Where Does MacVim Store Config on Mac?
Where MacVim keeps vimrc files, plugins and preferences on Mac for backup and migration work.
Last updated
MacVim layers GUI state over standard Vim files: vimrc and plugin folders shared with terminal Vim, plus a preferences plist for window layout and font choices. The split keeps one config working everywhere.
Copy all three halves with MacVim closed for migration. Plugin managers rebuild from lockfiles when versions drift, so note working sets. Reach Library through Go to Folder for the plist side.
Where MacVim stores this, by platform
~/.vimrc
Vimrc plus plugin folders shared with terminal Vim, GUI state in the plist. Copy all three with the app closed. Managers rebuild from lockfiles.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move MacVim to a new Mac?
Copy vimrc, the vim folder and the MacVim preferences plist with the app closed. Options travel in vimrc, plugins in the folder, window state in the plist. Restoring means dropping all three back.
Do MacVim and terminal Vim share config?
MacVim reads the same vimrc and plugin folders as terminal Vim, so one config serves both. GUI only options live in the MacVim plist. Keep a single source and symlink when sharing.
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