SD Card Transfer Practices

Follow these tips to ensure you always have the expected available space on your SD cards.

1. Move files instead of copying them. Most computer operating systems default to copy files and folders when you're dragging from one storage volume to another, such as from the SD card to your hard drive. This leaves the file on the SD card. If you don't need it there, then you can change your dragging action to move instead of copy. When you're dragging a file from the SD card to your computer, hold down Command on macOS or Shift on Windows and Linux until after you release the mouse button. That moves the selected files and folders, so you won't have to delete them from the SD card.
2. Empty the trash/recycle bin. If you simply delete a file from an SD card, it is most likely moved and saved in a temporary location in case you want to restore it. This continues to take space on the SD card. So if you're confident you don't need the file anymore, and you deleted instead of moved the file off, empty your computer's trash or recycle bin to ensure the files are deleted from the SD card.
3. Properly eject the SD card from your computer. Instead of quickly pulling out the SD card when you're finished, use your computer's proper ejection method to ensure no processes are still running. This is usually available by right-clicking on the SD card's appearance in Finder or Explorer. Wait for the confirmation and then pull out the card.