REAPER's .reapeaks files: safe to delete, and easy to keep in one place
REAPER writes a .reapeaks waveform file next to every audio file it reads. How to total and delete them on a Mac, and the setting that keeps them in one folder.
Every audio file REAPER opens gets a .reapeaks file beside it, holding the waveform it draws on screen. They are small next to the audio, but they land in every sample folder and project you have touched, including sample libraries you would rather keep clean.
find ~/Music ~/Documents -name '*.reapeaks' -type f -print0 2>/dev/null | xargs -0 du -ch | tail -1
find ~/Music ~/Documents -name '*.reapeaks' -type f 2>/dev/null | wc -lDeleting them
Peak files are a display cache. If one is missing, REAPER builds it again when the audio is next shown. Close REAPER, then:
find ~/Music ~/Documents -name '*.reapeaks' -type f -deleteKeeping them in one folder
In REAPER's preferences, under General, Paths, set a folder for peak files. Then under Media, tick Store all peak caches (.reapeaks) in alternate path. New peak files go to that folder instead of next to your audio.
The bigger cleanup
The real space in a REAPER project is unused takes. File, Clean current project directory lists media files in the project folder that the project no longer uses, and lets you remove them. More in audio projects and recording files and audio plugin formats.
Common questions
Is it safe to delete .reapeaks files?
Yes. They only store the waveform REAPER draws. REAPER regenerates any that are missing the next time the audio is displayed, so the only cost is a short wait.
How do I stop REAPER putting .reapeaks files in my sample folders?
Set an alternate peak path under General, Paths in the preferences, then tick Store all peak caches in alternate path under Media. New peak files then go to that one folder.
How do I remove unused audio from a REAPER project?
Use File, Clean current project directory. It lists media in the project folder that the project does not reference and lets you remove it.