TidyMacShort answer
DerivedData is Xcode’s build folder: compiled files and indexes for every project you’ve built. It’s safe to delete, and Xcode recreates it on the next build. Quit Xcode first.
Location: ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData
What’s inside
- One folder per project (name + hash)
- ModuleCache.noindex
- Index data
TidyMac label: Safe. Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made.
Clear it
rm -rf ~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData/*
Find every folder like this on your Mac
TidyMac lists big folders outside its library, checks which app owns each one and whether that app is still installed, and explains it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete DerivedData?
Safe: Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made. DerivedData is Xcode’s build folder: compiled files and indexes for every project you’ve built. It’s safe to delete, and Xcode recreates it on the next build. Quit Xcode first.
Where is DerivedData on my Mac?
~/Library/Developer/Xcode/DerivedData. In Finder choose Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.
How big does DerivedData get?
Usually 5 – 80 GB.