The short answer
Yes. Rebuilt or re-downloaded automatically when needed.
What is it?
When you build a Swift package from Terminal or an editor such as VS Code, Swift Package Manager puts compiled products, dependency checkouts and caches in a .build folder next to Package.swift. Xcode uses DerivedData instead. Only folders in projects untouched for 30 days are considered.
What happens if you delete it?
The next swift build or swift test fetches dependencies again from Package.resolved and recompiles, which can take several minutes.
How to remove it properly
Run swift package clean to delete build products, or swift package reset to remove the whole .build folder including checkouts; both are permanent. You can also move .build to the Trash in Finder.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
- MoreRoom only suggests items unused for 30 days or more.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete the .build folder in a Swift package?
Yes. Rebuilt or re-downloaded automatically when needed. The next swift build or swift test fetches dependencies again from Package.resolved and recompiles, which can take several minutes.
Will Swift package build folders (.build) come back after I delete it?
Yes. The next swift build or swift test fetches dependencies again from Package.resolved and recompiles, which can take several minutes.
How do I remove Swift package build folders (.build) properly?
Run swift package clean to delete build products, or swift package reset to remove the whole .build folder including checkouts; both are permanent. You can also move .build to the Trash in Finder.