Linux

Where Is the xmobar Config File?

xmobar reads Haskell config from home xmobarrc or the xmonad config dir. Monitors, plugins, and templates live in one file.

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xmobar configures through a single Haskell file, by default .xmobarrc in the home folder with an XDG fallback. The config section sets position and fonts while the template strings arrange monitors and plugin outputs. Commands list the data sources.

The file evaluates as Haskell, so syntax errors fail the bar visibly on launch. Xmonad launches it as a spawned pipe by default, which means both configs evolve together in dotfiles. Font measurements follow Xft regardless of bar position. Stdin readers consume xmonad pipe output line by line.

Where xmobar stores this, by platform

Linux
/home/<username>/.xmobarrc

Main config in Haskell syntax. Position, fonts, template, and command plugins. Fails visibly on syntax errors.

Frequently asked questions

How do I configure xmobar?

Create .xmobarrc in home with config and template sections. The xmonad docs show a minimal starter pairing both sides.

How do I migrate xmobar?

Copy the rc file to the new home folder. Command plugins reference scripts by path, so those travel separately.

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