OpenCleaner
An open source alternative to AppCleaner. Removes applications along with all residual files: caches, preferences, logs, and support data.
The problem
Uninstalling a macOS app by dragging it to Trash leaves hundreds of megabytes of orphaned files scattered across the system. AppCleaner, the most popular solution, is proprietary: no code to audit, no way to contribute.
The solution
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Automatic detection
Finds all residual files associated with the app before removing it.
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Safe deletion
Moves everything to Trash, not /dev/null. Recoverable if something goes wrong.
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Drag & Drop
Drag any app to the uninstall zone to inspect its residual files.
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Visual report
Chart of freed space and detailed list of every removed file.
Tech stack
Desktop
- Electron 39
- electron-vite
- Node.js 18+
Frontend
- React 19
- TypeScript
- Radix UI
- Framer Motion
- Recharts
Testing
- Vitest
- Use case coverage
- Port mocks
Technical decisions
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Clean Architecture in Electron
Domain ports allow testing all use cases without Electron or a real filesystem. Infrastructure is a swappable detail.
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No code signing
Runs in dev mode to avoid the $99/year Apple Developer account. The install.sh handles setup transparently for the user.
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Trash instead of rm -rf
Deletion is always recoverable. We prioritize safety over completeness: if something goes wrong, the user can restore.