Mac storage basics · Browsers and everyday apps
Does Safari's download list keep files, and how do I clear it automatically?
Short answer: The list is just a record; files stay in Downloads. Safari's General settings can clear the list automatically, but that doesn't delete files or free space.
The list only remembers what you downloaded; the files themselves sit in your Downloads folder. In Safari → Settings → General, Remove download list items can clear the list after one day, when Safari quits, upon successful download, or manually.
Clearing the list doesn't delete any files, so it doesn't free space. To actually reclaim space, sort your Downloads folder by size or date added and delete what you've finished with — see cleaning up Downloads.