DaVinci Resolve cache files live in a folder on your hard drive that the program creates automatically

Cache is temporary data that DaVinci Resolve saves while you work — things like preview frames, effects calculations, and timeline thumbnails. Instead of recalculating the same thing every time you scrub through your video, the program stores the result so playback runs faster. These files sit in a specific location on your computer, and knowing where to find them matters when your drive fills up, your project gets slow, or you need to free up space.

The location depends on your operating system. On Windows, DaVinci Resolve typically stores cache in C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\DaVinciResolve\cache or C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve\cache. On Mac, look in ~/Library/Caches/DaVinciResolve or ~/Library/process Support/Blackmagic Design/DaVinci Resolve. On Linux, the path is usually ~/.cache/DaVinciResolve. You can also tell DaVinci Resolve exactly where to put cache instead of using the default location. This is useful if your main drive is small but you have a second drive with more space. Open DaVinci Resolve, go to Preferences (or Settings on Mac), find the Playback or Disk Cache section, and point it to a folder on a different drive.

Key Takeaways

  • DaVinci Resolve cache files are stored in a hidden folder that varies by operating system — Windows uses AppData, Mac uses Library, and Linux uses .cache.
  • Cache files can grow to several gigabytes over time, especially on long projects or when working with high-resolution video.
  • You can change where DaVinci Resolve stores cache through Preferences, which is helpful if your main drive is running out of space.
  • Deleting cache files is safe and will not harm your project — DaVinci Resolve will rebuild them the next time you open the project.

Why cache files get large and slow your system down

Every time you add an effect, adjust color, or explore a transition, DaVinci Resolve calculates what that looks like and stores the result in cache. On a project with dozens of clips and hundreds of effects, cache can easily grow to 5 GB, 10 GB, or more. If your hard drive is already nearly full, a large cache folder can push you over the edge and cause the system to slow down or refuse to save.

Cache also accumulates from old work. If you deleted clips from your timeline or removed effects you no longer use, the cache files for that work are still sitting on your drive taking up space. DaVinci Resolve does not automatically clean up after you delete something — it just keeps the cache in case you undo. This is why projects that have been edited heavily over weeks or months can have cache folders larger than the actual project file.

How to find cache on Windows

Windows hides the AppData folder by default, so you need to show hidden files first. Open File Explorer, click the View tab at the top, and check the box next to "Hidden items." Now you can navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\DaVinciResolve or C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Blackmagic Design\DaVinci Resolve.

If those folders do not exist, DaVinci Resolve may be storing cache somewhere else. The most reliable way to find it is to open DaVinci Resolve, go to Preferences, search for "cache" or "disk cache," and look at the path shown there. That path is where your cache actually lives. Write down the exact location so you know where to look when you need to clear space.

How to find cache on Mac

On Mac, the Library folder is hidden by default. Open Finder, press Command + Shift + Period (the period key) to show hidden files, then navigate to your home folder. You should now see a Library folder. Open it and look for a Caches folder, then find the DaVinciResolve folder inside.

Alternatively, open Finder, click Go in the menu bar, hold Option, and you will see Library appear as an option. Click it to jump straight there. Then navigate to Caches and find DaVinciResolve. This second method is faster if you do it regularly.

How to find cache on Linux

On Linux, open a terminal and type cd ~/.cache/DaVinciResolve to navigate to the cache folder. If that folder does not exist, try cd ~/.config/DaVinciResolve or check DaVinci Resolve Preferences to see where the program is actually storing cache on your system.

You can also use the command du -sh ~/.cache/DaVinciResolve to see how much space the cache folder is using without having to open a file manager. This is helpful if you want to check cache size quickly before deciding whether to delete it.

Safely deleting cache to free up space

You can delete cache files without damaging your project. Close DaVinci Resolve first, then navigate to the cache folder and delete everything inside it. When you reopen your project, DaVinci Resolve will rebuild the cache as you work. The first playback after deletion will be slower because the program has to recalculate everything, but after that, performance returns to normal.

If you want DaVinci Resolve to do this automatically, you can set it to clear cache on exit. In Preferences, find the Playback or Disk Cache section and look for an option like "Clear cache on exit" or "Auto-clear cache." Turning this on means you start fresh every time you close the program, which keeps your drive from filling up but makes the first playback of each session slower.

Moving cache to a faster or larger drive

If you have a second hard drive or SSD, you can point DaVinci Resolve to store cache there instead of your main drive. This is especially useful if you work with 4K or 8K video, which generates enormous cache files. Open DaVinci Resolve, go to Preferences, find the Playback or Disk Cache section, and click the folder icon next to the cache path. Select a folder on your second drive and click OK.

Make sure the drive you choose is fast enough. A USB external drive will be slower than an internal SSD, and slow cache storage defeats the purpose — playback will not be smooth. An internal SSD or a fast external Thunderbolt drive works well. Test playback after you change the cache location to make sure performance is actually better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete cache files while DaVinci Resolve is running?

No. DaVinci Resolve is actively writing to cache while you work, so deleting files while the program is open can corrupt your project or cause crashes. Always close DaVinci Resolve first, delete the cache, then reopen the program.

Will deleting cache affect my finished video or my project file?

No. Your project file and your finished video are stored separately from cache. Cache is only temporary data that helps playback run faster. Deleting it will not change your actual work.

How much space does cache usually take up?

It depends on your project length and complexity. A short project with a few effects might use 500 MB to 1 GB. A long project with lots of color grading, effects, and high-resolution video can easily reach 10 GB or more. Check your cache folder size by right-clicking it and selecting Properties (Windows) or Get Info (Mac).

Why is my cache folder in two different locations?

DaVinci Resolve sometimes creates cache in multiple places depending on what you are doing. The AppData\Local folder is usually for temporary playback cache, while AppData\Roaming or process Support might store project-specific cache. You can delete both safely.