Where Does SpotDL Save Downloads and Config?
SpotDL downloads into your current folder by default, with config and cache in a .spotdl folder at home.
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SpotDL saves where you tell it, defaulting to the folder you ran the command from. An output template controls filenames, so the same command produces the same tree anywhere. Nothing lands in a fixed Music folder unless your template says so.
Defaults live in a small config file inside .spotdl in your home directory. Cache files sit beside it to avoid refetching metadata. Exact filenames inside have changed across SpotDL v3 and v4, so run spotdl --help on your install when the folder looks unfamiliar.
Where SpotDL stores this, by platform
~/.spotdl
Config and cache here. Downloads default to the current working directory through the output template. Set --output per run or in config for a fixed music folder.
C:\Users\[username]\.spotdl
Same dot folder under your profile. Templates using slashes still build nested folders on Windows. Confirm the active template with spotdl --help output.
~/.spotdl
Same layout on Mac. Music players watch whatever output folder your template points at. Keep the config file for defaults and scripts explicit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change where SpotDL saves music?
Pass an explicit output template with --output for one run. Permanent defaults belong in the config file. Templates can include artist, album, and track fields to keep folders tidy.
Does SpotDL use a config file?
Yes. SpotDL reads its config file for defaults like format, bitrate, and output template. Flags beat the file per run. Keep the file for personal defaults and pass flags in scripts.
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