---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-keep-developer-projects-on-an-external-drive
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-keep-developer-projects-on-an-external-drive
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Developer tools"
question: "Can I keep my code projects and developer caches on an external drive?"
alt_questions:
  - "develop from external ssd mac"
  - "move deriveddata to external drive"
  - "projects on external drive xcode"
  - "code folder external ssd"
  - "build on external drive performance"
short_answer: "Yes — keep projects on a fast external SSD and point tools like Xcode's DerivedData location at it. Use APFS, and expect builds to stop if the drive disconnects."
tags: ["developer", "external drive", "xcode"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/is-it-safe-to-delete-deriveddata", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/is-an-external-ssd-a-good-way-to-add-storage"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I keep my code projects and developer caches on an external drive?

Yes, and a fast external SSD works well for it. You can keep project folders there directly, and point some tools at it — Xcode's **Settings → Locations** lets you choose a custom DerivedData location.

Two cautions: some tools behave oddly on non-APFS formats or on case-sensitive volumes, and builds stop if the drive disconnects. Storage Studio moves big developer caches to an external drive with a link left behind so tools keep using their usual paths — one of the workflows in its manual. See [moving folders](https://storagestudio.us/faq/moving-folders/).