Getting started
- Drag one or more project folders (for example your
Developerfolder) onto the window, or click Choose Folders…. - Every
node_modulesfolder inside them is listed with its size. Uncheck any you want to keep. - Click Clean (or press ⌘⌫), review the summary, and choose Move to Trash or Delete Permanently.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete node_modules?
Yes, for your own projects. A node_modules folder only holds installed dependencies, and your package manager rebuilds it from package.json and your lockfile. Run npm install, pnpm install or yarn in the project when you need it again.
What’s the difference between Move to Trash and Delete Permanently?
Move to Trash is instant and can be undone, but the space is only freed once you empty the Trash. Delete Permanently frees the space right away and can’t be undone.
Why are some folders unchecked or marked?
Only folders that clearly belong to a project are checked by default. Global packages are your globally installed command-line tools, including npm itself. Tool folders live inside hidden folders and usually belong to an app or editor extension. No package.json means there’s no sign of a package manager next to it. Synced folders are in iCloud Drive or another cloud folder, so removing them removes them on your other devices too.
A folder says “Needs admin rights” or “Owned by another user”.
This usually happens when packages were installed with sudo, so the files belong to the system administrator. The app can’t remove those files itself. Use Copy Command in the folder’s details, paste the command into Terminal, and enter your password.
A folder says “Folder is in use”.
New files kept appearing while it was being removed. Stop any dev server, file watcher or install running in that project, then click Try Again.
The app says “Nothing to Clean”, but I use JavaScript.
Projects that use Yarn Plug’n’Play don’t have a node_modules folder. Also check that you added the folder that contains your projects; system folders and app bundles are skipped.
Why didn’t my free disk space go up right away?
If you used Move to Trash, empty the Trash. After a permanent delete, macOS can take a moment to update, and local Time Machine snapshots can hold on to the space until they expire.
Does the app collect any data?
No. It works offline and collects nothing. See the Privacy Policy.
Requirements
macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon or Intel.
Still stuck?
Write to me directly. Include your macOS version and what you were doing.
Email app@rizki.id