Where Does bottom Store Its Config?
bottom TOML config location on Linux and Mac, and why most users never need the file.
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bottom reads an optional bottom.toml file from a bottom folder under ~/.config. The file may not exist at all on fresh installs, because bottom runs happily on compiled in defaults and every option also exists as a command line flag.
That optionality shapes the workflow. One off tweaks belong on the command line, while permanent layouts, custom widgets and color schemes earn a config file. The file uses TOML with commented examples upstream, so starting from the documented sample beats writing one from scratch.
Where bottom stores this, by platform
~/.config/bottom/bottom.toml
Respects $XDG_CONFIG_HOME when set. Create the file only when defaults stop sufficing. Widget layouts and styles live here, while process state never touches disk.
~/.config/bottom/bottom.toml
Same path and format as Linux. Configs move between the two platforms untouched, since bottom stores no OS specific absolute paths by default.
Frequently asked questions
how do i reset bottom settings
Delete bottom.toml with bottom closed and relaunch. The app falls back to built in defaults, clearing broken layouts, bad color overrides and stuck widget configs.
can i configure bottom without editing files
Yes, through command line flags and the config file side by side. Flags win for one off runs, while the TOML file suits permanent setups. Check bottom --help for the flag list matching your version.
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