Notes & Writing
How to Completely Uninstall Scrivener on Mac
To uninstall Scrivener, quit the app and drag its icon to the Trash. This process removes the application but leaves behind support folders and user data ranging from 500 MB – 10 GB.
Remove Scrivener and everything it leaves behind
Scrivener data usually takes 500 MB – 10 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
- Scrivener
- Typical data size
- 500 MB – 10 GB
- Category
- Notes & Writing
- File Location
~/Library/Application Support/Scrivener
Manual cleanup steps
- Quit the app completely (⌘+Q in the menu bar).
- Move Scrivener from the Applications folder to the Trash.
- Remove the folders Scrivener left behind, listed in the table below.
- Empty the Trash to free up the space.
Everything Scrivener keeps on your Mac
1 locations. Tick each one as you remove it; back up anything marked as your data first.
Locations are the standard macOS folders Scrivener uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.
What Scrivener leaves behind
Specific to Scrivener
Dragging the app to the Trash does not remove its settings or automatic project backups. These remain in the hidden Library folder because they contain your own data. Specifically, the app creates zipped backups upon every close, causing these directories to grow over time.
- License
- Scrivener is a one-time purchase, either from Literature & Latte with a serial number or through the App Store.
Preparing for removal of Scrivener
Before emptying the Trash, ensure you have secured your license serial number or purchase email for future registration. Identify the locations of your .scriv project packages, as these are stored independently of the app folders. You should manually move any required backup archives to another drive.
0 of 4 done
By hand or with OptiClear
| By hand | With OptiClear | |
|---|---|---|
| Places to check | 1 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 Scrivener 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.