Arc
Built on Chromium, Arc stores browser profile data under User Data, including HTTP disk cache entries, GPU shader caches, Service Worker and Code Cache files, IndexedDB and Local Storage for web apps, and SQLite databases such as History, Favicons, Cookies, and Top Sites with companion WAL and journal files. These files exist to speed up page loads, keep site resources available offline, preserve tab and workspace state, and reduce repeated rendering work, but they can also accumulate stale records and fragmented database pages over time. Kudu removes disposable cache content and vacuums Arc’s SQLite databases to reclaim space and clear corrupted or outdated cache state without touching accounts, saved passwords, bookmarks, or personal browsing data you still need.
Why clean Arc?
- Stale Chromium HTTP cache entries can make sites load old CSS, JavaScript, or images, which shows up as broken layouts, missing buttons, or pages that only work after a hard refresh
- Invalid GPU cache and shader data after a graphics driver update can cause black flashes, flickering, or sluggish scrolling until Arc rebuilds the cache
- Corrupted Service Worker or Code Cache files can leave web apps like Gmail, Slack, or Notion stuck on outdated code, causing login loops, blank panes, or features that fail only in Arc
- Oversized media and image caches can consume several gigabytes under User Data, leaving the browser using unexpected disk space even after tabs are closed
- Favicons and Top Sites databases can retain stale artwork and shortcuts, leading to wrong site icons, blank thumbnails, or start pages that do not reflect recent browsing
- SQLite databases such as History and Favicons grow fragmented as records are updated and deleted; VACUUM rewrites the database into a compact file without deleting the rows you keep, which helps recover disk space and reduce odd database-related slowdowns
- Large WAL and journal files left behind after interrupted writes or crashes can make Arc feel slow to start and may trigger repeated profile recovery behavior on launch
Cache paths Kudu targets
These databases are vacuumed (compacted) — no data is deleted. SQLite VACUUM reclaims wasted space left over from normal usage.
Windows
%LocalAppData%/Arc/User Data |
macOS
~/Library/Application Support/Arc/User Data |
Common questions about Arc
Download Kudu and reclaim your disk space.
Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. No account required, no feature gates, no telemetry without consent. All cleaning targets are open source and community-auditable.