---
id: mac-storage-basics.where-are-mail-downloads-stored
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-are-mail-downloads-stored
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Mail, Messages and chat apps"
question: "Where does Mail save attachments I open, and can I delete them?"
alt_questions:
  - "mail downloads folder mac"
  - "mail attachments folder location"
  - "delete mail downloads"
  - "opened attachments taking space"
  - "containers com.apple.mail mail downloads"
short_answer: "In a Mail Downloads folder inside Mail's container in your Library. The copies are only for viewing, so you can clear them with Mail quit; attachments stay in the emails."
tags: ["mail", "attachments", "downloads"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/why-is-apple-mail-using-so-much-space", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-stop-mail-downloading-attachments"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Where does Mail save attachments I open, and can I delete them?

When you open an attachment, Mail saves a copy in a **Mail Downloads** folder inside its container in your Library. These copies are only for viewing; the original stays in the email.

You can delete the contents of Mail Downloads when Mail is quit — you'll still be able to open the attachments from the messages. Storage Studio lists Mail Downloads among the system leftovers in What's Using Space.