Where Does OrbStack Store Data?
OrbStack keeps its settings and VM state under a dot folder in the home directory on macOS. Shared container files and machine files are exposed under the OrbStack folder in the home directory.
Last updated
Core state lives in the dot orbstack folder with separate config and data subfolders. Docker engine config sits in a JSON file that can be edited directly.
For daily access, use the mounted OrbStack folder to browse container data and machine files. Factory reset deletes that stored data, so export volumes first.
Where OrbStack stores this, by platform
/Users/<user>/.orbstack/config/docker.json
<user> is the macOS account name. Edit this JSON to change engine options, then run orb restart docker. CLI settings are managed with orb config.
/Users/<user>/.orbstack/data/
<user> is the macOS account name. Holds VM disks and app data. Location can be changed in OrbStack Settings. Deleting this folder forces fresh state on next launch.
/Users/<user>/OrbStack/docker/volumes/<volume>/
<volume> is the Docker volume name. Container files appear under the nearby docker containers folder. Machine files appear at OrbStack folder root under the machine name.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change where OrbStack stores data?
Yes. Change the data location in OrbStack Settings. The dot orbstack folder still holds local config, so keep that path in mind when auditing home directory usage.
Where are Linux machine files?
Browse the OrbStack folder at home directory root and open the folder named for the machine. From inside Linux, Mac files are available under /mnt/mac for transfer.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.