Where Does Cartridges Store Its Library?
Cartridges keeps its library database under XDG data. Flatpak installs sandbox it at ~/.var/app/page.kramo.Cartridges.
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Cartridges stores its game index, covers, and preferences under the XDG data directory (Flatpak: ~/.var/app/page.kramo.Cartridges). It imports from Steam, Lutris, Heroic, Bottles, itch, Legendary, RetroArch, Flatpak, and desktop entries, then fetches art from SteamGridDB. The database is an index, not the games.
That distinction sets backup scope: copy the data dir for the index, but games reinstall from their own launchers. Cover art redownloads from SteamGridDB on demand, so even the cache is disposable. Note the maintenance status before investing: upstream archived, with forks continuing unevenly. Native Windows and macOS builds use their own app-data equivalents of the same layout.
Where Cartridges stores this, by platform
~/.var/app/page.kramo.Cartridges (Flatpak)
Library database, covers, preferences. Native builds use XDG/macOS/Windows app-data equivalents. Games stay in their source launchers; this dir only indexes them. Check fork status before relying on the format.
Frequently asked questions
how do i migrate cartridges to a new pc
Copy the data dir (library database plus covers) with the app closed. Games themselves live in Steam, Heroic, Bottles, and the rest; Cartridges only indexes them. Reimport on the new machine finds the same sources.
is cartridges still maintained
No. The original kramo repo archived in 2026 with an explicit unmaintained notice. Forks carry the rewrite branch forward unevenly. Export your library list while the app still runs in case a fork changes the format.
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