Frequently Asked Questions

What is SpectraSpace?

SpectraSpace is a disk space visualizer designed for macOS. It helps you find and clean up space hogs by mapping folders and files as interactive, color-coded charts.

Is SpectraSpace safe to use?

Yes. SpectraSpace is sandboxed, meaning it runs within the macOS security model. It cannot modify or access files outside the folders you authorize. Furthermore, the application is built with system deletion protection rules that prevent you from deleting critical macOS system files, system directories, or active application binaries, ensuring you cannot accidentally damage your operating system.

What is the difference between the Free and Pro editions?

The Free edition lets you scan your Home directory (~). Upgrading to Pro unlocks scanning of custom folders, external drives, and your entire hard drive.

Does SpectraSpace collect personal data?

No. We have a verified zero-PII telemetry guarantee. We monitor app crashes anonymously, but we never capture usernames, file names, file contents, or paths.

How fast is the storage scanning?

Scanning speed depends on the total number of files and folders on your drive, as well as the speed of your storage hardware. However, the scanning engine is highly optimized to read directories as fast as your hardware will allow, mapping hundreds of thousands of files in a blink.

How much does SpectraSpace Pro cost?

SpectraSpace Pro is a one-time purchase of $9.99. Buy it once and own it forever — no subscriptions, no recurring charges. Available on the Mac App Store or directly from our website.

Where do deleted files go?

When you delete items, they are safely moved to the native macOS Trash. They are not permanently deleted until you empty your Trash, allowing you to easily recover them if needed.

Why doesn't SpectraSpace have an automated "cache cleaner" tool?

Unlike other utility apps, SpectraSpace does not offer automated, blind cleanup scripts. Automated cleaning of caches, logs, and temp files is a gimmick that often degrades your Mac's performance, as macOS needs these caches to run fast and will immediately attempt to recreate them. Instead, we put you in control by visualizing exactly where your storage is going and letting you make informed decisions about what to delete.

How does the duplicate finder work?

The Duplicate Finder is a Pro feature that scans your chosen directory block-by-block, comparing files byte-for-byte to identify identical copies. It lists duplicates grouped together, showing you how many copies exist, where they are located, and how much space can be reclaimed. You can then safely choose which duplicates to clean up, while the app ensures at least one original copy remains safe.

What visualizations does SpectraSpace support?

SpectraSpace supports four interactive storage visualization views to suit your preferences: Interactive Columns (Finder-like folder navigation), Quick List View (a flat list of files sorted by size to find space hogs instantly), Treemap Blocks (representing folder hierarchy as nested, color-coded rectangles), and Concentric Sunburst (a multi-level wheel chart showing nested folders). Treemap and Sunburst are Pro-only features.

What is the difference between the App Store and direct download versions?

The Mac App Store version runs in Apple's sandbox for extra security. The direct download version runs without sandbox restrictions, giving SpectraSpace fuller access to your filesystem. Both versions have the same features and Pro upgrade.

What is your refund policy?

We offer a 30-day no-questions-asked refund policy for purchases made through our website. For Mac App Store purchases, refunds are handled by Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com.

Can I use SpectraSpace on multiple Macs?

License keys purchased from our website can be activated on up to 10 Macs. If you need more, just contact us through our contact form and we'll increase your limit. You can also deactivate a license from one machine and activate it on another at any time.

I bought SpectraSpace Pro on the App Store. Can I switch to the direct download version?

Yes! If you've purchased Pro on the Mac App Store, you can claim a free license key for the direct download edition. Visit spectraspace.app/claim to get started.