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Since I write reviews on apps for the Mac, I often times download lots of apps to try out. Once I finish learning how to use the app, I usually uninstall it because I don’t need it anymore. There is no specific uninstall option in Mac OS X, but there is Spotlight. With Spotlight you can search for all the necessary files to delete an application. Here’s how:

  1. Open a new Finder window by going to File > New Finder Window.
  2. Type in the name of the application in the search bar.
  3. Look for a few specific files: the application itself, the .plist file, and folders with the application’s name.
  4. If you can’t find one of the files related to your app, try searching for the company who makes the application.
  5. Select the files that are related to the app holding down the ⌘ (Command) key to allow for a multiple selection.
  6. Then, right-click on the files you have selected and choose Move To Trash in the contextual menu.
  7. If you find this to be too tedious, feel free to check out AppDelete.

screenshots: 1 2 3 5-6

  1. I keep AppDelete in Finder’s sidebar. I have a bad habit of downloading and trying random apps that sound remotely interesting, so every now and then I’ll go through my Applications folder and just drag the programs I don’t use (some I can’t even recall what they do!) over on to the AppDelete icon in the sidebar.

  2. Tried AppDelete to get rid of a few applications and it was simple and easy. It didn’t pick up on the .plist file but beyond that I was very happy. Thanks!

  3. Alex,
    Glad to hear that you liked AppDelete. It’s definitely a great program that comes in handy.

    Thanks,
    Mason

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