Where Is the Mutt Config File?
Where original Mutt looks for muttrc files on Linux and Mac, and which file wins when several exist.
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Original Mutt reads one system file plus the first user file it finds in a fixed order. Home dotfile, dot directory file and XDG config file form the user chain. Only one user file ever loads per run.
That first match rule surprises everyone layering snippets across names. Permissions matter too since mail credentials often sit inside. This post covers classic mutt only, with NeoMutt documented separately. Folder hooks share the sourced file, so one rc covers every mailbox. Test with one sourced file at a time.
Where Mutt stores this, by platform
~/.muttrc
First user candidate and most common home for options. System file loads before it. Only one user file ever sources per run.
~/.muttrc
Same precedence chain under Homebrew and source builds. System prefix varies by build. Keep credentials at strict permissions.
Frequently asked questions
Which muttrc file wins when several exist?
The system file loads first, then exactly one user file: the first found in the fixed order. User files never merge, so split configs silently drop the losers. NeoMutt adds its own names to the chain separately.
Do these paths apply to NeoMutt too?
This post covers original mutt paths only. NeoMutt reads extra names like its own rc files alongside the classic ones. Mixing the two editors under one home needs distinct filenames to avoid surprises.
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