How to format a drive using GUID on Mac

Formatting the drive of your Mac system is crucial for proper operation. It helps prevent various system problems and makes your Mac more stable overall.

While naturally Mac supports various partitioning schemes, GUID offers more modern and versatile functionality compared to other options. Also essential for newer Macs and supports larger drives, giving you the best compatibility and stability.

This guide will dive into how to format a drive using a GUID on macOS. That said, let's get started.

Why GUID is important for macOS installation

GUID (full form of Globally Unique Identifier) ​​is a partitioning scheme that helps with installation and operation macOS operating system. It is a more advanced storage space than a traditional MBR (Master Boot Record) system because it can handle larger hard drives.

The old partitioning system used in macOS (called MBR) has a limited capacity. It only allows up to 2TB of storage on the hard drive, with up to four partitions allowed.

As the need for a wider range of storage solutions increases, macOS users are finding GUID to be a better choice than traditional MBR. GUID supports large-capacity hard drives, especially macOS installations that require larger storage space.

Because GUID can handle these wide range of storage needs with ease, users can take full advantage of the latest, larger hard drives on the market. They also get well-organized and segmented storage structures for various purposes such as data organization, system backup, and application installation.

How to format a drive using GUID on macOS?

Formatting a drive with a GUID on macOS ensures it works with larger storage space and supports more partitions. The process is simple, but there are a few things to remember before you start formatting:

• Back up all your data somewhere to avoid losing it.
• Keep macOS updated for compatibility with new formatting protocols.
• Make sure your Mac has enough battery to complete the format without interruption.
• Use a stable power supply to avoid sudden power outages during the formatting process.
• Confirm there is enough space for formatting to avoid overloading the drive.

After you have everything set up, follow these steps to format the drive using a GUID on macOS:

• Connect the external drive to your Mac.
• Open "Disk Utility".
• Click "View" in the upper left corner and select "Show All Devices" from the drop-down menu.

• #Select the drive you want to format.
• Click "Erase" at the top of the window.

• Assign a name to the drive, select the format (exFAT or APFS), and then select GUID Partition Mapping under Scheme.
• Press the "Erase" button.

That's it. Your drive is now successfully formatted using the GUID partition mapping scheme.

Should you choose "exFAT" or "APFS" format?

"exFAT" and "APFS" are two different file system formats used to format macOS drives.

If you want cross-platform compatibility, the drive will work on both Mac and Windows systems, "exFAT" is preferred. It acts like a universal language, ensuring smooth data exchange between different operating systems.

On the other hand, if your drive only interacts within a macOS environment, especially on newer Macs, choose "APFS." Developed by Apple specifically for macOS, the system offers enhanced performance and features such as space sharing and an improved file system.

Simply put, if your drive will interact with Windows, choose "exFAT"; if it is going to be used with a Mac, choose "APFS" for a better experience.

What to do if the error "Erase process failed" appears

Sometimes, the process of formatting a drive using GUID on macOS gets interrupted with an "Erase process failed" error. This means there is an issue with the drive itself; a damaged drive, physical damage, or even a bad connection can cause this error.

If you receive this error, follow these quick solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

• Retry formatting: This error may be a temporary glitch, so please try formatting again. Please make sure to choose the correct format and partition scheme during this process.
• Change Partition Scheme: If formatting with a specific scheme (such as GUID) repeatedly fails, try using an alternative such as Master Boot Record (MBR). After formatting using the alternate scheme, you can switch back to the original scheme.
• Test with a different drive: If the error appears frequently, it may mean the drive is faulty. To confirm this, test the formatting process using another drive. If the error does not occur with the new drive, the original drive may be damaged and needs to be replaced.

FAQ

When should I format a disk using the GUID partition mapping scheme?

The disk should be formatted using the GUID partition mapping scheme for macOS installations, especially if you have a newer Mac or plan to use a larger hard drive. It supports large storage capacities, which is crucial for compatibility with modern macOS systems.

Should I use Apple partitions or GUIDs?

Although the Apple partition functions normally, its capacity is limited. In comparison, GUID partitioning is a more modern and versatile option. It's compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, supports larger drives, and offers better flexibility for a variety of use cases.

How to fix GUID errors?

If you encounter GUID error issues, please try formatting again and make sure to select the correct partition scheme. If it still doesn't work, switch to another solution, such as Master Boot Record (MBR), and then switch back. If the problem persists, check with a different drive to see if it's the original drive that's causing the problem, meaning there's something wrong with it.

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