The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
When you pull or clone a VM image from a registry, Tart keeps a copy in ~/.tart/cache (OCI images, plus IPSW restore images) so later clones are fast. Images are large, often 20–50 GB each.
VM images pulled from registries. Tart pulls them again when needed (often 20-50 GB).
What happens if you delete it?
Tart downloads an image again the next time you pull or clone it, which can take a long time for macOS images. Your local VMs in ~/.tart/vms are separate and stay intact.
How to remove it properly
Run tart prune --entries=caches --older-than=7 to remove cached images not used in the last 7 days, permanently. Otherwise move the folder to the Trash in Finder (Go › Go to Folder… ~/.tart/cache). Tart also prunes this cache on its own when space runs low during a pull or clone.
Quit the app that uses it, then move it to the Trash. Empty the Trash when you’re sure.
Before you delete it
On slow connections, or in CI where the same image is cloned often, keep the images you use regularly.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to delete the Tart image cache (~/.tart/cache)?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. Tart downloads an image again the next time you pull or clone it, which can take a long time for macOS images. Your local VMs in ~/.tart/vms are separate and stay intact.
Will Tart image cache come back after I delete it?
Yes. Tart downloads an image again the next time you pull or clone it, which can take a long time for macOS images. Your local VMs in ~/.tart/vms are separate and stay intact.
How do I remove Tart image cache properly?
Run tart prune --entries=caches --older-than=7 to remove cached images not used in the last 7 days, permanently. Otherwise move the folder to the Trash in Finder (Go › Go to Folder… ~/.tart/cache). Tart also prunes this cache on its own when space runs low during a pull or clone.