Where Does PyMOL Store Config?
PyMOL reads startup scripts like pymolrc plus session files that you save yourself. Check plugin paths after moving.
Last updated
PyMOL configures through startup scripts rather than a registry. Commands in pymolrc files run at launch to set defaults. Sessions save separately as files you choose.
Keep the two apart. Startup files hold preferences. Session files hold structures and views. Copy both when moving, and check plugin paths since those vary by install method.
Where PyMOL stores this, by platform
~/.pymolrc and pymolrc.py (sessions wherever saved)
Startup commands in pymolrc files in home. Sessions save wherever you choose. Copy both for full moves; check plugin paths.
%USERPROFILE%\pymolrc.py (sessions wherever saved)
Same startup file concept on Windows. Sessions portable across platforms. Confirm plugin dirs after moving.
~/.pymolrc (sessions wherever saved)
Same startup files under home. Sessions reopen cross-platform. Check paths when installs differ.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move PyMOL settings?
Copy your pymolrc startup file plus saved session files to the new machine. Settings in the rc file apply at launch. Sessions reopen from wherever you stored them.
Sessions lost but settings kept. Why?
Save the session from the app to a .pse file first. Settings alone do not preserve loaded structures. Keep rc files for defaults and sessions for work.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.