---
title: "What is the .m2/repository folder on Mac? (Maven (Java))"
description: ".m2/repository belongs to Maven (Java). What’s inside, how big it gets (1 – 20 GB), whether it’s safe to delete, and the right way to shrink it."
url: https://tidymac.space/folders/maven-repository/
updated: 2026-10-16
---

[Home](/) [Folders](/folders/) .m2/repository

# What is the .m2/repository folder on my Mac?

It belongs to **Maven (Java)**. Here’s what’s inside and the right way to deal with it.

SafeUsually 1 – 20 GBUpdated October 2, 2026By the Tidy Mac team

Short answer

The .m2/repository folder is Maven’s local repository: every dependency jar and plugin your Java builds have downloaded. It’s safe to clear. The next build downloads what it needs, which takes a while the first time.

**Location:** `~/.m2/repository`

## What’s inside

-   Dependency jars and POMs
-   Maven plugins
-   Snapshot builds

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

## Remove it

Delete the contents of `~/.m2/repository`. Keep `~/.m2/settings.xml` if you have one.

## Per project

```
mvn dependency:purge-local-repository
```

removes and re-resolves just one project’s dependencies.

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

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## Frequently asked questions

Can I delete .m2/repository?

Safe: Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made. The .m2/repository folder is Maven’s local repository: every dependency jar and plugin your Java builds have downloaded. It’s safe to clear. The next build downloads what it needs, which takes a while the first time.

Where is .m2/repository on my Mac?

~/.m2/repository. In Finder choose Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.

How big does .m2/repository get?

Usually 1 – 20 GB.

## Keep reading

[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/)[What is Caches/CocoaPods?CocoaPods](/folders/cocoapods-cache/)

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#### On this page

[What’s inside](#whats-inside)[Remove it](#remove-it)[Per project](#per-project)[FAQ](#faq)

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