Disk Inventory X vs GrandPerspecitve on MacOS
Date: 2024-05-0310:12
Introduction:
Managing disk usage on MacOS can be simplified with the right tools. Today, we're comparing Disk Inventory X and GrandPerspective. If you've ever wondered where all your disk space has gone, Disk Inventory X and GrandPerspective will help you answer this question.
Both tools use "** treemaps" to visually represent disk usage but they differ in user interface and availability. I will share some of the specifics below.
** treemaps: For more information about treemaps, you can visit http://www.cs.umd.edu/hcil/treemap-history/index.shtml.
Disk Inventory X: A Reliable Companion
Disk Inventory x was developed by Tjark Derlien (www.derlien.com)
Disk Inventory X has been a trusted app for MacOS users for years, offering a comprehensive view of disk usage. You can download it directly from the developer's homepage at https://www.derlien.com/index.html. Despite not receiving recent updates, Disk Inventory X seems to continue to function seamlessly on a wide range of Macs, from older models to the latest Intel and M1-based machines.
Developer states that "Disk Inventory X requires a computer running MacOS X 10.13 or newer". To install, simply run (double click) the app from the disk image or copy it anywhere you like. The preferred place for applications on MacOS X is /Applications or ~/Applications.
Disk Inventory X and its source code is released under GPL (gnu public license).
Once installed, you can select any folder or volume you'd like to analyze from the "File" menu. After the loading is completed, the main window opens where you see a finder-like view of the selected folder/volume on the left and a graphical view on the right. The treemap shows the files and folders in a way that easily clarifies which files and folders occupy most of the space. The selection in the finder-like view and the treemap is synchronized.
Disk Inventory X, currently at version 1.3, is a disk usage utility for MacOS that shows the sizes of files and folders in a graphical "treemaps" representing the size of each file but also as a list showing largest files first. Those are also shown in your director structure.
Disk Inventory X uses 12 predefined colors assigned to the 8 "largest kinds" of files, with the rest of the kinds assigned to the grey color. This color assignment is made across all opened folders - files of the same kind have the same color in all opened folders.
Picture Credit : DiskInventoryX readme.rtfd file created by DiskInventoryX@derlien.com . Please visit developer page and forum at www.derlien.com.
GrandPerspective: A Versatile Alternative
The GrandPerspective application has been developed by Erwin Bonsma. Please visit this website for further references: http://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net
details on how to contact me.GrandPerspective, currently at version 3.4.2, is a small but powerful utility for MacOS that provides a unique two-dimensional view of disk usage within a file system. This visual representation can help you manage your disk more effectively, as it allows you to easily identify which files and folders are taking up the most space.
[Picture of GrandPerspective User Interface]
The graphical representation in GrandPerspective is logical, with each file shown as a rectangle. The area of the rectangle is proportional to the file's size. Files in the same folder appear together, but the placement of files is otherwise arbitrary, changing as you resize the view window to keep the rectangles as square as possible.
GrandPerspective requires macOS 11.0 or higher and is compatible with both Apple silicon and Intel-based processors. It's released as Open Source under the GNU General Public License.
GrandPerspective latest updated and most reliable (paid) version is accessible through the App Store for $2.99 perpetual license at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grandperspective/id1111570163?mt=12 but a free version can be downloaded (at your own responsibility) on SourceForge (http://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net/). The AppleStore option provides an added layer of reliability, as it has passed Apple Store requirements.
For more information about the application, you can visit the website at http://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net.
User Interface Comparison:
The user interfaces of Disk Inventory X and GrandPerspective are where the differences truly shine. Disk Inventory X presents a comprehensive view of your directory structure, a graphical representation, and a list of the largest files, all side by side. This organized approach allows users to quickly identify space-hogging files and folders.
In contrast, GrandPerspective focuses mainly on a dynamic graphical view with a tool bar on top. With that you can zoom in and out in certain areas, increase or decrease the focus area (selecting folders vs just files), use a quick look to show a file content and reveal (show location in the Finder app. This approach has an appeal for those uses looking in more details into specific areas of interest without the need of a new scan.
Conclusion:
Both Disk Inventory X and GrandPerspective offer valuable insights into disk usage on MacOS, but they cater to different user preferences. Disk Inventory X, despite its lack of recent updates, remains a reliable option with a comprehensive and simpler user interface. This simplicity may appeal to users who prefer a simpler and more comprehensive representation of their disk usage.
On the other hand, GrandPerspective offers a versatile alternative with a focus on a dynamic visual representation of your disk usage that allows you to explore it step by step but in my view, the lacking the organized directory structure and top down list of larger files that Disk Inventory X offers makes me prefer the usage of Disk Inventory X.
From a reliability stand point, GrandPerspective is the winner since it offers users the flexibility of choosing between a free version available on SourceForge (http://grandperspectiv.sourceforge.net/) and a paid perpetual license version ($2.99) accessible through the App Store. The latter option provides an added layer of reliability, as it has passed Apple Store requirements.
Ultimately, the choice between Disk Inventory X and GrandPerspective depends on your personal preferences, compliance requirements and specific needs. Whether you prioritize availability via AppleStore, a simple comprehensive view or a visually appealing and dynamic representation that allows you to explore it further without re-scan, both utility software options can help you effectively manage your disk space on MacOS.
ps: Since I wrote this blog I found out about another app available on apple store [Disk Space Analyser] (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/disk-space-analyzer-inspector/id446243721?mt=12) and Daisy Disk . I tried Disk Space Analyser and it works well, not sure what is the difference between the free and paid versions. Will let you know when I do.
see info below retrieved from this page: https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/81568/a-modern-and-faster-alternative-to-disk-inventory-x
The App Store versions of both are limited functionality compared to the versions available from the developers' websites:
