"Best Way to Clean [Cache in DaVinci Resolve"](https://cutsio.com/blog/how-to-fix-cache-issues-davinci-resolve)

Safely clear DaVinci Resolve render cache, optimized media, and proxy files without deleting original footage or damaging your project.

How do you safely clear cache in DaVinci Resolve?

The safest way to clear cache in DaVinci Resolve is to use the built-in Delete Render Cache command first, then remove optimized or proxy media only when you understand how it will affect the project. Move future cache files to a dedicated SSD instead of deleting original footage. Cutsio's storage and searchable library can also keep source footage organized separately from temporary Resolve cache.

Here are the direct methods to best clean cache in DaVinci Resolve.

What is the fastest way to delete render cache?

If your Mac or PC is suddenly out of storage space, DaVinci Resolve has likely generated hundreds of gigabytes of hidden temporary playback files for your active timeline.

To quickly delete render cache:

Open your project and go to the Edit page.
In the top menu bar, click Playback.
Hover over Delete Render Cache and select All.
DaVinci Resolve will instantly delete all temporary playback files for the current project, freeing up massive amounts of storage space.

How do you clear optimized and proxy media?

If deleting the render cache did not free enough space, the project may contain massive Optimized Media (ProRes/DNxHR) or Proxy files that were generated during import.

To clear optimized and proxy media:

Open the Playback menu at the top of the screen.
Select Delete Optimized Media and click Yes to confirm.
Select Delete Proxy Media and click Yes. The timeline will revert to using your original compressed source files, but the storage footprint will shrink significantly.

How do you relocate the master cache folder?

If your internal OS drive (usually the C: drive or Macintosh HD) keeps filling up and crashing your computer, you must force DaVinci Resolve to store its cache on a dedicated external SSD.

To relocate the master cache folder:

Go to File > Project Settings (or press Shift+9).
Click Master Settings on the left panel.
Scroll down to the Working Folders section.
Click Browse next to Cache files location and select a folder on a fast, empty external SSD. Click Save. All future cache files will automatically generate on the external drive, keeping your internal system drive clean.

What is the difference between render cache, optimized media, and proxy media?

Render cache stores processed frames so Resolve can play or export effects without recalculating them. Optimized media is a project-managed editing version of source media, while proxy media is a separate lower-complexity version used to make editing easier. They all consume storage, but they are not interchangeable and should not be deleted with the same assumption.

Media type	What it stores	What happens when you delete it
Render cache	Precomputed frames and effects	Resolve regenerates the cache as needed
Optimized media	Easier-to-decode copies created for the project	Resolve falls back to the original media
Proxy media	Lower-resolution or lower-complexity editing copies	Resolve returns to the original or another available source
Original media	Camera files, recordings, or imported masters	Deleting it can make the project offline

The original media is the important boundary. Cache and intermediate files can usually be recreated; camera originals, recorded audio, and finished masters may not be recoverable. Never use a broad file-manager search for “cache” as a reason to delete folders from a drive that also contains source footage.

When should you delete all render cache?

Delete all render cache when the project has stale previews, the cache is consuming storage, or you are archiving a finished project and no longer need its temporary playback files. Do it from Resolve so the application knows the cache is gone and can regenerate it if the project is opened again.

Before deleting it, check whether another editor is working on the same project or shared storage. Removing shared cache can force other users to wait for regeneration. If the project is active, delete cache at a convenient checkpoint and keep the source media untouched.

How do you clear only the cache that is no longer useful?

Start with the narrowest built-in command available for the current project, timeline, or selected clips. A targeted cleanup preserves useful previews and reduces the next rebuild. If Resolve offers choices such as unused, all, or a selected range, read the scope before confirming it.

Use this order when storage is tight:

Check the cache location and identify which project is consuming space.
Remove unused render cache through Resolve.
Remove optimized or proxy media only for projects that can safely regenerate it.
Empty the system trash or recycle bin only after confirming the files are disposable.
Reopen the active project and test a short section before starting a long export.

If the disk fills again immediately, deleting cache is treating the symptom. Move the cache folder to a fast working drive, reduce unnecessary cache generation, or review whether every project still needs optimized media. A larger cache drive is often safer than repeatedly deleting temporary files during an active edit.

Can clearing cache delete the original video files?

Clearing render cache should not delete original video files when you use Resolve's cache commands, but deleting optimized or proxy media changes which working copies are available. The original footage remains separate only if it is stored and backed up separately.

Check the media path in the Media Pool and the cache path in Project Settings before confirming a cleanup. If both locations point to the same crowded drive, create a dedicated cache folder and move future temporary files there. Keep a second copy of irreplaceable source media before any storage cleanup.

How do you stop DaVinci Resolve cache from filling the drive again?

Set the cache location to a fast SSD with enough working space, keep active projects separated from long-term archives, and remove temporary files when a project reaches a stable milestone. Do not place cache on a drive that is also the only copy of camera originals.

For large libraries, a searchable workspace can reduce unnecessary local copies. Cutsio's storage and Visual Intelligence help organize footage and locate relevant shots before an editor creates heavy timelines and caches. That does not replace a Resolve backup, but it can make the distinction between source media, working media, and temporary cache easier to maintain.

FAQ

Is it safe to delete DaVinci Resolve render cache?

Yes, deleting render cache through Resolve is generally safe because it removes regenerated previews rather than original footage, but the next playback or export may take longer.

Should you delete optimized media before exporting?

No. Keep optimized media when it helps the project perform, and confirm the final export uses the intended quality source before removing anything.

Where should DaVinci Resolve cache files live?

Put cache on a fast SSD with adequate free space, separate from the only copy of your original footage and important project files.

Why did deleting cache not free much space?

The space may be used by optimized media, proxy media, source footage, render files from another project, or the system trash rather than the active render cache.

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