Where Does digiKam Store Databases and Settings?
digiKam files photo metadata in SQLite databases inside each collection, with settings split across config files.
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digiKam splits brain from face. Metadata databases live inside each photo collection folder, traveling with the pictures they describe. Application settings live in rc files per platform, deletable for factory resets.
The core database plus thumbs, similarity, and faces files make four SQLite companions per collection. Network collections get per client mount paths so one database serves Windows, Mac, and Linux boxes together. Major upgrades migrate schemas automatically with a backup recommended first.
Where digiKam stores this, by platform
~/.config/digikamrc
digikamrc holds app settings, digikam_systemrc the system page. Delete either with digiKam closed for factory resets.
~/Pictures/digikam4.db
digikam4.db plus thumbs, similarity, and faces databases live in each collection folder, ~/Pictures by default. Move folders with databases together.
%LOCALAPPDATA%\digikamrc
Same split as Linux: settings in LocalAppData rc files, databases inside each collection folder.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move my library to a new PC?
Copy the collection folder including digikam4.db and friends. Tags, ratings, faces, and similarity data travel in the databases. Thumbnails rebuild automatically, so they can stay behind to save space.
How do I reset settings without losing tags?
Delete digikamrc and restart for factory settings, or the UI rc file for interface resets. The manual blesses both deletions explicitly. Databases survive settings wipes untouched.
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