Music & Audio
How to Completely Uninstall Cubase on Mac
To remove Cubase, quit the app and drag its icon to the Trash. This action removes the application but leaves behind associated data folders and helper tools.
Remove Cubase and everything it leaves behind
Cubase data usually takes 1 GB – 50 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
- Cubase
- Typical data size
- 1 GB – 50 GB
- Category
- Music & Audio
- File Location
~/Library/Preferences/Cubase
Manual cleanup steps
- Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
- Move Cubase from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Remove the folders Cubase left behind, listed in the table below.
- Empty the Trash to free up the space.
Everything Cubase keeps on your Mac
2 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.
Locations are the standard macOS folders Cubase uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.
What remains after removing Cubase
Specific to Cubase
Dragging the app to the Trash does not delete user documents or support folders. Preference folders for each specific version often pile up over time and remain in the system library. Shared sound content stays installed to serve other apps from the same company. Background helpers like the Activation Manager also remain as separate installations.
- Background items
- Steinberg Download Assistant, Library Manager and Activation Manager are separate apps that stay installed.
- License
- Current versions use Steinberg Activation Manager; older versions used a USB eLicenser.
- Account and sync
- Cubase is activated through your Steinberg account and Steinberg Activation Manager.
Preparing to uninstall Cubase
Before removal, determine which VST Sound content is still required by other software. Since the app stores between 1 GB – 50 GB of data, managing these libraries saves space. Ensure all necessary licenses are handled via the Steinberg Activation Manager or USB eLicenser. Remember that ~/Library is hidden and requires the Go to Folder menu to access.
0 of 4 done
By hand or with OptiClear
| By hand | With OptiClear | |
|---|---|---|
| Places to check | 2 folders, one by one | One scan |
| File sizes | You look them up yourself | Shown for every item |
| Removing the wrong thing | Easy to delete the wrong folder | Goes to the Trash first, so it can be restored |
| Cost | Free | Scan is free; cleaning needs Pro (yearly plan has a 7-day free trial) |
See it working
Try it without risk
- Download and scan for freeSee every Cubase 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.