Where Does W&B Store Runs, Cache and Settings?
W&B keeps run logs in ./wandb, downloaded artifacts in ~/.cache/wandb, and API settings in ~/.config/wandb.
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W&B splits local files by purpose. Run logs and metadata go in a wandb folder inside your training script directory. Downloaded artifacts land in the cache under your home folder. API keys and preferences live in the config dir.
Four env vars control the layout. WANDB_DIR moves run folders. WANDB_CACHE_DIR moves the artifact cache. WANDB_CONFIG_DIR moves settings. WANDB_DATA_DIR moves upload staging. Set them per project when disks are small.
Where W&B stores this, by platform
~/.config/wandb/settings and ~/.cache/wandb (runs in ./wandb)
Run folders in ./wandb by default, artifacts in ./artifacts. Override with WANDB_DIR and WANDB_ARTIFACT_DIR. Settings in ~/.config/wandb, cache in ~/.cache/wandb.
~/.config/wandb/settings and ~/.cache/wandb (runs in ./wandb)
Same layout under the home folder. Use Go to Folder in Finder since .config and .cache hide. Env vars work the same as Linux.
%USERPROFILE%\.config\wandb\settings and %USERPROFILE%\.cache\wandb
Config under %USERPROFILE%\.config\wandb, cache under %USERPROFILE%\.cache\wandb unless platformdirs redirects to %APPDATA%. Runs still default to .\wandb in the project. Env vars override every path.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move W&B files off the defaults?
Set WANDB_DIR for run folders, WANDB_CACHE_DIR for the artifact cache, WANDB_CONFIG_DIR for settings, and WANDB_DATA_DIR for upload staging. Each path overrides one location. Defaults stay in the project dir and home cache.
The artifact cache is huge. How do I trim it?
Run wandb artifact cache cleanup with a size like 1GB. The cache speeds repeat downloads by sharing files across versions. It grows quietly, so prune it on shared machines.
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