Developer IDEs

Clear WebStorm Cache on Mac

You can clear the WebStorm cache from inside the app with File > Invalidate Caches, then restart it. This clears only the caches for the version you are running, and your projects and settings stay where they are.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the WebStorm cache without guessing

WebStorm data usually takes 1 GB – 20 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Application: WebStorm
Typical data size: 1 GB – 20 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains

Clear it from inside WebStorm first

The safest way is the option built into the app: File > Invalidate Caches, then restart; this clears only the current version's caches, not folders left by older releases or by other JetBrains IDEs.

WebStorm cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/JetBrains Cache · indexes and caches of JetBrains IDEs, one subfolder per product and version Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Saved Application State/com.jetbrains.WebStorm.savedState Window state · window positions from the last session Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the WebStorm cache holds and when clearing it helps

Specific to WebStorm

The cache holds indexes and temporary data that WebStorm builds from your projects so that code completion and search respond quickly. Each release keeps its own versioned folder in ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains, so upgrades can leave old folders behind, and typical data for this app takes between 1 GB and 20 GB. Clearing the cache helps when indexing keeps running again and again, when code completion gives wrong results, or when old version folders pile up. Your projects are not affected, and the node_modules folders inside each project stay where they are.

What happens after you clear the WebStorm cache

WebStorm rebuilds the cache automatically the next time you open a project, so the first start after clearing will be slower while indexing runs. The cache step does not remove your settings or plugins, which live in Application Support. Settings synced with Backup and Sync stay tied to your JetBrains Account, and other JetBrains IDEs keep their own caches.

Save your work and close any open WebStorm projects before clearing.In WebStorm, choose File > Invalidate Caches, then restart the app.Let indexing finish during the first start after the restart.

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Account and sync: Paid JetBrains IDEs are activated with a JetBrains Account; settings can also be synced to that account with Backup and Sync.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Will I need to reopen my projects?

Yes, reopen them from their folders after the restart. The project files themselves are not changed by clearing the cache.

Why is the first start slower after clearing?

The indexes have to be built again from the beginning, so the first start takes longer. Later starts return to normal speed once the rebuild finishes.