How to format a SPARK for use with macOS after re-initialising or re-configuring the RAID array


SymplySPARK ships by default as RAID 5 and formatted with the APFS file system for use with macOS. We understand you may have other requirements for your environment such as [formatting your SPARK to use with Windows] or [changing the RAID level] to prioritise disk failure protection over performance.


Follow these instructions to format your SymplySPARK:

  • Open /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility
  • Select Symply SPARK Media
  • Select Erase from the toolbar at the top of the window and select the following options:
    • Name: <your name for the disk>
    • Format: APFS
    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map
  • Click Erase
  • The formatting process will run and Disk Utility will display the output from the formatting
When this process is complete your SymplySPARK will be ready for use.


If you have any questions please submit a [support ticket]