dconf

Read a key value

$ dconf read /[path/to/key]

$ dconf list /[path/to/directory]/

$ dconf write /[path/to/key] "[value]"

$ dconf reset /[path/to/key]

$ dconf watch /[path/to/key]

$ dconf dump /[path/to/directory]/

dconf command [arguments]

dconf is a low-level configuration system for GNOME and GTK applications. It provides a simple key-value database organized in a hierarchical structure similar to a filesystem, storing settings in a binary format for fast read access.
The database uses a path-based key structure (like /org/gnome/desktop/interface/font-name) and values are stored in GVariant format, which supports typed data including strings, integers, booleans, and arrays. Changes written to dconf take effect immediately for running applications that monitor the database.
For most users, gsettings provides a higher-level, schema-validated interface. dconf is useful for bulk operations, scripting configuration changes, and backup/restore operations using the dump and load commands. It's particularly valuable for system administrators managing multiple GNOME systems or creating configuration profiles.

read key

Read a key value

Write a key value

Reset key to default

List keys and subdirectories

Watch for changes

Dump directory as INI

Load from INI format

~/.config/dconf/user

Binary database file storing user configuration values for GNOME and GTK applications.

Values must be in GVariant format. Strings need single quotes inside double quotes. Changes take effect immediately. For schema-validated settings, prefer gsettings.

gsettings(1), dconf-read(1), dconf-write(1)