Where Does jrnl Store Config and Journals?
jrnl v4 keeps settings in ~/.config/jrnl with journal files wherever the config points, usually home.
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jrnl v4 stores its configuration in a YAML file under .config/jrnl in your home directory. The journals section inside names each journal file, which defaults to plain text in your home folder. Older v2 installs used a single dotfile instead.
Encryption wraps the journal file itself when enabled, leaving the config readable. Moving machines means copying both the config and the journal files it points at. Check the config first when entries land somewhere unexpected.
Where jrnl stores this, by platform
~/.config/jrnl/jrnl_config.yaml
v4 config naming journal files and colors. v2 used ~/.jrnl_config instead. Journals default to text files in home unless moved.
~/.config/jrnl/jrnl_config.yaml
Same XDG layout on Mac. Homebrew installs do not relocate it. Encrypted journals prompt for the password on every write.
C:\Users\[username]\.config\jrnl\jrnl_config.yaml
Same relative layout under your profile. Exact filename has varied across jrnl majors, so check for near matches if absent.
Frequently asked questions
Where are my jrnl entries?
In the journal files named inside jrnl_config.yaml, plain text by default in your home folder. Encrypted journals read as ciphertext without the password. Back up those files with the config.
Why is there no config file after install?
jrnl writes it on first run when you answer the setup prompts. Run jrnl once to generate defaults. Version 2 and 4 use different filenames.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.