Npm
~/.npm stores npm cache files and related data used by the Node.js package manager to download, verify, and reuse JavaScript packages.
What is Npm?
~/.npm is a user-level data folder created by npm, the package manager for Node.js. It is used during JavaScript and TypeScript development to store cached package downloads and other npm working data so installs can run faster and use less network bandwidth. Developers commonly encounter this folder when using commands such as npm install, npm update, npx, or other package-management workflows in Terminal. On macOS, the folder lives in your home directory and is separate from project-specific node_modules folders. Removing it does not uninstall Node.js or npm, but it can force npm to rebuild its cache and re-download packages the next time you use it.
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Inspect caches, support files, folders, and related data before deleting items on Mac.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This folder is normally created by npm and is consistent with JavaScript development tools on macOS. Its contents are usually cache and working data, not personal documents, but deleting it can interrupt active npm tasks and may remove cached packages that help installs complete quickly. If you use Node.js development tools, keep it while npm is running and avoid changing permissions carelessly, because incorrect ownership inside ~/.npm can cause npm command failures.
Recommendation: Keep this folder if you actively use Node.js, npm, or npx on this Mac. If you no longer do JavaScript development or need to clear corrupted npm cache data, you can remove ~/.npm and let npm recreate it later, with the tradeoff that future installs may take longer until the cache is rebuilt.
File path
~/.npm
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