I save my cache files separate from the libraries. These have been accumulating over many projects and I need to save space. I cannot use the "Delete generated library files" command as the cache is not in the library. Is there a way I can select and bulk delete them from my hard drive, instead of one-by-one? They are in separate project directories.
Mac Studio, macOS 15.3
Just want to be clear I understand: You are going into a Finder directory and deleting the <library name>.fcpcache file, correct? This is the externally stored cache for the library and it can be deleted (make sure FCP is not running). You can do a Finder Spotlight search for ".fcpcache" to show all these cache files and then delete them.
If instead you're navigating inside a library package bundle and deleting files from inside there, I agree with Tom, don't do that unless you're 1000% sure you know what you're doing.
Just want to be clear I understand: You are going into a Finder directory and deleting the <library name>.fcpcache file, correct? This is the externally stored cache for the library and it can be deleted (make sure FCP is not running). You can do a Finder Spotlight search for ".fcpcache" to show all these cache files and then delete them.
If instead you're navigating inside a library package bundle and deleting files from inside there, I agree with Tom, don't do that unless you're 1000% sure you know what you're doing.
I meant selecting and deleting just the .fcpcache files.
But the spotlight approach worked wonders saved me time and managed to free up almost 4TB of drive space! This has been accumulating for a long time dating back to 2012. Thankfully this approach did not corrupt anything (but I did test this idea with one "trial" project).
Cache was never a problem with large hard drives as they were not that expensive. Now I am switching to SSD's. These are way faster but a lot more expensive. So now I must be more frugal.
Now my spinning disks have been relegated to be one of my backups.
With the application closed just move the cache bundle to the trash. The library will rebuild the needed files when it’s reopened.
Delete generated files will work even with an external cache. It’s just not as comprehensive as deleting the cache itself as it does not include analysis files which can be very large.
That is actually a good idea. But no I do not save cache or media for that matter in the library. I always leave files in place and save cache to the project directory and not in the library.
That said I never thought about saving all my cache in one directory. It would make finding and deleting them much easier similar to the back up files. I did find the Spotlight search easy and flawless for my legacy folders. But going forward I will follow your suggestion and save all my cache in one place.
Thanks
I tried deleting the generated files using the FCP command but the separate cache files did not delete. At this point I am just going to go into each directory and manually delete the files.
Unfortunately I have like 50 or so directories and consequently about that many cache files to delete. This has become an issue as I am transferring to a new drive system and the extra space taken by these files is needed.
Thank you for your help.
Yes that is exactly what I was looking for. I figured Apple had a way to find all the cache files saving me the time to pick each one. I have never used the spotlight search...something new to learn.
I appreciate the help.
I have never used the spotlight search...something new to learn.
I think what you should learn is not to search with Spotlight, but to specify where to save your cache. Is your current library setting for the cache storage location set to "within library"? The reason it's difficult to delete all at once is because you've specified it as "within library".
For example, I have specified the cache location for all libraries to be the "Final Cut Backups" folder in the Movies folder.
No matter which library you open, the cache will always be collected in this location. This is convenient because you can quickly find and delete unnecessary cache.
“At this point I am just going to go into each directory and manually delete the files.”
Don’t do that. You’ll corrupt the library database. Better to dump the whole bundle.
bulk delete fcpx cache files that are not in the library
