How to Change the Disk Cache Location in After Effects

Introduction: Understanding Disk Cache and Its Importance in After Effects

In After Effects, disk cache is used to store temporary files to improve performance during rendering and previewing. Changing the disk cache folder location allows you to manage storage space more effectively, especially when your primary drive is running low on space. By moving the disk cache to a different drive, you can improve After Effects’ performance and keep your project files and media organized. This guide will show you how to change the disk cache folder location to optimize your workflow.

Step 1: Open After Effects Preferences

To begin, open After Effects and navigate to the Edit menu > Preferences (on Windows) or After Effects menu > Settings (on Mac) at the top of your screen. Then, select Media & Disk Cache. This will open the settings for the disk cache, where you can adjust the cache file location and size.Step 2: Find the Disk Cache Settings

In the Preferences window, look for the Disk Cache section. This section allows you to change the location of the disk cache, as well as control the amount of space it can use. The default setting places the disk cache in the same directory as your After Effects installation, which may not always be the most efficient location.

Step 3: Change the Cache Folder Location

To change the disk cache location, click on the Choose Folder button next to the Disk Cache path. A file explorer window will open, allowing you to select a new location on your computer or an external drive. Choose a folder with sufficient space for After Effects to store its cache files. It’s often recommended to use a drive that is separate from your system drive to prevent performance issues. Step 4: Adjust Cache Size

You can also set a limit for the size of the disk cache. In the Disk Cache section, look for the Maximum Disk Cache Size option. By default, After Effects allows for an unlimited disk cache, but setting a limit can prevent After Effects from using up too much space. Adjust the size based on your available storage and needs – usually, 15-50 GB is sufficient for most users.Step 5: Clear Existing Cache Files

After changing the disk cache location, it’s a good idea to clear the old cache files to free up space on your primary drive. To do this, click on the Empty Disk Cache button in the Preferences window. This will remove any cached files that were stored in the previous location and ensure After Effects uses the new folder for future cache storage. Step 6: Save and Restart After Effects

Once you’ve made your changes, click OK to save the new preferences. It’s recommended to restart After Effects so the changes take effect. After the restart, After Effects will begin using the new disk cache folder, and your system’s performance should improve as a result of the optimized cache storage.Conclusion

Changing the disk cache location in After Effects is an essential step for optimizing your workflow, particularly if you’re working on large projects that demand significant processing power. By selecting an appropriate location for your cache files and managing the cache size, you can improve performance and free up valuable space on your system drive. Regularly clearing the cache also helps keep your project files organized and your system running smoothly.