Format an external drive on your Mac,
as exFAT or NTFS
You can format a drive as exFAT with macOS's built-in Disk Utility. NTFS isn't an option in Disk Utility, so for that you'll need CrossDriver NTFS. Formatting erases all data on the disk, so back up first.
exFATNTFSExt4XFSBtrfsZFSLast updated
Format as exFAT with Disk Utility
Both Mac and Windows can read and write exFAT natively, making it ideal for USB flash drives and external drives you use to move files between the two.
- 1
Open Disk Utility
Open it from Applications → Utilities, or search for "Disk Utility" with Spotlight.
- 2
Show All Devices
Choose View → Show All Devices from the menu bar, then select the top level of the external disk in the sidebar (the disk itself, not a volume inside it).
- 3
Erase
Click "Erase," enter a name, choose "ExFAT" for Format and "GUID Partition Map" for Scheme (choose "Master Boot Record" for older TVs and car stereos).
- 4
Done
Click "Erase" and wait for it to finish; the disk will reappear in Finder.
Format as NTFS with CrossDriver NTFS
NTFS is journaled and more robust, making it a good fit for high-capacity drives used long-term with Windows. Formatting as NTFS requires Pro, with a 7-day free trial.
- 1
Back up your data
Copy any files you want to keep somewhere else.
- 2
Select disks
Open CrossDriver NTFS and select the disk to format in the sidebar.
- 3
Format
Choose "Format" from the "Tools" menu, enter a volume name, check the confirmation box, and click "Erase."
- 4
Get started
When it's done, the disk appears in Finder as NTFS, readable and writable on both Mac and Windows.
Which format to choose
Mainly for Windows
Choose NTFS: it's journaled, safer if the drive is unplugged unexpectedly, and readable and writable on a Mac with CrossDriver NTFS.
Moving files between both, or USB flash drives
Choose exFAT: native read and write on both—just remember to "Eject" before unplugging every time.
For Linux, NAS, or Raspberry Pi
Choose Ext4, XFS, or Btrfs: format on your Mac with All in One, which also handles ZFS and F2FS.
Q&A
Why is there no NTFS option in Disk Utility?
macOS can't write to NTFS, so its built-in Disk Utility can't format as NTFS either. CrossDriver NTFS Pro or All in One Pro can.
Will formatting erase my data?
Yes. Formatting (erasing) deletes all data on the disk, so back up your files first.
Erase failed because the disk is in use?
Quit any apps and close any Finder windows using the disk, then try again. If it still fails, eject the disk and plug it back in.
Will TVs and car stereos recognize a drive formatted as NTFS?
Most TVs and media players support NTFS, while car stereos often support only FAT32 or exFAT. Check your device's documentation.
Can a Mac format drives as Ext4, XFS, Btrfs, or ZFS?
Yes. CrossDriver Ext4 and CrossDriver XFS can format as Ext4 and XFS respectively; All in One can format as six file systems: NTFS, Ext4, XFS, Btrfs, ZFS, and F2FS.
Related products and guides
CrossDriver NTFS
Read, write, repair, and format NTFS disks on Mac.
CrossDriver Omni
Format as NTFS, Ext4, XFS, Btrfs, ZFS, or F2FS.
exFAT vs. NTFS: which to choose
How exFAT, NTFS, FAT32, and APFS differ.
Mac external drive is read-only
Five reasons an external drive shows as read-only or "You can only read."
Format as NTFS — works on both Mac and Windows
Download CrossDriver NTFS and try Pro free for 7 days.
Download for Mac — Free preview