Overview:
Pearcleaner is a free, source-available and fair-code licensed Mac app uninstaller. It is inspired by Freemacsoft's AppCleaner and Sun Knudsen's app-cleaner script. The application helps users remove applications and their associated leftover files from macOS. It is built for individuals who want a more thorough uninstall process beyond simply dragging an app to the Trash.
Core Features:
Core Cleanup Tools: Includes App Uninstall, Orphaned File Search, File Search, Homebrew Manager, PKG Manager, Plugin Manager, Services Manager, and Apps Updater.
Multiple Input Methods: Supports drag-and-drop, CLI commands, and a deep link automation view for initiating uninstalls.
Finder Extension: Provides a right-click uninstall option directly from the Finder.
Sentinel Monitor: Automatically cleans up app files when an application is moved to the Trash, using approximately 2 MB of RAM.
Utility Functions: Can prune unused app translations to keep only preferred languages and strip architectures from universal apps without requiring the lipo binary from Xcode.
Interface Customization: Offers a theme system with custom colors, adjustable search sensitivity, and options to include or exclude directories for searching.
Use Cases:
Self-hosters who want to cleanly remove macOS applications and their associated orphaned files.
Developers looking to manage development environments and uninstall Homebrew packages.
Users wanting to uninstall via a right-click context menu in the Finder.
Individuals who want a tool that supports automated cleanup when apps are dragged to the Trash.
Why It Matters:
Pearcleaner is a code-available tool that fills the same niche as classic Mac app cleaners. It offers direct control over the uninstall process, including the removal of orphaned files, plugins, and system services. The project supports multiple interaction methods like drag-and-drop, CLI, and the Finder, but it is a personal/hobby project and is described as "fairly opinionated" regarding its interface and features.
