Where Does LTspice Store Libraries and Schematics?
LTspice keeps stock libraries in Local AppData and your schematics in Documents LTspice. Never edit stock files, they reset on update.
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LTspice splits files by ownership. The program libraries (symbols in sym, models in sub and cmp, examples) live in Local AppData and refresh on every component update. Anything you place there is disposable by design.
Your work lives in Documents LTspice. Schematics are asc files, symbols are asy, and models ride alongside or in folders you register as search paths. Keeping third party files next to the schematic also makes the simulation portable to other machines. Simulation outputs land beside the schematic too.
Where LTspice stores this, by platform
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\LTspice\lib
Stock symbols, models, and examples. Treat as read only. Add search paths instead of editing here.
C:\Users\<username>\Documents\LTspice
Your schematics (asc), symbols (asy), and personal libraries. The default home for new designs.
C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\LTspice.ini
Settings file with window layout and search paths. Back it up to clone your environment.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I put downloaded models?
Put third party symbols and models in your schematic folder or a custom search path set under Tools, Control Panel. Stock folders get replaced on update, wiping anything you added there.
Will updating LTspice delete my files?
Your schematics are safe. Only the Local AppData library tree gets refreshed. Custom search paths survive untouched.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.