Understanding PCManFM Configuration Files

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 62 views

Are you looking for a way to set the "Hide" option as the default setting for the Toolbar and Side Pane in PCManFM? This article will guide you through the process of modifying the source code to achieve this.

Understanding PCManFM Configuration Files

PCManFM, a popular file manager for Linux, uses configuration files to store user preferences. The configuration files are stored in the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory. The pcmanfm.conf file is the primary configuration file that stores settings for the file manager.

Modifying the Source Code

To set the "Hide" option as the default setting for the Toolbar and Side Pane, you need to modify the pcmanfm.conf file. The file contains settings for the file manager, and you can add or modify existing settings to achieve your desired outcome.

Default PCManFM Configuration File

The default pcmanfm.conf file contains the following settings:

# Default settings for PCManFM
side_pane_mode=places
toolbar=newtab;navigation;home;

As you can see, the default settings for the Side Pane and Toolbar are set to places and newtab;navigation;home; respectively.

Setting "Hide" as Default Option

To set the "Hide" option as the default setting for the Toolbar and Side Pane, you need to modify the pcmanfm.conf file. Add the following lines to the file:

# Set "Hide" as default option for Toolbar and Side Pane
side_pane_mode=hidden;places
toolbar=hidden;newtab;navigation;home;

The side_pane_mode setting is set to hidden;places, which will hide the Side Pane by default and display the Places menu. The toolbar setting is set to hidden;newtab;navigation;home;, which will hide the Toolbar by default and display the New Tab, Navigation, and Home buttons.

Saving Changes

After modifying the pcmanfm.conf file, save the changes by closing and reopening PCManFM. The changes will take effect, and the Toolbar and Side Pane will be hidden by default.

Tips and Variations

To set the "Hide" option only for the Toolbar, modify the toolbar setting to hidden.
To set the "Hide" option only for the Side Pane, modify the side_pane_mode setting to hidden.
To set the "Hide" option for both the Toolbar and Side Pane, modify both settings as shown above.

Conclusion

Setting the "Hide" option as the default setting for the Toolbar and Side Pane in PCManFM is a simple process that requires modifying the pcmanfm.conf file. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize the file manager to suit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I reset the PCManFM configuration file to its default settings?

A: To reset the PCManFM configuration file to its default settings, delete the pcmanfm.conf file from the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory and restart PCManFM.

Q: Can I set the "Hide" option for other PCManFM settings?

A: Yes, you can set the "Hide" option for other PCManFM settings by modifying the corresponding settings in the pcmanfm.conf file.

Q: How do I backup my PCManFM configuration file?

Are you looking for answers to common questions about the PCManFM configuration file? This article provides a comprehensive Q&A section to help you understand and customize the file manager.

Q: What is the PCManFM configuration file?

A: The PCManFM configuration file is a text file that stores user preferences for the file manager. It is located in the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory and is used to customize the appearance and behavior of PCManFM.

Q: How do I edit the PCManFM configuration file?

A: To edit the PCManFM configuration file, you need to open the file in a text editor, such as Gedit or Kate. You can do this by navigating to the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory and opening the pcmanfm.conf file.

Q: What settings can I customize in the PCManFM configuration file?

A: You can customize a wide range of settings in the PCManFM configuration file, including:

Toolbar settings: You can customize the appearance and behavior of the toolbar, including the display of buttons and the layout of the toolbar.
Side Pane settings: You can customize the appearance and behavior of the side pane, including the display of folders and the layout of the side pane.
File manager settings: You can customize the appearance and behavior of the file manager, including the display of files and folders and the layout of the file manager.
Theme settings: You can customize the appearance of PCManFM by selecting a theme from the list of available themes.

Q: How do I reset the PCManFM configuration file to its default settings?

A: To reset the PCManFM configuration file to its default settings, delete the pcmanfm.conf file from the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory and restart PCManFM.

Q: Can I set the "Hide" option for other PCManFM settings?

A: Yes, you can set the "Hide" option for other PCManFM settings by modifying the corresponding settings in the pcmanfm.conf file.

Q: How do I backup my PCManFM configuration file?

A: To backup your PCManFM configuration file, copy the pcmanfm.conf file to a safe location, such as your home directory or an external drive.

Q: Can I use the PCManFM configuration file to customize other applications?

A: No, the PCManFM configuration file is specific to PCManFM and cannot be used to customize other applications.

Q: How do I know which settings are available in the PCManFM configuration file?

A: You can view the available settings in the PCManFM configuration file by opening the file in a text editor and looking for the # symbol, which indicates a comment. You can also refer to the PCManFM documentation for a list of available settings.

Q: Can I use the PCManFM configuration file to create custom settings?

A: Yes, you can use the PCManFM configuration file to create custom settings by adding new settings to the file. However, be careful not to overwrite existing settings, as this can cause PCManFM to malfunction.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with the PCManFM configuration file?

A: If you experience issues with the PCManFM configuration file, try the following:

Check the file for syntax errors: Use a text editor to check the file for syntax errors.
Check the file for missing settings: Use a text editor to check the file for missing settings.
Reset the file to its default settings: Delete the pcmanfm.conf file from the ~/.config/pcmanfm/default/ directory and restart PCManFM.

By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you can resolve issues with the PCManFM configuration file and customize the file manager to suit your needs.