TidyMacShort answer
~/.npm/_cacache is npm’s download cache: a copy of every package version npm has fetched. It’s safe to clear; npm downloads packages again when needed. Use npm cache clean --force.
Location: ~/.npm/_cacache
What’s inside
- Content-addressed package tarballs
- Index
TidyMac label: Safe. Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made.
npm cache clean --force
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 .npm/_cacache?
Safe: Your Mac or your apps recreate this automatically. Removing it won’t lose anything you made. ~/.npm/_cacache is npm’s download cache: a copy of every package version npm has fetched. It’s safe to clear; npm downloads packages again when needed. Use npm cache clean --force.
Where is .npm/_cacache on my Mac?
~/.npm/_cacache. In Finder choose Go › Go to Folder and paste the path.
How big does .npm/_cacache get?
Usually 500 MB – 10 GB.