What are PLIST Files and is it Safe to Delete them?

A PLIST file is a preference file used by various applications on macOS. These files store preferences and other information specific to the application, and are generally located in the /Library/Preferences/ or ~/Library/Preferences/ directories.

Is it safe to delete PLIST files?

Yes, it is safe to delete PLIST files. However, doing so may cause some applications to lose their preferences, or even cease to function properly. Therefore, it is always best to check with the application’s documentation or support first to see if deleting the PLIST file will have any negative consequences.

What are PLIST Files and is it Safe to Delete them?

What do PLIST files do?

PLIST files are a type of configuration file used by many applications on macOS. They typically store preference settings and other data specific to the application. While you can delete PLIST files, doing so can cause problems with the application that uses them. It’s best to only delete PLIST files that you know are no longer needed.

Are PLIST files safe to delete?

PLIST files are typically safe to delete, but there are some exceptions. If you’re unsure whether a particular PLIST file is safe to delete, you can always check with the software developer or contact Apple support. In general, though, PLIST files that are no longer needed by an app can be safely deleted.

How do I delete a PLIST file?

If you’re sure you want to delete a PLIST file, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Quit the program that is using the file.

2. Locate the file in the Finder. The file will have a name that ends in “.plist”, and will be located in the Preferences folder for the application. For example, the Safari application has a PLIST file named “com.apple.Safari.plist” in the “~/Library/Preferences/” directory.

3. Delete the file. You can do this by either moving the file to the Trash, or by using the “rm” command in the Terminal.

4. Empty the Trash.

That’s all there is to it! Deleting a PLIST file is a relatively simple process, and is usually safe to do. However, as with any file deletion, there is always a small risk that something could go wrong, so be sure to back up your files before you delete anything.

What are some common PLIST file names?

There are many common PLIST file names, some of which are:

com.apple.finder.plist
com.apple.dock.plist
com.apple.mail.plist

These files contain important information about how your computer operates, so it is generally not recommended to delete them unless you know what you are doing.