Where Is the Beets Config File?
Beets config.yaml and library.db locations on Linux, macOS and Windows with BEETSDIR override.
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Beets reads library path, music directory and plugins from config.yaml in its per-platform config folder, with library.db alongside by default. The file does not exist until you create it, so first runs complain until you do.
BEETSDIR overrides every default when set. Run beet config -p to print the exact path your install resolves.
Where Beets stores this, by platform
~/.config/beets/config.yaml
Main config with library.db next to it by default. Override with BEETSDIR pointing at any directory holding config.yaml. Create it with beet config -e, which opens the right file in your editor. Keep it in version control since it defines the whole library layout.
~/Library/Application Support/beets/config.yaml
Alternate macOS location; the Unix ~/.config path also works. Run beet config -p to see which one your install uses.
%APPDATA%\beets\config.yaml
Same config role with library.db alongside. Use beet config -e to create and edit it without guessing paths.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my beets config path?
Run beet config -p to print it or beet config -e to open it. BEETSDIR overrides the defaults when set.
Where is the beets library database?
Next to config.yaml as library.db unless the library option points elsewhere. Moving the music directory without updating it orphans every entry.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.