Where Does Rhythmbox Store Its Database and Playlists?
Rhythmbox keeps rhythmdb.xml and playlists.xml under ~/.local/share, with covers and lyrics cached. Linux paths and backup tips.
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Rhythmbox follows the XDG base directories. The library database (rhythmdb.xml), playlists (playlists.xml) and plugins all sit under ~/.local/share/rhythmbox. Your music itself defaults to ~/Music but can point anywhere in preferences. Podcasts land beside the music by default too.
Disposable data goes to ~/.cache/rhythmbox instead: downloaded covers and fetched lyrics. Back up the share folder for ratings, play counts and playlists. The cache folder can be deleted any time; artwork simply redownloads. Ancient installs may still reference ~/.gnome2/rhythmbox, which Rhythmbox migrates forward itself.
Where Rhythmbox stores this, by platform
~/.local/share/rhythmbox
rhythmdb.xml, playlists.xml and plugin data. Honors XDG_DATA_HOME when set. Covers cache in ~/.cache/rhythmbox/covers, lyrics in ~/.cache/rhythmbox/lyrics.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up my Rhythmbox library and playlists?
Copy ~/.local/share/rhythmbox while Rhythmbox is closed. That carries the database, playlists, ratings and play counts. Music files need a separate backup since the database only references their paths.
Can I move the Rhythmbox database elsewhere?
The --rhythmdb-file and --playlists-file flags override the paths, but they exist for testing rather than daily use. Point XDG_DATA_HOME at a new root for a cleaner relocation that covers plugins too.
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