---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-is-the-hidden-cache-folder-in-my-home-folder
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-is-the-hidden-cache-folder-in-my-home-folder
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Developer tools"
question: "What is the hidden .cache folder in my home folder?"
alt_questions:
  - "~/.cache mac huge"
  - "huggingface cache mac"
  - "dot cache folder size"
  - "delete .cache folder mac"
  - "hidden cache home directory"
short_answer: "Command-line and developer tools keep downloads there, such as AI model files and package caches. Check which tool owns each subfolder; deleting a cache is generally safe."
tags: ["cache", "developer", "hidden files"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-are-local-ai-models-stored-on-a-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-show-hidden-files-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What is the hidden .cache folder in my home folder?

Many command-line and developer tools keep their downloads in a hidden **.cache** folder in your home folder — for example machine-learning model downloads, package managers and browser-automation tools. Downloaded AI models in particular can take many gigabytes.

Look inside (press Shift-Command-. in Finder to show hidden files) to see which tool owns each folder. Deleting a tool's cache is generally safe; it downloads again when needed.