertised."
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.2
Pros
aall good for free
Cons
none to be concerned about
Summary
free and works as advertised
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"Succinct, accurate, & attractive space tracking utility"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.1
Pros
Effective visual utility for finding out what's taking up all that space with ability to find in the Finder and delete files on the fly.
Cons
Opens up with no active windows. Not a big issue but sorta leaves you wondering what you did wrong on launch.
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"Not used GP for long, but love it already"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.1
Pros
Simplicity of concept, brilliantly realised
Cons
Not a lot to dislike
Summary
See above
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"Extremely useful; beautifully designed user interface"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.1
Pros
This application uses a very unique way to visually display a graphic representation of all the files on one's hard drive and how they are organized in a pleasing and colorful view.
Cons
I have not found any
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"Ideal for visual thinkers, vividly shows file sizes"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.1
Pros
Simplicity, clarity, effectiveness, usefulness. The scan brings up everything in proportionate size. I can zoom the range in and out.It helps especially finding large files that I can decide to archive externally, freeing up disk space.
Cons
None. So I'll add on the Pros: it even offers a variety of color schemes.
And this isn't a con, but *IF* you don't like colored quadrangles, Omni Disk Sweeper presents the same data, in column view. Equally effective if you prefer lists to shapes.Summary
File management will always matter, no matter how large our drives or other storage devices become. GP presents file size data quickly, clearly, and actionable. I even found it fun to poke around and see how things compare.
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"it crashes"
Version: GrandPerspective 1.3.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
It crashes. Nothing comes up under "Preferences" Forget it. It's useless. I'm sticking with Disk Inventory X. -
"Does a great job showing how your disk is used."
Version: GrandPerspective 1.1.0
Pros
It's very easy to use and gives you a quick and thorough view of what's hogging your disk space. What is finds is sometimes surprising and always useful.
Cons
Nothing to speak of.
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