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| Filename extension |
.sparseimage |
|---|---|
| Internet media type | application/octet-stream |
| Uniform Type Identifier (UTI) | com.apple.disk-image-sparse |
| UTI conformation | com.apple.disk-image |
| Developed by | Apple Inc. |
| Type of format | disk image |
| Container for | file system objects |
A sparse image is a type of disk image file used on macOS that grows in size as the user adds data to the image, taking up only as much disk space as stored in it. Encrypted sparse image files are used to secure a user's home directory by the FileVault feature in Mac OS X Snow Leopard and earlier. Sparse images can be created using Disk Utility.
Unlike a full image file (.dmg), which takes up as much actual space as the real disk it represents (regardless of the amount of unused space), a sparse image file (.sparseimage) takes up only as much actual disk space as the data contained within, up to a maximum of the capacity assigned during creation.