Photo & Design

Clear Sketch Cache on Mac

Clearing the Sketch cache frees space without touching your designs, and the app rebuilds it automatically the next time you open it. Clear it when the app feels sluggish, shows stale previews, or crashes on launch.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Sketch cache without guessing

Sketch 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: Sketch
Typical data size: 500 MB – 10 GB
Category: Photo & Design
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/com.bohemiancoding.sketch3

Sketch cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/com.bohemiancoding.sketch3 Cache · app cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the Sketch cache holds

Specific to Sketch

The cache is temporary data the app keeps so it opens and redraws faster. It lives in the Caches folder under the app's bundle ID, and macOS treats it as disposable. Clearing it helps when the app is slow or unstable, or when you need space, since the typical data for this app ranges from 500 MB – 10 GB. Plugins, templates and other app data sit in a separate support folder that holds your own data, so leave that alone. Your settings file is also separate and is not part of the cache.

What happens after you clear the Sketch cache

The first launch afterwards will be slower, because the app rebuilds its cache from scratch. Local .sketch files stay exactly where you saved them, and workspace documents remain in your account. Your licence key or workspace subscription is linked to your account rather than the cache, so you should not need to sign in again. Plugins, templates and settings are untouched. If the app still misbehaves after a rebuild, the cache was probably not the cause.

Save open designs and confirm workspace documents have finished syncing.In the app's settings, use a cache option if one is offered.Quit the app completely before removing the cache folder.Reopen the app and expect a slower first start while it rebuilds.

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Account and sync: Workspace documents are stored in your Sketch account; local .sketch files are separate.

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every Sketch 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.

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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 I need to sign in again after clearing the cache?

Usually not, because your licence and subscription are tied to your account rather than the cache. If sign-in is requested, use the account you already use.

Can clearing the cache fix a crash on startup?

It can, if a damaged cache is the cause. If the app still crashes after rebuilding, look for other causes before clearing again.