Developer IDEs

Can I delete Nova from my Mac?

Yes, you can delete it

Yes, you can delete Nova from your Mac. Deleting the app alone does not remove your documents or the associated data folders, which typically occupy 200 MB – 2 GB.

Last updated: November 1, 20262 min read

See how much space Nova really takes before you decide

Nova data usually takes 200 MB – 2 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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

Application: Nova
Typical data size: 200 MB – 2 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Nova

What happens when you delete Nova

Specific to Nova

Your projects remain untouched because they stay in their own folders. Each project contains a .nova folder with specific settings that are preserved. You only lose access to the editor functionality until it is reinstalled. Settings, themes, and extensions persist in the Library folder.

Where your Nova data lives

Nova keeps none of your own files in its folders; what it stores is rebuilt automatically or comes from your account.

~/Library/Application Support/Nova App data · installed extensions, themes and extension data Yes, once the app is gone~/Library/Caches/com.panic.Nova Cache · app cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Preferences/com.panic.Nova.plist Settings · editor settings Yes, settings reset~/Library/Saved Application State/com.panic.Nova.savedState Window state · window positions from the last session Yes, rebuilt automatically

License: Nova is sold by Panic as a license that includes a period of updates.
Your files: Projects stay in their own folders; Nova adds a .nova folder inside each project for project settings.

Risks of removing Nova

If you manually delete the Application Support folder, you will lose all installed extensions and their data. Removing the plist file erases your custom editor preferences. Since licenses include a set update period, ensure yours is linked to your account before proceeding.

Copy your server and site settings used for remote publishingNote which extensions you installed from the extension libraryVerify your license is stored in your Panic account or emailQuit the app before removing any files

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How to delete Nova completely

Quit Nova, move it to the Trash, then remove what it left in ~/Library/Application Support/Nova. The full step-by-step guide:

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Frequently asked questions

Will deleting Nova 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.

Will my project settings disappear?

No, these are stored in a .nova folder within each individual project directory.

Where are my themes and extensions saved?

They reside in ~/Library/Application Support/Nova and are not deleted with the app.