Where Does Surge XT Store User Patches?
Surge XT keeps factory content in system folders and user patches under Documents/Surge XT on every desktop OS.
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Surge XT splits factory and user data. Factory patches and wavetables live in a system folder the installer manages. Your own patches go in Documents/Surge XT, created the first time you save or change a user default. That layout is the same on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Back up the Documents folder for your work. Leave the factory folder alone. It returns on reinstall. You can remap folders from inside Surge XT if you want samples on another drive.
Where Surge XT stores this, by platform
C:\Users\[You]\Documents\Surge XT
User patches, wavetables, and FX presets. Factory content is separate at C:\ProgramData\Surge XT. Copy only the Documents tree when migrating.
~/Documents/Surge XT
User area. Factory library is at /Library/Application Support/Surge XT. The installer puts AU, VST3, and CLAP plugins in their normal system spots alongside it.
~/Documents/Surge XT
Created on first save. Factory data is at /usr/share/surge-xt for packaged installs. User patches follow the same subfolder layout as other platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I put third party Surge XT patches?
Drop .fxp files or patch folders into Patches inside ~/Documents/Surge XT (Documents\Surge XT on Windows). Subfolders become categories. Rescan or reopen the plugin if they do not appear at once.
Can I change where Surge XT looks for data?
Yes, from the Surge XT menu under data folders. Point user storage at another drive if Documents is cramped. Keep factory and user paths separate so updates do not overwrite your patches.
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