---
id: mac-storage-basics.where-are-local-ai-models-stored-on-a-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-are-local-ai-models-stored-on-a-mac
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Developer tools"
question: "Local AI models are filling my Mac — where are they and how do I remove them?"
alt_questions:
  - "ollama models storage mac"
  - "delete ollama model"
  - "lm studio models folder"
  - "ai model files taking space mac"
  - "local llm storage mac"
short_answer: "Ollama keeps models in a hidden .ollama folder (ollama list, then ollama rm); LM Studio and similar apps show their models folder in settings and can move it to another drive."
tags: ["ai models", "ollama", "developer"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-keep-developer-projects-on-an-external-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Local AI models are filling my Mac — where are they and how do I remove them?

Local AI tools download model files that are often several gigabytes each:

- **Ollama** keeps models in a hidden **.ollama** folder in your home folder; `ollama list` shows them and `ollama rm` followed by a model name deletes one.
- **LM Studio** and similar apps show a models folder in their settings and let you delete models or change the folder — for example to a fast external drive.

Remove models you no longer use; they can be downloaded again later.