Developer IDEs

Can I delete IntelliJ IDEA from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

You can remove IntelliJ IDEA from your Mac, but the application bundle does not automatically delete your projects or settings. Your local files remain on disk until you manually remove specific folders, so decide what data you need to keep before proceeding.

Last updated: November 1, 20263 min read

See how much space IntelliJ IDEA really takes before you decide

IntelliJ IDEA data usually takes 2 GB – 30 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

Scan your Mac free

Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: IntelliJ IDEA
Typical data size: 2 GB – 30 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains

What you lose and keep when removing IntelliJ IDEA

Specific to IntelliJ IDEA

Deleting the app leaves your projects and personal settings intact on this Mac. Your license remains active on your JetBrains Account, and synced settings survive in the cloud if Backup and Sync was enabled. However, local preferences and unsynced configurations are lost if you delete the support folders. Projects in ~/IdeaProjects stay safe unless you explicitly remove them.

Where your IntelliJ IDEA data lives

These folders hold your own IntelliJ IDEA data. Deleting the app leaves them in place; removing them is what actually deletes it.

~/Library/Application Support/JetBrains App data · settings and plugins for every JetBrains IDE, one folder per version Back up first: your data~/IdeaProjects Your files · default folder for new IntelliJ IDEA projects Back up first: your data

Account and sync: Paid JetBrains IDEs are activated with a JetBrains Account; settings can also be synced to that account with Backup and Sync.
License: Paid features need a subscription tied to a JetBrains Account; older free Community edition installs use their own folder names starting with IdeaIC.
Your files: Projects stay in their own folders; the IDE only keeps a .idea folder inside each project plus caches and settings in ~/Library.

Preparing to delete IntelliJ IDEA

Ensure your work is committed to version control or backed up outside the IDE directories. If you installed the app via JetBrains Toolbox, uninstall it through that interface to avoid leftover helpers. Otherwise, drag the app to the Trash and remove only the version-specific folders for this IDE. Remember that other JetBrains products share some parent directories, so avoid deleting shared caches or logs if you keep other tools.

Commit projects or back them up outside the IDE folders.Export settings via File > Manage IDE Settings > Export Settings.Log out of your JetBrains Account in Help > Register.Uninstall via Toolbox if installed, otherwise drag app to Trash.

0 of 4 done

How to delete IntelliJ IDEA completely

Quit IntelliJ IDEA, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains. The full step-by-step guide:

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every IntelliJ IDEA file and its size. No account needed.
Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

Download free and scan

After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting IntelliJ IDEA delete my files?

No. Removing the app doesn't touch documents you saved in other folders. Only the app and, if you remove them, its own support files are deleted.

Do I need to deactivate my license first?

The subscription is tied to your account, but logging out ensures no local activation details remain on this Mac.

Will other JetBrains apps break if I delete caches?

Yes, if you delete shared parent folders. Only remove version-specific subfolders to protect other installed IDEs.