When formatting a flash drive on Mac you are asked to choose a format. You must choose according to the use you will give it. If you plan to use your USB memory only on computers with Mac OS X, choose Mac OS Plus (with registration) or Mac OS Plus (upper/lower case with registration). If you want your external memory to copy and open files on both Mac and Windows computers, you can choose between the MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT file system.

Mac Formatting Types

Mac OS Plus (with registration) is the default format of Mac OS X and gives you the ability to copy files of any size quickly. Mac OS Plus (uppercase /lowercase with registration) also allows the system to distinguish between upper and lower case.

The MS-DOS (FAT) format, which is the equivalent of Windows FAT32, only allows you to copy files up to 4 GB. Instead, the exFAT file system gives you the option to burn large files.

Format a USB on Mac for Use Only on Mac Computers

Connect the USB to your Mac, and open Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select the USB memory drive you want to format. Then, click on the Delete tab and select the Mac OS Plus (with registration’s) or Mac OS Plus (uppercase / lowercase with registration) and click on the Delete button.

Format a Flash Drive on Mac and Make It Compatible with Windows Computers

Connect the USB to your Mac and open Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. Select the USB drive you want to format. Then, click the Delete tab and select the MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT format. Next, click the Delete button to start the formatting process. The USB should now be ready to be used on Mac and Windows computers.

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