---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-delete-plist-preference-files
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-delete-plist-preference-files
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Library folders explained"
question: "Can I delete .plist preference files to save space?"
alt_questions:
  - "delete plist mac"
  - "what are plist files"
  - "preferences folder mac space"
  - "library preferences delete"
  - "reset app settings plist"
  - "are plist files safe to delete"
short_answer: "You can, but they're tiny settings files, so you'll save almost nothing — and you'll reset that app's settings. Look at caches, media and app data for real space."
tags: ["plist", "preferences", "library"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-uses-the-most-space-on-a-typical-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-the-difference-between-the-library-folders"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I delete .plist preference files to save space?

You can, but it won't save meaningful space. Preference files (ending in **.plist**, in the Preferences folder of your Library) are tiny settings files — even hundreds of them rarely add up to much.

Deleting one resets that app's settings, which is occasionally useful for fixing a misbehaving app (quit it first). For freeing space, look at caches, downloads, media and app data instead — see [what uses the most space](https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-uses-the-most-space-on-a-typical-mac).