Why name-matching isn't enough
report.pdf and report (1).pdf might be identical, or might not. Broom compares the full contents of each file, so only true copies are grouped.
Copies that don't cost space
On APFS, duplicating a file in Finder makes a clone that shares the same blocks on disk. Deleting it frees nothing. Broom knows this and doesn't count clones as duplicates, so the space it reports is space you'll actually get back.
How to remove them
- Scan your diskDuplicates are found from the same scan Broom uses for everything else.
- Open DuplicatesGroups are sorted by the space you'd save.
- Pick the copies to removeBroom never preselects duplicates, so the original you keep is your choice.
- Move to TrashThey can be put back from Activity if you change your mind.
Questions
Does macOS have a duplicate finder?
No. Smart Folders can find files by name or size, but not identical contents. Photos has a Duplicates album for photos only.
Is it safe to delete duplicates?
Make sure an app or project doesn't expect the file at that path. Broom moves them to the Trash so you can restore any you needed.