Photo & Design

Clear Capture One Cache on Mac

Use the app's own clear-cache option first if it offers one, then remove the cache folder with the app closed. The cache is rebuilt automatically, so your catalogs, sessions and original files stay where they are.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Capture One cache without guessing

Capture One data usually takes 2 GB – 100 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: Capture One
Typical data size: 2 GB – 100 GB
Category: Photo & Design
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Capture One

Capture One cache folders you can clear

These folders are rebuilt automatically, so removing them does not touch your own files.

~/Library/Caches/Capture One Cache · app cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations are the standard macOS folders Capture One uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.

What the Capture One cache holds

Specific to Capture One

The cache folder holds temporary data that the app creates while you work. Its data typically runs from 2 GB – 100 GB, but most of that usually comes from catalogs, because previews and cache are kept inside each catalog or session. The app's support folder can therefore be small while a catalog or session folder grows large. Clearing the cache helps when the cache itself has grown, but it will not shrink a large catalog or session folder.

What happens after you clear the Capture One cache

The next time you open the app, it rebuilds the cache, so the first start will be slower than usual. Your catalogs, sessions, styles, presets and original files are not part of the cache and stay where they are. Anything you move to the Trash can be restored until you empty it. Your subscription and licence stay linked to your Capture One account, so you should not need to change anything there. If the app asks you to sign in, use the account your licence is linked to.

If the app offers a clear-cache option, use it while Capture One is open.Quit Capture One fully before removing any cache files.In Finder, use Go to Folder to reach the hidden Library cache folder.Move only the Capture One cache folder to the Trash, then reopen the app.

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Account and sync: Capture One subscriptions and licences are linked to a Capture One account.

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

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Folders marked “Yes, rebuilt automatically” are rebuilt automatically; removing them only makes the next start slower.

Will the cache come back on its own?

Yes. The cache is rebuilt automatically, so the app recreates what it needs the next time you use it.

Why is my catalog still large after clearing the cache?

Previews are kept inside each catalog or session, so clearing the cache folder will not shrink those files.