How to install ClearDisk on macOS?

Install via Homebrew by tapping the repository and installing the cask, or download the DMG from GitHub releases, drag to Applications, and bypass Gatekeeper manually. Detailed steps are in the README's installation section.

ClearDisk vs DevCleaner for Xcode cleanup?

ClearDisk cleans 9 Xcode paths including DerivedData and Archives, while DevCleaner handles 6. ClearDisk also covers npm, Docker, and other tools, and includes a menu bar monitor, making it more comprehensive for developers using multiple toolchains.

Is ClearDisk safe to use for deleting caches?

Yes, ClearDisk moves files to the Trash instead of permanent deletion and categorizes caches with risk levels (Safe, Caution, Risky) based on rebuild requirements. You can recover deleted files from Trash if needed.

Does ClearDisk work on Intel Macs?

No, ClearDisk currently requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon only. Intel Mac support might be added in the future, but it's not available now, as per the FAQ in the README.

How much disk space can I free up with ClearDisk?

Typically 50-200 GB for active developers, with Xcode DerivedData alone often consuming 80+ GB. The app scans various caches and project artifacts to identify reclaimable space, as noted in the README.

Can ClearDisk clean Docker images and containers?

ClearDisk scans Docker cache paths and categorizes them as Risky due to potential data loss. It can clean them by moving to Trash, but caution is advised as it may contain irreplaceable data, according to the risk-level indicators.

Open-Awesome

ClearDisk

MITSwiftv2.3.2

A free macOS menu bar app that visualizes and cleans developer caches (Xcode, npm, Docker, etc.) to reclaim disk space.

Visit Website GitHub

735 stars44 forks0 contributors

What is ClearDisk?

ClearDisk is a free macOS menu bar application that helps developers visualize and clean cache files from development tools like Xcode, npm, Docker, and package managers. It solves the problem of disk space being silently consumed by temporary files that can be safely rebuilt, allowing users to reclaim gigabytes of storage instantly.

Target Audience

macOS developers who use tools like Xcode, Node.js, Docker, Python, Rust, or Homebrew and need to manage disk space consumed by cache and build artifacts.

Value Proposition

Developers choose ClearDisk for its specialized focus on developer caches, real-time menu bar monitoring, privacy guarantees (no data collection), and safe deletion to Trash. It is a lightweight, open-source alternative to expensive or bloated system cleaners.

Overview

Free macOS menu bar app to visualize and clean developer caches (Xcode, node_modules, CocoaPods, SPM, Docker, pip, Cargo). Reclaim disk space instantly.

Use Cases

Best For

Reclaiming disk space consumed by Xcode DerivedData and archives
Cleaning up stale node_modules directories across projects
Monitoring disk usage in real-time via the menu bar
Safely removing cache files from package managers like npm, pip, and Cargo
Identifying and deleting Docker and Gradle caches
Managing disk space on development machines with multiple toolchains

Not Ideal For

Developers using Windows or Linux operating systems
Users needing comprehensive system cleanup beyond developer-specific caches
Teams that require command-line automation for cache management
Users on macOS versions older than Sonoma or Intel-based Macs

Pros & Cons

Pros

Extensive Cache Coverage

Scans 63 predefined developer cache paths including Xcode, npm, Docker, and more, covering a wide range of tools as detailed in the README's feature list.

Privacy-First Design

Has zero network access, telemetry, or background processes; all code is open-source, ensuring complete transparency and data security as emphasized in the privacy section.

Real-Time Menu Bar Monitoring

Displays disk usage in the menu bar with color-coded alerts at 80% and 90% capacity thresholds, providing constant visibility without opening the app, as highlighted in the features.

Safe Deletion to Trash

Moves deleted cache files to the Trash instead of permanent removal, allowing users to recover them if needed, which is a key safety feature mentioned in the README.

Cons

Platform and Hardware Restrictions

Only supports macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, excluding Intel Macs and older OS versions, as stated in the FAQ, which significantly limits compatibility.

Apple Notarization Missing

Not notarized by Apple, requiring manual steps to bypass Gatekeeper warnings, such as using terminal commands or adjusting security settings, adding friction to installation.

No CLI or Automation Support

Lacks a command-line interface, making it unsuitable for scripting or integration into automated workflows, unlike competitors like npkill or kondo which are CLI-based.

Open Source Alternative To

ClearDisk is an open-source alternative to the following products:

DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk is a disk space analyzer for macOS that visualizes disk usage with interactive sunburst diagrams, helping users find and manage large files.

DevCleaner

DevCleaner is a macOS application that helps developers clean up Xcode derived data, archives, and device support files to free up disk space.

CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac is a system optimization and cleaning utility for macOS that removes junk files, manages applications, and improves system performance.

SquirrelDisk

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