Where Does RawTherapee Store Profiles and Cache?
Where RawTherapee keeps its options file, custom profiles and cache on each OS, and what is safe to delete.
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RawTherapee splits state into a config folder and a cache folder per OS. The config side holds the options file, custom profiles, batch queue and camera constants. The cache side holds thumbnails and metadata that rebuild on demand.
Per image edits travel as sidecar files next to the photos, not in either folder. Custom variables can relocate both trees for portable setups. Version suffixes on folder names change across releases, so match the running version. Custom dynamic profiles ride in the profiles folder, so export it separately.
Where RawTherapee stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\RawTherapee
Config tree with the options file, profiles, batch queue and camera constants. Cache sits in a sibling tree that is safe to wipe. Watch for version suffixes.
~/Library/Containers/RawTherapee/Data/Library/Application Support/RawTherapee/config
Sandboxed config and cache under the app container. Reach it through Go to Folder in Finder. Sidecars still travel with the photos themselves.
~/.config/RawTherapee
Config under XDG config home with cache under XDG cache home. Profiles live in the config tree. Sidecars travel with photos, not here.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up my RawTherapee custom profiles?
Open the config folder for your OS from this post and copy the profiles directory. It holds every custom processing profile for the treatment dropdown. Per image sidecars travel with the photos themselves, not with this folder.
Can I delete the RawTherapee cache to free space?
Yes. Thumbnails, metadata and cached sidecars regenerate on next browse, so wiping only costs time. Never delete the config folder with the options file and profiles beside the cache. Point custom paths with the documented variables first.
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