> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aspect.inc/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Cache management
> Control how much local storage Aspect uses to keep streamed media ready for faster access.
The Aspect desktop app for **macOS and Windows** uses a local cache to make files from a [mounted project](/docs/instant-access/mount-a-project) faster to open and reuse.
When you open or scrub through a file, Aspect streams the parts your application requests and stores frequently accessed data on your computer. The next time you use the same content, Aspect can read it from the cache instead of downloading it again.
Caching happens automatically. You can control how much disk space the cache may use and where it is stored from the Aspect desktop app.
## How the cache works
Mounting a project does not download the entire project to your computer.
As you work, Aspect:
1. Streams the parts of a file your application requests.
2. Prefetches data it expects the application to need next.
3. Stores accessed data in the local cache.
4. Reuses cached data when you return to the same part of a file.
5. Removes older cached data when space is needed.
This lets you begin working with large files without waiting for a complete download.
Cached data is a temporary local copy. Removing cached data does not delete or change the original file stored in Aspect.
## View cache usage
Use the Aspect desktop app to see how much local storage the cache is using.
Launch the Aspect desktop app on your computer.
Open the desktop app settings and find the local cache settings.
Check the current cache limit, how much space Aspect is using, and where the cache is stored.
The amount of cached data changes as you work. Opening new files adds data to the cache, while automatic eviction removes older data when Aspect needs space.
## Increase the cache size
A larger cache lets Aspect keep more recently accessed media on your computer.
This can improve performance when you:
* Return to the same footage repeatedly.
* Scrub through long timelines.
* Switch between several large files.
* Work on the same project over multiple sessions.
* Have enough local disk space for active media.
Open the Aspect desktop app settings and find the local cache controls.
Confirm that your computer has enough free storage for a larger cache.
Leave space available for your operating system, creative applications, project files, exports, and other local work.
Choose a larger cache size.
The cache limit is the maximum amount of local storage Aspect may use for automatically cached data.
Apply the new limit if prompted. Aspect can now retain more recently accessed data before older cached content is removed.
Increase the cache gradually. A cache large enough for your active footage is usually more useful than assigning all available disk space to Aspect.
## Decrease the cache size
Reduce the cache limit when you need to recover local disk space.
Open the local cache settings in the Aspect desktop app.
Reduce the maximum amount of storage Aspect may use.
Aspect removes older cached data as needed to stay within the new limit.
Reducing the cache does not remove files from Aspect. Content that is no longer cached can be streamed again the next time you open it.
## Choose a cache size
The best cache size depends on your available storage and the media you work with.
Consider:
* The size of your active project
* The number of files you use regularly
* The length of your editing sessions
A larger cache can reduce repeated network use, but it does not need to contain the entire project.
For example, a project may contain several terabytes of footage while the cache holds only the portions you recently opened or scrubbed.
## Change the cache location
You can choose where Aspect stores cached data.
Changing the location can help when:
* Your primary disk has limited free space.
* Another supported storage location has more capacity.
* You want to separate media caches from your system disk.
* Your creative applications already use most of the primary disk.
Open the Aspect desktop app settings and find the cache location.
Select a supported storage location with enough available space.
Make sure Aspect can write to the selected location and that it remains available while you work.
Apply the new cache location if prompted.
If the selected cache location becomes unavailable, Aspect may need to stream data again or ask you to choose another location.
## Automatic cache eviction
Aspect manages cached data automatically.
When the cache approaches its configured limit, Aspect removes stale data while keeping recently used content available. This process is called cache eviction.
Automatic eviction:
* Keeps cache usage within the configured limit.
* Prioritizes recently accessed content.
* Recovers space from content you are no longer using.
* Does not delete or modify original files in Aspect.
* Does not remove files from the project.
If evicted data is needed again, Aspect streams it from the project and adds it back to the cache.
## Cache and network usage
The cache reduces repeated network activity, but the first access to uncached content still requires an internet connection.
When you open a file:
* Cached parts are read from local storage.
* Uncached parts are streamed from Aspect.
* Newly accessed data may be added to the cache.
* Prefetching may retrieve upcoming parts before the application requests them.
A larger cache can help when your connection is inconsistent because more previously accessed data remains local. It does not guarantee that a complete file will be available offline.
For guaranteed offline access, pin the file or folder.
Download complete files or folders and keep them available offline.
## Cache and pinning
Caching and pinning are different.
| Cache | Pinning |
| - | - |
| Happens automatically as you access files | Starts when you choose to pin content |
| May contain only parts of a file | Downloads the complete file or folder |
| Older data may be removed automatically | Content remains local until you unpin it |
| Designed to improve normal streaming performance | Designed for offline or guaranteed local access |
| Controlled by the cache size limit | Requires enough space for the complete pinned content |
Do not rely on cached data for offline work. Pin everything you need before disconnecting from the internet.
## What happens when the cache is full
Reaching the cache limit does not stop you from opening files.
Aspect automatically removes older cached data to make room for newly accessed content. If you return to something that was removed, Aspect streams it again.
If content is being streamed repeatedly, consider:
* Increasing the cache size.
* Confirming that the cache location has enough free space.
* Pinning the files you use most often.
* Checking whether another application is clearing or restricting local storage.
* Reviewing your internet connection.
## Cache best practices
* Keep enough free disk space for your operating system and your creative applications.
* Use a larger cache when repeatedly working with the same footage.
* Store the cache in a location that remains available while you work.
* Pin files when you need guaranteed offline access.
## Troubleshoot cache performance
If files that were previously fast begin streaming again:
* Confirm that the cache location is still available.
* Check whether the cache limit was reduced.
* Check whether older data was automatically evicted.
* Confirm that your computer has available disk space.
* Make sure the Aspect desktop app is running.
* Check your internet connection for uncached content.
## Related guides
Learn how streaming, prefetching, caching, and synchronization work together.
Keep complete files and folders available offline.
Make an Aspect project available as a drive on your computer.