Where Does After Effects Store Cache On Windows & Mac?

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Wondering where does After Effects store cache files? Whether you’re troubleshooting slow performance in your video editing projects or trying to free up disk space, knowing the After Effects cache location is key. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly where to find the cache on Windows and Mac, explain what it does, and share tips to manage it effectively. Let’s dive in!

What Is the After Effects Cache?

The After Effects cache—often called the disk cache—stores temporary files like rendered frames and previews to speed up your workflow. However, it can grow large, clogging your hard drive. Understanding where After Effects stores cache helps you reclaim space and optimize performance.

Where Does After Effects Store Cache on Windows?

On Windows, After Effects typically saves cache files in the following location:

• Path: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\After Effects\Disk Cache
• How to Find It:
  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData.
  3. If "AppData" is hidden, enable "Show hidden files" in File Explorer settings.
  4. Open the Roaming\Adobe\After Effects\Disk Cache folder.

This is the default After Effects cache location for most users running versions like After Effects 2025. You’ll see files with extensions like .aecache.

Where Does After Effects Store Cache on Mac?

For Mac users, the cache is stored in a different spot:

• Path: ~/Library/Caches/Adobe/After Effects
• How to Find It:
  1. Open Finder.
  2. Press Cmd + Shift + G to open the "Go to Folder" dialog.
  3. Type ~/Library/Caches/Adobe/After Effects and hit Enter.
  4. Look for cache files in this directory.

This After Effects disk cache location is standard for macOS, including the latest updates as of March 2025.

Why Does Cache Location Matter?

Knowing where After Effects saves cache files lets you:

• Free Up Space: Delete old cache files manually if they’re taking up gigabytes.
• Boost Performance: Move the cache to a faster SSD via After Effects preferences.
• Troubleshoot Errors: Fix issues like "cache full" warnings.

For example, a bloated cache can slow down rendering—locating and managing it is a quick fix.

How to Manage Your After Effects Cache

Want to take control of your After Effects cache location? Here’s how:

1. Check Cache Settings:
   • Go to Edit > Preferences > Media & Disk Cache (Windows) or After Effects > Preferences > Media & Disk Cache (Mac).
   • See the current cache folder and its size.
2. Change Cache Location:
   • Click "Choose Folder" to relocate the cache to another drive (e.g., an external SSD).
   • Save and restart After Effects.
3. Clear the Cache:
   • In the same menu, hit "Empty Disk Cache" to remove all temporary files.
   • Alternatively, delete files manually from the paths above.

Pro Tip: Set a cache size limit (e.g., 50 GB) to prevent it from ballooning unchecked.

FAQ: After Effects Cache Questions Answered

• Can I change where After Effects stores cache?
  Yes! Use the Preferences menu to pick a new folder—ideal for moving it to a larger or faster drive.
• What’s the difference between disk cache and media cache?
  The disk cache holds rendered frames, while the media cache stores imported file data. Both can be managed in Preferences.
• Why does After Effects use so much cache?
  Complex projects with heavy effects or 4K footage generate more cache to maintain smooth playback.

Final Thoughts: Find and Manage Your Cache Today

Now you know where After Effects stores cache on Windows and Mac—C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\After Effects\Disk Cache and ~/Library/Caches/Adobe/After Effects, respectively. Take a minute to check your cache folder, clear it if needed, and optimize your setup for 2025 workflows.