otter-settings is the default way to configure Otter Shell. Tabs for every app, a theme browser, and drag-and-drop bar layout. Prefer $EDITOR? Same files either way.
Usage
Launch from otter-launcher or bind a compositor hotkey (for example Super+Comma).
Writes to ~/.config/otter-shell/*.conf. Running apps reload via inotify after Apply.
Why use otter-settings
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|
| No syntax | Toggles, dropdowns, color swatches, and steppers instead of key-value files |
| Search | Find fields by key, label, value, or section |
| Bar layout | Drag widget chips instead of editing layout_left strings |
| Themes | Preview all 12 presets before applying |
| Safe saves | Keeps comments, field order, and custom fields |
Config files managed
| Tab | File |
|---|
| Bar | otter-bar.conf |
| Launcher | otter-launcher.conf |
| Notifications | notifications.conf |
| Wallpaper | otter-wallpaper.conf |
| OSD | otter-osd.conf |
| Jade | otter-jade.conf |
| Logout | otter-logout.conf |
| Polkit | otter-polkit.conf |
| Lock | otter-lock.conf |
| Idle | otter-idle.conf |
| Terminal | otter-term.conf |
| Recorder | otter-rec.conf |
| Voice | otter-vox.conf |
| Theme | theme.conf |
otter-screenshot has no persistent config file. CLI flags only.
Theme presets
Otter Shell, Otter Shell Islands, Catppuccin variants, Nord, Gruvbox, Dracula, Tokyo Night, and One Dark. See Themes for color token details.
