Where Does DaVinci Resolve Store Cache Files?
DaVinci Resolve cache lives in CacheClip and gallery folders at the root of the first Media Storage volume, not with projects.
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Resolve splits projects from cache on purpose. Projects live in the Resolve Disk Database under your user folder. Cache lives somewhere else entirely: hidden CacheClip, .gallery and OptimizedMedia folders at the root of whichever volume is first in Preferences, System, Media Storage.
That first volume rule fills system drives by surprise. If C: sits at the top of the list, every render cache lands on C: until you reorder it or set a per-project Working Folder. Delete render cache inside the app with Playback, Delete Render Cache. Optimized and proxy files need manual deletion.
Where DaVinci Resolve stores this, by platform
<FirstMediaStorage>\CacheClip
For example S:\CacheClip when S: is first in Media Storage, or C:\CacheClip when the system drive is first. Siblings .gallery and OptimizedMedia sit beside it. Change per project under Project Settings, Master Settings, Working Folders.
<FirstMediaStorage>/CacheClip
For example /Volumes/RAID/CacheClip on an external volume. Same .gallery and OptimizedMedia siblings. The project library itself stays in ~/Library/Application Support/Blackmagic Design, which is a different tree.
<FirstMediaStorage>/CacheClip
For example /mnt/raid/CacheClip. Same layout and same Working Folders override. Do not confuse this with ~/.local/share/DaVinciResolve, which holds the project database rather than cache.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my system drive full after using Resolve?
The OS volume was first in Media Storage, so every cache file landed there. Open Preferences, System, Media Storage and move a fast external volume to the top, or set a per-project Cache files location under Working Folders.
What is the difference between CacheClip and OptimizedMedia?
CacheClip holds render cache (*.dvcc) the timeline rebuilds automatically. OptimizedMedia and proxy folders hold transcoded copies you made on purpose. Deleting render cache from Playback is safe; deleting optimized files forces a re-transcode.
Where are gallery stills stored?
In a hidden .gallery folder next to CacheClip at the same volume root. Change it under Working Folders, Gallery stills location. Stills are small DPX files, but a large gallery still adds up across projects.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.