What is a .cache file?
Cache File · Data · Various · n/a
A .cache file stores data a program saved to speed itself up next time, such as thumbnails, downloaded assets or precomputed results. The program creates and manages it, and it is usually safe to delete if you need the space.
What is a .cache file used for?
Programs write cache files so they do not have to redo work: a browser caches web assets, an app caches thumbnails, a game caches compiled shaders. Keeping the result on disk makes the next run faster.
Because it is only a saved copy of something the program can regenerate, a cache is generally safe to clear. The program simply rebuilds it, at the cost of being a little slower once.
A .cache is not meant to be opened by hand, and its format is specific to whatever created it. A text or hex editor might show clues, but the data only means something to that program.
If a stray .cache is taking up space, deleting it when the program is closed is usually harmless.
How to open a .cache file
The .cache format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list.
Windows
- The program that created it
- text or hex editor (to inspect)
- just delete to clear
macOS
- The originating program
- text or hex editor
- just delete to clear
Linux
- The originating program
- text or hex editor
- just delete to clear
Web
- Not applicable
How to convert a .cache file
You can convert a .cache file to Not applicable using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.cache file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .cache file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for CACHE.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| (no fixed signature) | 0 | no fixed signature; contents depend entirely on the program that made it |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .cache file?
A .cache file stores data a program saved to speed itself up next time, such as thumbnails, downloaded assets or precomputed results. The program creates and manages it, and it is usually safe to delete if you need the space.
Can I delete .cache files?
Usually yes. A cache holds data the program can regenerate, so clearing it is generally safe once the program is closed. The only cost is that the program may run a little slower the next time as it rebuilds the cache.
How do I open a .cache file?
Most cache files are not meant to be opened directly, and only the program that made one can read it properly. A hex or text editor may show clues, but there is rarely a reason to open a cache by hand.
Related formats
Sources
Details on this page were checked against authoritative references: