The built-in way
Find numbered copies
- Open Downloads, press ⌘F and set the search to "Downloads".
- Type "(1)", then "(2)", to list the numbered copies. Also try " copy" for files duplicated in Finder.
Guide
How to remove duplicate downloads like "file (1).pdf" on a Mac
Search Downloads for "(1)", compare each copy with the original, and move the true duplicates to the Trash.
Another way
Check before you trash
- Select the copy and the original and press Space to compare them in Quick Look.
- Or select both and press ⌘I to compare sizes.
- If they match, move the copy to the Trash with ⌘⌫.
The same name and size usually means the same file, but a later download can be an updated version.
With Omaculate
Let Oma do it, and check her work first
Omaculate compares the actual content. Its Trash duplicate downloads recipe only lists a numbered copy when it is byte-for-byte the same as the original beside it, and the original is never touched.
Recipe: Trash duplicate downloads Anything in Downloads that's an exact copy of a file beside it goes to the Trash.Questions
Why does my Mac add (1) to downloads?
Your browser does it so it never overwrites a file you already have.
How do I stop duplicate downloads?
Check Downloads before clicking a download link again. Browsers have no setting to replace an existing file.
Let Oma have a look at your Downloads.
Free for one folder. Everything free for 3 days, then Grand Oma is $14.99, once.
Coming soon to the Mac App Store
Needs macOS 15 Sequoia or later