Convert external APFS drive to NON case sensitive?

[pax-eterna]

I inadvertently created the file system on an external drive (for data storage) to APFS Case-Sensitive...not sure how I did it but I did, and I have only just noticed it. I suspect that may be reason some apps cannot see data.

So is there a way without losing data, to change it back to non-case sensitive?

Or do I need to transfer the data, reformat the drive and the re-load the data (about 300gig)?

 

[chrfr]

I inadvertently created the file system on an external drive (for data storage) to APFS Case-Sensitive...not sure how I did it but I did, and I have only just noticed it. I suspect that may be reason some apps cannot see data.

So is there a way without losing data, to change it back to non-case sensitive?

Or do I need to transfer the data, reformat the drive and the re-load the data (about 300gig)?

You’ll have to reformat, unfortunately.

 

[pax-eterna]

You’ll have to reformat, unfortunately.

Ok, thanks

 

[chabig]

You might not have to reformat if you have enough space on the drive for two complete copies of your data. Do this:

1. Create a new APFS volume (non-case sensitive) in the same container as the case sensitive volume.
2. Copy your data over to the new volume.
3. Delete the old case sensitive volume.

 

[pax-eterna]

You might not have to reformat if you have enough space on the drive for two complete copies of your data. Do this:

1. Create a new APFS volume (non-case sensitive) in the same container as the case sensitive volume.
2. Copy your data over to the new volume.
3. Delete the old case sensitive volume.

Good idea, thanks!