Utilities

Clear LaunchBar Cache on Mac

Quit the app, remove only its search index cache, then reopen it so the index can be rebuilt. The cache is safe to clear because the app rebuilds it automatically, while your custom actions and snippets stay where they are.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the LaunchBar cache without guessing

LaunchBar 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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Application: LaunchBar
Typical data size: 200 MB – 2 GB
Category: Utilities
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/LaunchBar

LaunchBar cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/at.obdev.LaunchBar Cache · search index cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the LaunchBar cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to LaunchBar

The cache holds the search index the app builds of your apps, files and contacts. Clearing it helps when search results become outdated or when the index keeps growing after you index large folders. Typical data for the app ranges from 200 MB – 2 GB. Only the cache folder is involved here; the Application Support folder holds your index configuration, custom actions, snippets and clipboard history, and it stays untouched.

What happens after you clear the LaunchBar cache

The app rebuilds the index automatically the next time it runs, so you do not need to recreate anything. Expect the first start afterwards to be slower while the index is built again, and search results may be incomplete until indexing finishes. Custom actions and snippets are not part of the cache and remain in place.

Open LaunchBar settings and check for a rebuild or reset option first.Copy your custom actions and snippets somewhere safe before clearing anything.Quit LaunchBar completely before removing any cache files.Reopen the app and let it finish rebuilding its index before searching.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Can I clear the cache without losing my snippets?

Yes. Custom actions and snippets are stored in the Application Support folder, which you leave alone when you clear the cache.

How long does the rebuild take?

It depends on how much is indexed, so the first start may be noticeably slower. The app finishes the index on its own while you keep working.