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Glass uses a JSON-based settings system that allows you to customize every aspect of the editor. Settings can be configured globally, per-project, or for specific file types.

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Settings Files

Glass uses multiple settings files that are merged with a specific precedence:
  1. Default settings - Built-in defaults (assets/settings/default.json)
  2. User settings - Your personal configuration (~/.config/glass/settings.json)
  3. Project settings - Project-specific settings (.glass/settings.json in project root)
  4. Local settings - Directory-specific settings (.glass/settings.json in subdirectories)
Settings from higher-precedence files override settings from lower-precedence files. Project and local settings override user settings, which override defaults.

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Opening Settings

Access settings through multiple methods:
  • Command Palette: zed: open settings - Opens the settings UI
  • Command Palette: zed: open settings file - Opens settings.json directly
  • Command Palette: zed: open default settings - View all default settings
  • Menu: Settings → Open Settings
  • Keyboard: Cmd+, (macOS) or Ctrl+, (Linux/Windows)

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Settings File Format

Settings are stored as JSON with comments support:
settings.json
{
  "$schema": "zed://schemas/settings",
  // Editor configuration
  "buffer_font_size": 15,
  "theme": {
    "mode": "system",
    "light": "One Light",
    "dark": "One Dark"
  },
  // Language-specific settings
  "languages": {
    "TypeScript": {
      "tab_size": 2
    }
  }
}
The $schema field enables autocomplete and validation in the editor. Glass automatically provides intelligent suggestions as you type.

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Common Settings

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Editor Settings

{
  "buffer_font_family": ".ZedMono",
  "buffer_font_size": 15,
  "buffer_line_height": "comfortable",
  "ui_font_size": 16,
  "theme": "One Dark"
}

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Workspace Settings

settings.json
{
  "autosave": "on_focus_change",
  "restore_on_startup": "last_session",
  "confirm_quit": false,
  "active_pane_modifiers": {
    "border_size": 1.0,
    "inactive_opacity": 0.95
  }
}
​
autosave
string
default:"off"
When to automatically save files:
  • "off" - Never autosave
  • "on_focus_change" - Save when switching files/apps
  • "on_window_change" - Save when switching windows
  • "after_delay" - Save after a delay (see autosave_delay)
​
restore_on_startup
string
default:"last_session"
What to restore on startup:
  • "last_session" - Restore all workspaces from last session
  • "last_workspace" - Restore only the last workspace
  • "none" - Start with empty workspace

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Terminal Settings

settings.json
{
  "terminal": {
    "font_family": ".ZedMono",
    "font_size": 14,
    "line_height": "comfortable",
    "shell": {
      "program": "zsh",
      "args": ["-l"]
    },
    "working_directory": "current_project_directory",
    "copy_on_select": false
  }
}

​
Language-Specific Settings

Override settings for specific programming languages:
settings.json
{
  "languages": {
    "TypeScript": {
      "tab_size": 2,
      "formatter": "language_server",
      "format_on_save": "on",
      "code_actions_on_format": {
        "source.organizeImports": true
      }
    },
    "Python": {
      "tab_size": 4,
      "formatter": "language_server",
      "format_on_save": "on"
    },
    "Rust": {
      "tab_size": 4,
      "hard_tabs": false,
      "format_on_save": "on"
    }
  }
}
​
languages.<Language>.tab_size
number
default:"4"
Number of spaces per indentation level
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languages.<Language>.formatter
string
How to format code:
  • "language_server" - Use the LSP formatter
  • "prettier" - Use Prettier
  • "auto" - Auto-detect formatter
​
languages.<Language>.format_on_save
string
default:"off"
When to format on save:
  • "on" - Always format
  • "off" - Never format
  • "language_server" - Format using LSP only

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LSP Settings

Configure language servers:
settings.json
{
  "lsp": {
    "rust-analyzer": {
      "initialization_options": {
        "check": {
          "command": "clippy"
        },
        "cargo": {
          "features": "all"
        }
      }
    },
    "typescript-language-server": {
      "initialization_options": {
        "preferences": {
          "includeInlayParameterNameHints": "all"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
Each language server can have its own initialization options, which are specific to that server. Refer to the language server’s documentation for available options.

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Project Settings

Project-specific settings are stored in .glass/settings.json in your project root:
.glass/settings.json
{
  "project_name": "My Project",
  "languages": {
    "TypeScript": {
      "tab_size": 2
    }
  },
  "lsp": {
    "typescript-language-server": {
      "initialization_options": {
        "preferences": {
          "quotePreference": "single"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
Be careful with project settings in shared repositories. Settings that affect code style should be discussed with your team. Consider using EditorConfig for consistent style across editors.

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Settings Profiles

Glass supports settings profiles for different workflows:
settings.json
{
  "profiles": {
    "presentation": {
      "buffer_font_size": 20,
      "ui_font_size": 18,
      "theme": "One Light"
    },
    "minimal": {
      "buffer_font_size": 13,
      "ui_font_size": 14,
      "vim_mode": true
    }
  }
}
Switch between profiles using the command palette.

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Platform-Specific Settings

Override settings per operating system:
settings.json
{
  "buffer_font_size": 15,
  "platform_overrides": {
    "macos": {
      "buffer_font_size": 14
    },
    "linux": {
      "buffer_font_size": 15
    },
    "windows": {
      "buffer_font_size": 16
    }
  }
}

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Settings Store

The settings system is implemented in crates/settings/ with these key components:
  • SettingsStore - Global settings state management
  • SettingsFile - JSON file parsing and merging
  • Settings trait - Type-safe settings access
  • EditorConfig - Support for .editorconfig files
Settings are automatically reloaded when files change, with updates propagated to all components through the SettingsStore::observe_global mechanism.

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Settings Location

Settings files are stored in:
  • Linux: ~/.config/glass/settings.json
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Glass/settings.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Glass\settings.json
Project settings are in .glass/settings.json relative to your project root.

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Validation & Schema

Glass provides JSON schema validation for settings:
settings.json
{
  "$schema": "zed://schemas/settings"
}
The schema provides:
  • Autocomplete - Suggestions for valid setting names and values
  • Validation - Real-time error checking
  • Documentation - Inline descriptions for each setting
Use the command palette to search for specific settings. Type settings: to see all available settings commands.

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