~

What is ~?

The ~ symbol in macOS paths refers to the current user's home folder, such as /Users/YourName. This is the main personal directory for your account and typically contains folders like Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Movies, Music, Pictures, Public, and Library. Many apps also store user-specific settings, support files, caches, and personal data inside this location.

Safety overview

Status: Use with caution

This location is not a single app file but your account's primary data folder. Removing items here can delete personal files, app data, settings, downloads, and synced content. Deleting the wrong folders may break apps or permanently remove important data.

Recommendation: Keep the home folder itself. Only review and remove specific files or subfolders you clearly recognize and no longer need, such as old downloads or app leftovers in your user Library. Do not delete the entire ~ folder or unfamiliar subfolders.

File path

• ~

Related can I delete pages

• ~/Library
• ~/Desktop
• ~/Documents
• ~/Downloads
• ~/Movies
• ~/Music
• ~/Pictures
• ~/Public
• ~/Library/Application Support
• ~/Library/Caches
• ~/Library/Preferences
• ~/Library/Containers
• ~/Library/Group Containers

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