Related-file discovery searches supported locations associated with an application. Association does not guarantee that the file is disposable or used only by that app.

  • Preferences store settings and recent choices.
  • Caches store reproducible or downloaded data.
  • Application Support can contain databases, assets, plug-ins, and user content.
  • Containers hold sandboxed app data.
  • Group containers hold data shared by related apps.
  • Launch items start helpers or services.
  • Saved state restores windows and sessions.
  • Application bundles are the applications themselves.

Shared ownership

Apps from the same developer can share an identifier, group container, updater, login helper, or support folder. Preserve shared data if another installed app uses it.

Personal content

Project files can live inside an application-managed support location rather than Documents. Preview unfamiliar data and use the app’s export function before uninstalling.

Decide item by item

Use the exact path, file type, modification date, and other installed apps as evidence. Deselect an item when you cannot determine exclusive ownership.

Removing only the app bundle is a valid conservative choice. You can scan for leftovers later after confirming that preserved data is no longer needed.