Safe to Delete

macOS Font Server Cache (/var/db/ats)

Space: 100 MB – 500 MB macos macOS
Quick Answer: Apple Type Services (ats) caches font rendering metrics. Resetting the font cache fixes corrupted font glyphs and system text glitches.

Bottom Line: It is 100% safe to reset the macOS font cache. Clearing it resolves overlapping text, missing font glyphs, and application launch crashes related to font server locks.

What is the ats Font Cache?

Located in system folders like /var/db/ats/ (Apple Type Services), macOS uses font cache databases to quickly render OpenType, TrueType, and System fonts without reading raw font files on every frame.

Can You Delete the Font Cache?

✅ Yes, safe to reset.

  • Automatic Rebuild: macOS regenerates fresh font tables automatically upon reboot.

How to Reset macOS Font Cache

Terminal Command

sudo atsutil databases -remove

(After running, restart your Mac to complete font database regeneration).

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