How do you configure Hyprland?

Hyprland is configured through a plain-text config file that reloads live, so you can edit and see the result without restarting the compositor. The format is simple, the defaults are sensible, and the official wiki documents the options. If you want to go further, plugins and socket-based IPC let you extend and script the desktop.

Where the config lives

Hyprland reads a config file, typically at ~/.config/hypr/hyprland.conf. The website lists "Live reloading config" and "Easy configuration format" as core features, so edits to this file apply as you save.

If you installed from a distro package, a default config is usually placed for you. Check the wiki for the exact path and any distro-specific notes, since packaging can differ.

The basic workflow

1. Open the config file in any text editor.
2. Add or change a setting using the documented syntax.
3. Save the file.
4. Watch the change take effect immediately — no restart needed.

Because reloading is live, you can iterate quickly: change a keybind, save, test it, adjust. This is the main reason Hyprland feels approachable despite being highly customizable.

What you can configure

The site highlights several areas you control from config:

• Keybindings and global shortcuts — bind keys to launch apps and run commands.
• Window behavior — dynamic tiling with multiple fine-tuneable layouts; more layouts arrive as plugins.
• Workspaces — including special workspaces.
• Window groups — group windows together.
• Touchpad gestures — gesture-driven actions.
• Tearing — enable tearing where you want it.

Each of these has documented options. The "Easy configuration format" and "Sensible defaults" mean you can start with a working setup and change only what you care about.

Going deeper: plugins and IPC

When config options aren't enough, Hyprland exposes two extension paths:

• Plugins — official and community extensions customize everything. You can write your own using C++ bindings.
• Socket-based IPC — control the desktop from your favorite language or directly via IPC.

The site points to an "Awesome Hyprland" list of community plugins, bindings, and apps, plus a plugins page. If you want to script window management or build a status bar, IPC is the entry point.

Is it easy to get started?

The design goal is a working desktop out of the box, then let you tune it. The site describes it as "Easy — designed to stay out of your way" and "Easy to configure" with "Great documentation." In practice:

• Low barrier: sensible defaults mean you don't have to write a config from scratch.
• Fast feedback: live reloading removes the restart-and-pray cycle.
• Room to grow: plugins and IPC cover advanced needs.

The main friction is that deep customization has a learning curve — but the wiki and community lists are there to bridge it.

Installing first

You need Hyprland installed before configuring it. The site lists install commands per distro:

After install, open the wiki's setup guide and the config file, then start editing.

Optional paid support

The site mentions "Hyprperks" — a subscription for first-party configurations, priority support, and to support development. It's described as "Fully optional." Configuration itself does not require it; the free config file, wiki, and community resources cover the standard path.