Music & Audio
How to Completely Uninstall Pro Tools on Mac
To remove Pro Tools, quit the app and drag it to the Trash. However, this action alone does not remove associated data, which typically ranges from 2 GB – 100 GB.
Remove Pro Tools and everything it leaves behind
Pro Tools data usually takes 2 GB – 100 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
- Pro Tools
- Typical data size
- 2 GB – 100 GB
- Category
- Music & Audio
- File Location
~/Documents/Pro Tools
Manual cleanup steps
- Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
- Move Pro Tools from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Remove the folders Pro Tools left behind, listed in the table below.
- Empty the Trash to free up the space.
Everything Pro Tools keeps on your Mac
4 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.
Locations are the standard macOS folders Pro Tools uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.
What Pro Tools leaves behind
Specific to Pro Tools
Dragging the app to the Trash preserves your sessions, audio files, and preferences. Background helpers like Avid Link and iLok License Manager remain installed as separate entities. Shared components, such as AAX plug-ins and PACE files, stay on the system to support other compatible software. These directories must be removed manually if you want a complete cleanup.
- Background items
- Pro Tools relies on iLok License Manager and Avid Link, which are separate apps and stay installed.
- License
- The license is managed in iLok License Manager and stays in your iLok account when the app is removed.
- Account and sync
- Pro Tools is licensed through your Avid account and an iLok license.
Preparing to uninstall Pro Tools
Before removal, ensure all recording data is secure since session folders hold the only copies of your audio. Verify which AAX plug-ins are still required by other applications. Since licensing is tied to your Avid account, confirm your current license location via iLok License Manager. This prevents activation issues during future installations.
0 of 4 done
By hand or with OptiClear
| By hand | With OptiClear | |
|---|---|---|
| Places to check | 4 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 Pro Tools 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.