Where Does Rectangle Store Settings?
Rectangle keeps shortcuts and behavior in macOS preferences, with exportable JSON config for backup and sharing.
Last updated
Rectangle stores shortcuts, snap areas, and behavior flags in standard macOS preferences under its vendor domain. There is no project file or library to back up. Edits apply live as you change them in the menu bar settings.
The portable form is an exported JSON config from Preferences. Import it on a new Mac for identical shortcuts in seconds. That file also versions cleanly in dotfiles repos, which suits multi Mac setups better than screenshots of settings panes. Snap areas and custom sizes ride along in the same export.
Where Rectangle stores this, by platform
macOS preferences (vendor domain com.knollsoft.Rectangle)
Read with defaults read in Terminal for inspection. Export JSON config from Preferences for backup. Reimport on new machines instead of hand recreating shortcuts.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up Rectangle shortcuts?
Export the JSON config from Preferences and store it with your dotfiles. Import it on the new Mac for a one step restore of every binding.
Why did Rectangle shortcuts stop working?
Another app grabbed the same keys or accessibility permission lapsed. Check System Settings privacy for Rectangle, then reassign clashing shortcuts inside its preferences.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.