Where Is the Openbox Config File?
Where Openbox keeps rc.xml, menu.xml, autostart, and environment files for each user on Linux.
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Openbox keeps four user files under ~/.config/openbox: rc.xml for keys and behavior, menu.xml for the right-click menu, autostart for startup programs, and environment for variables. System defaults live under /etc/xdg/openbox.
Copy the defaults down before editing. The user files override the system ones file by file, so you only need to copy what you actually change. A --config-file flag can point at an alternate rc.xml for testing.
Where Openbox stores this, by platform
~/.config/openbox/rc.xml
Keys, themes, and behavior (XML). Copy from /etc/xdg/openbox/rc.xml. Menu, autostart, and environment files sit in the same folder.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start customizing Openbox?
Copy /etc/xdg/openbox/rc.xml (and menu.xml if you want menus) into ~/.config/openbox/ and edit the copies. Obconf edits the user files graphically. Validate XML after hand edits; one bad tag can empty your bindings.
Where do autostart programs go?
Create ~/.config/openbox/autostart with one command per line, each ending in &. The user script runs after the system one at /etc/xdg/openbox/autostart. Panels, wallpaper setters, and compositors usually launch from here.
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