---
title: "What is the miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs folder on Mac?"
description: "miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs (conda (Anaconda, Miniconda)): what’s inside, how big it gets, whether it’s safe to delete, and how to shrink it."
url: https://tidymac.space/folders/conda-pkgs/
updated: 2026-10-16
---

[Home](/) [Folders](/folders/) miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs

# What is the miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs folder on my Mac?

It belongs to **conda (Anaconda, Miniconda)**. Here’s what’s inside and the right way to deal with it.

SafeUsually 2 – 30 GBUpdated October 2, 2026By the Tidy Mac team

Short answer

The pkgs folder is conda’s package cache: every package archive and unpacked package conda has downloaded. Environments link to it, but conda’s own clean command only removes what no environment needs. Use it before deleting anything by hand.

**Location:** `~/miniconda3/pkgs · ~/anaconda3/pkgs · ~/.conda/pkgs`

## What’s inside

-   Downloaded .conda and .tar.bz2 archives
-   Unpacked packages
-   Index cache

**Our verdict: Safe.** Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made.

## The conda way

```
conda clean --all
```

This removes unused packages, tarballs and index caches, and leaves anything your environments use.

![](/img/brand/tidy-128.png)

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## Frequently asked questions

Can I delete miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs?

Safe: Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made. The pkgs folder is conda’s package cache: every package archive and unpacked package conda has downloaded. Environments link to it, but conda’s own clean command only removes what no environment needs. Use it before deleting anything by hand.

Where is miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs on my Mac?

~/miniconda3/pkgs · ~/anaconda3/pkgs · ~/.conda/pkgs. In Finder choose Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.

How big does miniconda3/pkgs · anaconda3/pkgs get?

Usually 2 – 30 GB.

## Keep reading

[What is .m2/repository?Maven (Java)](/folders/maven-repository/)[What is .cargo/registry?Cargo (Rust)](/folders/cargo-registry/)[What is go/pkg/mod?Go](/folders/go-module-cache/)[What is Caches/org.swift.swiftpm?Swift Package Manager / Xcode](/folders/swiftpm-cache/)

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#### On this page

[What’s inside](#whats-inside)[The conda way](#the-conda-way)[FAQ](#faq)

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