Video

Clear Motion Cache on Mac

Clearing the cache is a reasonable fix when the app runs slowly, previews glitch, or it misbehaves after a restart. The cache holds temporary data that the app rebuilds on its own, so clearing it leaves your templates and licence alone.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Motion cache without guessing

Motion data usually takes 2 GB – 50 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: Motion
Typical data size: 2 GB – 50 GB
Category: Video
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Motion

Motion cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/com.apple.motionapp Cache · app cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the Motion cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to Motion

The app's cache folder holds temporary data it builds while you work, and it rebuilds that data when needed. Your own custom templates are stored separately in the Movies folder, and the shared support content used by other apps from the same company is not part of the cache. Clearing usually helps when the app responds slowly, shows odd preview glitches, or behaves strangely after a restart. If none of these apply, there is little reason to clear it.

What happens after you clear the Motion cache

The next time you open the app, it rebuilds the cache, so the first start usually takes longer than normal. Your templates in the Movies folder stay in place, and Final Cut Pro can still use them. The shared content used by the same company's apps is kept while any of them is installed. Your licence belongs to your Apple Account and Mac App Store purchases, so clearing the cache does not change it.

Open the app's settings and check for a cache-clearing option.Quit the app completely before you remove any cache files.Show the hidden Library folder, then remove only the app's cache folder.Reopen the app and give it time to rebuild its cache.

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Account and sync: Motion is bought with an Apple Account through the Mac App Store.

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every Motion 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.

Download free and scan

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 clearing the cache delete my custom templates?

No. Custom templates in the Movies folder are your own data and are kept, although Final Cut Pro uses them too.

Do I need to sign in again after clearing the cache?

Your licence stays with your Apple Account and Mac App Store purchase, so clearing the cache does not affect it.