[SOLVED] What is the 'Scheme' When Erasing or Formatting a HDD on Mac OSX?

[Mastermmm]

I am formatting an external HDD, and it asks me for the 'scheme'. The three options are:

1. GUID Partition Map
2. Master Boot Record
3. Apple Partition Map

I have no idea which to choose, but by default it is set to Master Boot Record.

Thanks!

 

[atljsf]

if you are going to use the hard disk with windows and mac, use mbr

if only for mac, use apple partition

the question is more related to the type of partition and if it can bee used as active partition, for specific purposes like install tools or a os, sort of stuff

 

[McHenryB]

Don't use "Apple Partition Map" - that is only for earlier (PPC) Macs.

If the disk is only for use on your Mac use 1. GUID Partition Map. You will then want to create a single HPFS partition. As already said, if the disk is to be used with a PC as well use 2. Master Boot Record and create a single ex-FAT partition.

Further deatails: https://support.apple.com/kb/PH22240?locale=en_US

 

[Mastermmm]

Don't use "Apple Partition Map" - that is only for earlier (PPC) Macs.

If the disk is only for use on your Mac use 1. GUID Partition Map. You will then want to create a single HPFS partition. As already said, if the disk is to be used with a PC as well use 2. Master Boot Record and create a single ex-FAT partition.

Further deatails: https://support.apple.com/kb/PH22240?locale=en_US

Good to hear, that's what I decided. I've used ex-FAT for a while now and it's my go to as I go back and forth with OSX and Windows.