Configuration

Knave keeps desktop settings in one TOML file. You can change only the settings you need; omitted settings use their defaults.

Find and edit your configuration

1. Run knave config path to find your configuration file. Normally it is ~/.config/knave/config.toml. KNAVE_CONFIG overrides the path; otherwise XDG_CONFIG_HOME changes the base directory.
2. If the file does not exist, run knave config init to create it. Do not run this to replace an existing configuration.
3. Open the file in a text editor. Add the settings you want, or edit their existing values. TOML table headers such as [compositor] must not be repeated: add keys to the existing table instead.
4. Save the file and run knave config check. Fix any errors it reports before applying your changes.
5. For compositor settings and wallpaper, run knavectl reload in the running session. Session startup, shell process and notification settings require a session restart. Individual guides explain exceptions.

For example, to change the master window’s share of the workspace, add this to the existing [compositor] table:

[compositor]
master_percent = 60

Then run knave config check and knavectl reload. A manually resized workspace keeps its temporary override until reset or restart.

Choose what to configure

• Windows and workspaces — layout, scaling and window rules.
• Input and shortcuts — mouse, touchpad, gestures and key bindings.
• Appearance — wallpaper, themes, gaps and window effects.
• Session and services — startup, notifications, portal and quick settings.

knave config print prints the saved file. It does not expand omitted values into a complete list of defaults. Validation checks the typed configuration; a matching compositor and shell are also needed to apply its settings.