The short answer
Yes. Rebuilt or re-downloaded automatically when needed.
What is it?
MacPorts keeps the source archives and other files it downloads to build ports in /opt/local/var/macports/distfiles. They are needed only to rebuild a port, and files for old versions stay after upgrades. The folder is owned by the system, so changes need an administrator password.
What happens if you delete it?
MacPorts downloads distfiles again only when it needs to build or rebuild a port. Installed ports keep working.
How to remove it properly
Run sudo port reclaim in Terminal (administrator password required). It lists inactive ports, unrequested ports nothing depends on and distfiles that are no longer needed, and asks before removing them; removals are permanent. sudo port -y reclaim does a dry run first.
Use the tool’s official command: sudo port reclaim
Before you delete it
Run port installed unrequested beforehand and mark ports you want to keep with sudo port setrequested <name>, otherwise reclaim may offer to uninstall them.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item, shows its real size and when it was last used, and labels it “Safe to remove”. In the free version you can move it to the Trash in one click, with Undo; Pro collects every safe item at once.
When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (sudo port reclaim) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete MacPorts distfiles?
Yes. Rebuilt or re-downloaded automatically when needed. MacPorts downloads distfiles again only when it needs to build or rebuild a port. Installed ports keep working.
Will MacPorts downloaded sources come back after I delete it?
Yes. MacPorts downloads distfiles again only when it needs to build or rebuild a port. Installed ports keep working.
How do I remove MacPorts downloaded sources properly?
Run sudo port reclaim in Terminal (administrator password required). It lists inactive ports, unrequested ports nothing depends on and distfiles that are no longer needed, and asks before removing them; removals are permanent. sudo port -y reclaim does a dry run first.