How to Format an OS X SD Card
An SD (Secure Digital) card comes preformatted so that it can be used on PCs as well as Macintosh computers. Format a SD card so that it will be specifically compatible with the Mac's OS X operating system. The procedure uses a built-in program that is installed along with OS X. A SD card adapter purchased from a computer store or hobby shop is also needed, since the majority of Macs do not feature a SD port.
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Instructions
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Insert the slotted end of the SD card into the slot on the SD card adapter. Insert the USB connector on the other end of the SD card adapter into a USB port on the Mac.
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Launch the Disk Utility program that is included with OS X by double-clicking its icon. This icon resides inside of the "Utilities" folder, which is within the "Applications" folder in the Mac's main hard drive.
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Click once on the icon of the SD card that is on the left side of the Disk Utility program's screen. Click the "Erase" tab at the top of the screen.
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Name the SD card in the "Name" column that is in the middle of the screen.
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Select "Mac OS Extended" from the "Format" drop-down menu that is above "Name." Click the "Erase" button at the bottom right of the screen.
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Click "Erase" on the pop-up confirmation window. Wait as a series of lines scroll up the center of the screen to signify the formatting process.
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Click the "Eject" tab at the top of the screen. Quit Disk Utility. Remove the SD card adapter from the USB port of the Mac. Remove the SD card from the SD card adapter.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not force the contacts on the end of an SD card into the SD card adapter--the SD card can only be inserted into the adapter in one way and forcing it in can break the card's contacts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Security SD image by Ron-Heidelberg from Fotolia.com
