Minecraft on a Mac: worlds, versions and mod packs that quietly pass 10 GB
Minecraft Java keeps every version you have played, every world and every resource pack. Where it all is on a Mac, and what is safe to remove.
The Minecraft launcher is small. The game folder is not, especially for someone who plays several versions, keeps many worlds, or uses mod packs.
Where it is
du -sh ~/Library/Application\ Support/minecraft
du -sh ~/Library/Application\ Support/minecraft/* 2>/dev/null | sort -h| Folder | Holds | Safe to remove? |
|---|---|---|
saves | Your worlds | Only worlds you do not want |
versions | Each game version you played | Old versions you no longer use |
assets | Sounds and textures | Rebuilt on launch if removed |
resourcepacks, shaderpacks | Packs you added | Unused ones |
mods | Mod files | Unused ones |
logs, crash-reports | Logs | Yes |
Clearing it
- Back up worlds you care about: copy their folders from
savessomewhere safe. - Delete worlds you no longer play from
saves. - Delete old folders from
versions. The launcher downloads any version again if you choose it. - Clear
logsandcrash-reports.
Mod launchers keep their own instances folder, each a full copy of the game with its mods. Those can each be several GB. Check the launcher's settings for where they are.
For other games, see Mac storage for gamers and Steam games.
Common questions
Where is the Minecraft folder on a Mac?
At ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft. In Finder, press Command Shift G and paste the path.
Can I delete old Minecraft versions?
Yes. Delete folders from the versions folder. The launcher downloads a version again if you choose it.
How do I back up Minecraft worlds on a Mac?
Copy the world folders from ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/saves to another location.