Video
Clear iMovie Cache on Mac
Clear the iMovie cache from inside the app: go to iMovie > Settings > Render Files and choose Delete. That removes only the render files, which iMovie rebuilds when needed, and your imported clips stay in the library. Clearing helps when the library is much larger than the clips you remember importing, or when render files remain after you deleted projects.
Clear the iMovie cache without guessing
iMovie data usually takes 1 GB – 100 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.
Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+
OptiClear is a Mac app. Copy this page's link and open it on your Mac.
Email me the link- Application
- iMovie
- Typical data size
- 1 GB – 100 GB
- Category
- Video
- File Location
~/Movies/iMovie Library.imovielibrary
Clear it from inside iMovie first
The safest way is the option built into the app: iMovie > Settings > Render Files: Delete (render files only; imported clips stay in the library)
iMovie cache folders you can clear
iMovie has no separate cache folder. Its folders hold settings and your own data, so there is nothing to clear safely by hand.
What the iMovie cache holds and when clearing helps
Specific to iMovie
The app's container folder holds sandboxed settings and cache, while the library in your Movies folder holds your originals, projects, imported clips, and render files. Render files are the only part that regenerates, so clearing them is the step the app itself offers. Clearing helps when the library is much larger than the clips you remember importing, or when render files remain after you deleted projects.
What happens after you clear the iMovie cache
After you clear render files, your originals, projects, and imported clips stay in the library, because only render files are removed. The next time you open a project, the app rebuilds render files as needed, so the first playback or export can be slower. Free space should appear once the render files are gone, though the amount depends on how many you had. Playback should return to normal speed once the rebuild is finished.
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- Account and sync
- iMovie is free from Apple and can be reinstalled from the Mac App Store with your Apple Account.
Try it without risk
- Download and scan for freeSee every iMovie 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.
After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.