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Glossary

Bundle identifier

An app's unique reverse-domain ID, such as com.apple.Safari, used to name the files it keeps.

What it is

Every Mac app declares a bundle identifier in its Info.plist. macOS uses it to name the app's container, preferences file and caches, for example ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Safari.plist.

Signed apps also carry a team identifier for their developer, and apps from the same developer can share a group container named with it.

Why it matters

Matching an app's leftover files by bundle ID and team ID, rather than by name, is what makes a complete uninstall safe.

In Activity Monitor

Not shown in the process list.

In iKnowMyMac

Each app's page lists every file it keeps. Remove completely matches them by bundle ID and team ID, and leaves files shared with other apps in place.

In Terminal
mdls -name kMDItemCFBundleIdentifier -r /Applications/Safari.app

Prints an app's bundle identifier.

Know why your Mac is slow.

macOS 15 Sequoia or later · Apple silicon. A 4.2 MB native app, notarized by Apple. No account, no analytics, no telemetry.

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