Default Configuration

The default configuration is invoked when qtile cannot find a configuration file. In addition, if qtile is restarted via qsh, qtile will load the default configuration if the config file it finds has some kind of error in it. The documentation below describes the configuration lookup process, as well as what the key bindings are in the default config.

The default config is not intended to be sutiable for all users; it’s mostly just there so qtile does /something/ when fired up, and so that it doesn’t crash and cause you to lose all your work if you reload a bad config.

Configuration Lookup

Qtile looks in the following places for a configuration file, in order:

  • The location specified by the -f argument.
  • $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/qtile/config.py, if it is set
  • ~/.config/qtile/config.py
  • It reads the module libqtile.resources.default_config, included by default with every qtile installation.

Key Bindings

The mod key for the default config is mod4, which is typically bound to the “Super” keys, which are things like the windows key and the mac control key. The basic operation is:

  • mod + k or mod + j: switch windows on the current stack
  • mod + <space>: put focus on the other pane of the stack (when in stack layout)
  • mod + <tab>: switch layouts
  • mod + w: close window
  • mod + <ctrl> + r: restart qtile with new config
  • mod + <group name>: switch to that group
  • mod + <shift> + <group name>: send a window to that group
  • mod + <enter>: start xterm
  • mod + r: start a little prompt in the bar so users can run arbitrary commands

The default config defines one screen and 8 groups, one for each letter in qweruiop. It has a basic bottom bar that includes a group box, the current window name, a little text reminder that you’re using the default, a system tray, and a clock. you’re using the default config.

The default configuration has several more advanced key combinations, but the above should be enough for basic usage of qtile.

Mouse Bindings

By default, holding your mod key and clicking (and holding) a window will allow you to drag it around as a floating window.