How to clear Sketchup cache ?

Clearing the SketchUp cache can help improve performance, resolve issues, or free up space. SketchUp uses cache files for materials, components, and other temporary data. Here’s how to clear or manage them:

1. Clear Temporary Files Cache

SketchUp stores temporary files during use. Clearing these can resolve problems:

• Windows:
  1. Press Win + R, type %TEMP%, and press Enter.
  2. Look for folders or files related to SketchUp (e.g., SketchUpTemp) and delete them.
• Mac:
  1. Open Finder, press Cmd + Shift + G.
  2. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.
  3. Locate folders related to SketchUp and delete them.

2. Purge Unused Elements in SketchUp

Within your model, unused components, materials, and styles can create a “cache” that bloats file size.

• Go to Window > Model Info > Statistics.
• Click Purge Unused to remove unused data.

3. Reset SketchUp Preferences

SketchUp stores preferences and recent files in a cache-like structure.

• Windows:
  1. Go to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\[SketchUp Version]\.
  2. Delete or rename the PrivatePreferences.json file.
• Mac:
  1. Go to ~/Library/Application Support/SketchUp/[SketchUp Version]/.
  2. Delete or rename the PrivatePreferences.json file.

4. Clear Plugin or Extension Cache

Plugins or extensions can create cache files:

• Windows:
  • Navigate to C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\SketchUp\[SketchUp Version]\Plugins.
  • Remove unnecessary files or plugin-related caches.
• Mac:
  • Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/SketchUp/[SketchUp Version]/Plugins.
  • Delete plugin-related cache files.

5. Clear Texture and Rendering Cache

If you use rendering plugins or custom textures:

• Locate the render plugin’s cache folder (varies by plugin, e.g., V-Ray or Enscape).
• Clear the cached files directly via plugin settings or by manually deleting files in the cache folder.

6. Reinstall SketchUp (Optional)

If issues persist after clearing the cache, reinstall SketchUp:

1. Uninstall SketchUp from your system.
2. Delete residual folders in:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData (Windows).
   • ~/Library (Mac).
3. Reinstall SketchUp.

By following these steps, you can effectively clear SketchUp’s cache and optimize its performance.