Developer IDEs

Clear Eclipse Cache on Mac

Clearing the cache helps when the workspace's .metadata folder has grown very large, or when the app opens slowly and shows stale indexes. Clearing indexes is the targeted fix, and the rest of your workspace is your own data that this approach leaves alone.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Eclipse cache without guessing

Eclipse data usually takes 500 MB – 10 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: Eclipse
Typical data size: 500 MB – 10 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/eclipse-workspace/.metadata

Eclipse cache folders you can clear

Eclipse has no separate cache folder. Its folders hold settings and your own data, so there is nothing to clear safely by hand.

What the Eclipse cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to Eclipse

The cache sits mainly in the .metadata folder inside your workspace. That same folder also holds your workspace settings, local history and launch configurations, so it contains your own data and should never be treated as disposable. Per-user configuration, plugins and the shared plugin pool used by the installer are settings or app data, stored in separate folders. Clearing the cache makes sense when the workspace .metadata folder is very large, or when the app opens slowly and shows stale indexes.

What happens after you clear the Eclipse cache

The app rebuilds its cache the next time you open it, so the first start after clearing will be slower while the indexes are rebuilt. Your projects in the default workspace are your own files, and you should check that they still appear as expected once the app has started. If something looks wrong, the copy you made beforehand gives you a way back. Once the app runs normally again, the rebuilt cache will keep working as before.

Copy the workspace folder somewhere safe before changing anything.With the app open, use any cache-clearing option it offers first.Quit the app completely before removing any of its files.Expect a slower first start while the app rebuilds its indexes.

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Frequently asked questions

Yes.

Will my projects still be there after clearing?

Projects in the default workspace are your own files and are not part of the cache, so they stay where they are. Check them after the first start to confirm.

Does deleting the app also clear the cache?

No. Removing the app does not delete these folders or your documents, so the cache and workspace stay until you remove them separately.