# Where Your SCP:SL Config Files Live (/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/config-file-locations)



Every SCP: Secret Laboratory server keeps its config in a **per-port folder**. Knowing where things live makes every other guide easy to follow.

The Config Folder [#the-config-folder]

Your server's config lives at:

```
~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/config/<port>/
```

`<port>` is your server's **game port** (for example `7777`). Each server you run gets its own port-named folder, so a machine hosting several servers has several folders here.

> 📝 **Note:** `.config` is a hidden folder. In the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com) **File Manager** you can browse straight into it, or type the path into the address bar.

What's in the Folder [#whats-in-the-folder]

| File                     | What it's for                                                   | Guide                                                                                                                               |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `config_gameplay.txt`    | Game rules — rounds, warhead, friendly fire, AFK, stamina, etc. | [Gameplay Config Reference](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/gameplay-config-reference)                                                  |
| `config_remoteadmin.txt` | Admins, roles, permissions, RA password                         | [Adding Admins](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/adding-admins) · [RA Permissions](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/remote-admin-permissions) |
| `serverbans.txt`         | Banned players (ID, expiry, reason)                             | —                                                                                                                                   |
| `SteamIDWhitelist.txt`   | Whitelisted players when the whitelist is on                    | [Enable Whitelist](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/enable-whitelist)                                                                    |

Plugin Folders [#plugin-folders]

Plugins live outside the per-port config folder:

```
~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/LabAPI/plugins/        # LabAPI plugin .dll files
~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/LabAPI/dependencies/   # LabAPI dependency .dll files
~/.config/SCP Secret Laboratory/LabAPI/configs/        # LabAPI plugin configs
~/.config/EXILED/Plugins/                              # EXILED plugin .dll files
~/.config/EXILED/Configs/                              # EXILED plugin configs
```

See [Install Plugins](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/install-plugins) for details.

The Golden Rule [#the-golden-rule]

<Callout type="warn">
  **Always Stop the server before editing any config file.** The server rewrites its config files on shutdown, so edits made while it's running are overwritten. Stop → edit → save → Start.
</Callout>

Related [#related]

* [Gameplay Config Reference](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/gameplay-config-reference)
* [Configure Your Server](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/configure-your-server)
* [Install Plugins](/docs/scp-secret-laboratory/install-plugins)