Where Is the Kitty Config File?
Kitty config file on Linux and macOS, and the shortcut that writes a commented default for you.
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Kitty keeps all settings in one file: ~/.config/kitty/kitty.conf on both Linux and macOS. Unlike most Mac apps it ignores ~/Library and follows the XDG style path on both systems, with system defaults optionally layered from /etc/xdg.
New users get a head start from inside the app. Press Cmd+, on Mac (Ctrl+Shift+F2 on Linux) and Kitty writes a fully commented default config to open and edit. The file reloads on save, and KITTY_CONFIG_DIRECTORY overrides the location for dotfile setups.
Where Kitty stores this, by platform
~/.config/kitty/kitty.conf
Search order: $XDG_CONFIG_HOME, ~/.config, then system dirs. Holds all settings plus include and session references. Reloads automatically on save; override with KITTY_CONFIG_DIRECTORY.
~/.config/kitty/kitty.conf
Same XDG style path on Mac, not ~/Library. Cmd+, generates a commented default. No native Windows port exists; Windows use runs inside WSL with the Linux path.
Frequently asked questions
How do I generate a default Kitty config?
Press Cmd+, on Mac or Ctrl+Shift+F2 on Linux inside Kitty. It writes a fully commented kitty.conf that you can trim down instead of starting from a blank file.
Can I keep my Kitty config in a dotfiles repo?
Yes. Point KITTY_CONFIG_DIRECTORY at the checkout, or use include lines inside kitty.conf to pull in shared files. Either keeps the repo layout untouched.
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