How to change KDE Plasma theme from terminal?

Use commands like plasma-apply-desktoptheme listed in the README, such as 'plasma-apply-desktoptheme breeze-dark', to apply themes programmatically without opening system settings.

Where does KDE store panel configuration files?

Panel settings are in ~/.config/plasma-org.kde.plasma.desktop-appletsrc, as documented in the Panel section, allowing direct edits for layout changes.

KDE config files vs dconf for GNOME: which is easier?

KDE uses plain text files in ~/.config/, making them human-readable and scriptable, while GNOME's dconf is a binary database; this repo helps navigate KDE's file-based system but requires more manual handling.

How to disable screen corners in KDE Plasma?

The README explains screen corner numbering and provides commands or config edits in ~/.config/kwinrc under [ElectricBorders] to disable actions, though it requires careful editing.

What's the best way to backup KDE settings?

The README references tools like Konsave, but for direct control, copy files from paths listed (e.g., ~/.config/kdeglobals), though be cautious as some configs are interdependent.

How to customize title bar buttons in KDE?

Modify ~/.config/kwinrc or theme-specific files like breezerc using symbols (e.g., 'X' for close) as explained in the Window Decorations section, but test changes to avoid GUI issues.

Are there alternatives to this KDE config files project?

Official KDE documentation or tools like Konsave offer partial solutions, but this repo is unique for its detailed, centralized mapping of file paths across the desktop environment.

KDE Configs — KDE Plasma Configuration Reference

What is KDE Configs?

shalva97/kde-configuration-files is a reference repository that maps KDE Plasma desktop environment settings to their underlying configuration files. It solves the problem of understanding where KDE stores its myriad settings—from panel layouts and themes to window rules and application preferences—by providing a comprehensive directory. This enables advanced customization, scripting, and backup beyond the standard system settings GUI.

Target Audience

Linux power users, system administrators, and developers who use KDE Plasma and need to programmatically manage, back up, or deeply customize their desktop environment configuration.

Value Proposition

Developers choose this project because it consolidates hard-to-find information about KDE config file locations into a single, organized reference, saving hours of manual searching. Its unique value is providing the 'plumbing' knowledge required for automation and precise control that the GUI settings manager does not expose.

KDE plasma configuration files

Use Cases

Best For

Creating automated scripts to set up a KDE Plasma desktop from scratch
Backing up and restoring specific KDE configuration subsets
Debugging KDE Plasma behavior by directly inspecting config files
Applying bulk theme or appearance changes via the command line
Understanding the relationship between a GUI setting and its stored value
Developing tools or scripts that interact with KDE's configuration system

Not Ideal For

Users who prefer graphical settings managers without file editing
Projects requiring cross-desktop environment compatibility (e.g., GNOME or XFCE)
Teams seeking out-of-the-box, production-ready configuration automation tools
Developers needing official, version-supported KDE API documentation

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive Configuration Mapping

It meticulously documents exact file paths for Plasma components, system settings, and KDE applications across categories like Appearance and Workspace, saving users from manual hunting.

Practical Scripts and Commands

Includes ready-to-use scripts for tasks like hiding title bars on maximized windows and references command-line utilities such as plasma-apply-desktoptheme for programmatic theme changes.

Niche Setting Documentation

Explains hard-to-find configurations like screen corner actions and window decoration button symbols, providing insights beyond standard GUI options.

Well-Organized Structure

Groups config files logically by functional areas (e.g., Personalization, Hardware), making it easier to navigate and understand KDE's configuration system.

Cons

Unofficial and Potentially Stale

As a personal repository, it lacks official maintenance guarantees, so file paths or commands may become outdated with new KDE Plasma releases.

Sparse Modification Guidance

While it lists file locations, it often omits detailed examples of how to safely edit key-value pairs or what specific entries control, risking user error.

Shell Script Limitations

Some provided scripts, like the delete-kde-configuration-files.fish, are written in Fish shell, requiring adaptation for Bash or other common environments.

No Version-Specific Warnings

Does not highlight how config file structures might change between KDE versions, which could lead to broken setups after updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KDE Configs?

Target Audience

Linux power users, system administrators, and developers who use KDE Plasma and need to programmatically manage, back up, or deeply customize their desktop environment configuration.

Value Proposition

Use Cases

Best For

Creating automated scripts to set up a KDE Plasma desktop from scratch
Backing up and restoring specific KDE configuration subsets
Debugging KDE Plasma behavior by directly inspecting config files
Applying bulk theme or appearance changes via the command line
Understanding the relationship between a GUI setting and its stored value
Developing tools or scripts that interact with KDE's configuration system

Not Ideal For

Users who prefer graphical settings managers without file editing
Projects requiring cross-desktop environment compatibility (e.g., GNOME or XFCE)
Teams seeking out-of-the-box, production-ready configuration automation tools
Developers needing official, version-supported KDE API documentation

Pros & Cons

Pros

Comprehensive Configuration Mapping

It meticulously documents exact file paths for Plasma components, system settings, and KDE applications across categories like Appearance and Workspace, saving users from manual hunting.

Practical Scripts and Commands

Includes ready-to-use scripts for tasks like hiding title bars on maximized windows and references command-line utilities such as plasma-apply-desktoptheme for programmatic theme changes.

Niche Setting Documentation

Explains hard-to-find configurations like screen corner actions and window decoration button symbols, providing insights beyond standard GUI options.

Well-Organized Structure

Groups config files logically by functional areas (e.g., Personalization, Hardware), making it easier to navigate and understand KDE's configuration system.

Cons

Unofficial and Potentially Stale

As a personal repository, it lacks official maintenance guarantees, so file paths or commands may become outdated with new KDE Plasma releases.

Sparse Modification Guidance

While it lists file locations, it often omits detailed examples of how to safely edit key-value pairs or what specific entries control, risking user error.

Shell Script Limitations

Some provided scripts, like the delete-kde-configuration-files.fish, are written in Fish shell, requiring adaptation for Bash or other common environments.

No Version-Specific Warnings

Does not highlight how config file structures might change between KDE versions, which could lead to broken setups after updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

KDE Configs

What is KDE Configs?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

KDE Configs

What is KDE Configs?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?