> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.tella.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why do I see the low disk space warning on the Mac app?

> Why the Tella Mac app warns about low disk space while recording, and how to free up the space it needs.

When recording with the Tella Mac app, you may see a warning that your disk space is running low. Here's why this happens and how to fix it.

## Why does Tella need disk space?

When you record a video, Tella temporarily saves the video file to your Mac's local storage before uploading it to the cloud. Longer recordings and higher quality settings require more disk space.

## How much space do I need?

We recommend having at least **5-10 GB of free space** before recording. The exact amount depends on:

* Recording length

* Video quality settings

* Whether you're recording screen, camera, or both

## How to free up disk space

1. **Empty your trash**: Right-click the Trash icon in your Dock and select "Empty Trash"

2. **Delete old downloads**: Check your Downloads folder for files you no longer need

3. **Use storage management**: Go to Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage → Manage to see recommendations

## What happens when space runs out?

Current versions of the Tella Mac app protect the recording when storage is low:

* When you press record, Tella checks free space first. If less than **512 MB** is free, the recording doesn't start and Tella shows a warning instead.

* While you record, Tella keeps checking. If free space falls below **256 MB**, it stops the recording safely instead of continuing until the file becomes corrupted.

* The recording will be shorter than planned, but Tella keeps and uploads the part recorded before it stopped.

<Note>
  Those limits are the hard floor, not a target. Leave several GB free, especially for long or 4K recordings.
</Note>

Free up space before starting again, especially before a long or high-resolution recording.

## Where does Tella store temporary files?

Tella stores in-progress recordings in its own folder inside your Mac's Application Support directory (`~/Library/Application Support`). The quickest way to find it is the app's menu bar: **Help → Open Video Folder…**. Each recording's files are deleted automatically once they finish uploading.

<Warning>
  Don't delete anything in that folder while a video is still uploading. Those are the only copies of that recording.
</Warning>


## Related topics

- [Mac app system requirements](/docs/help/mac-app/mac-app-system-requirements.md)
- [Record a video using the Mac app](/docs/help/recording/record-a-video-using-the-mac-app.md)
- [Low disk space in the Windows app](/docs/help/windows-app/windows-app-low-disk-space-warning.md)
- [Mac App](/docs/changelog/mac-app.md)
- [Why do I see the 'no sound' warning?](/docs/help/troubleshooting/why-do-i-see-the-no-sound-warning.md)