Where Does GNS3 Store Projects and Config?
GNS3 projects folder plus GUI and server configs in ~/.config, split by purpose.
Last updated
GNS3 splits state three ways: a GNS3 folder in home holds projects with topologies and VM disk images, while gns3_gui.conf and gns3_server.conf under ~/.config hold interface preferences and server bindings. Images dominate the size, configs dominate the headaches.
That split decides backup order. Projects are the irreplaceable half, often tens of gigabytes with images included. Config files are small text worth versioning, since a lost server binding or path mapping breaks every project at once. Export portable project copies from the GUI before hand copying folders.
Where GNS3 stores this, by platform
~/GNS3
Projects include topologies plus their VM images, which is where the gigabytes live. The conf files hold GUI layout and local server bindings. Stop the server before copying either half.
~/GNS3
Same projects folder convention as Linux. Config files follow the XDG style path too, so the pair migrates between platforms with path edits only where drive letters intrude.
Frequently asked questions
how do i move gns3 labs to a new pc
Copy the GNS3 projects folder plus the gns3_gui.conf and gns3_server.conf files with everything stopped. Projects hold topologies and disk images while the conf files hold paths and server bindings, so both halves matter.
can gns3 gui use a remote server
Yes. Point the server at a remote GNS3 VM or bare metal host in preferences and keep the GUI local. The GUI config stays yours while topologies execute remotely, which is the standard setup for heavy labs on thin laptops.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.