Earlier, I explained how to install applications under OS X. It’s a pretty straight forward process. Uninstalling applications is nearly just as easy.
In most cases, uninstalling an applications is as simple as dragging the application from the Applications folder to the Trash. It is this simple because OS X applications bundle the program and all of the supporting files inside the application image. If you want to go a little deeper than read on…
There may be occasions where application programs leave things behind. They could be support files, plug-is, preferences, etc. They are generally harmless but, if you ever reinstall an application it is useful to know that there are there.
Tracking them down and eliminating them is easy, if you know where to look. In general, support files are located in these areas on your system.
- Home Directory -> Library -> Preferences
- Home Directory -> Library -> Application Support
- Library -> Preferences
- Library -> Application Support
The first two directories are for application files specific to you, the second two directories are for all the users of your system.
This sample video shows you how to uninstall MailPlane, a GMail front end application.
If you’re nervous about messing around with your Library directories, you can always try an application designed for removing OS X applications. AppZapper, looks nice but I haven’t tried it myself.
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Very informative. Thanks for the information.