# 3. Configuration

Alot reads a config file in “INI” syntax: It consists of key-value pairs that use “=” as separator and ‘#’ is comment-prefixes. Sections and subsections are defined using square brackets.

The default location for the config file is `~/.config/alot/config`.

All configs are optional, but if you want to send mails you need to specify at least one account in your config.

- 3.1. Configuration Options
  - 3.1.1. Notmuch options
- 3.2. Accounts
- 3.3. Contacts Completion
- 3.4. Key Bindings
  - 3.4.1. Default bindings
  - 3.4.2. Overwriting defaults
- 3.5. Hooks
  - 3.5.1. Pre/Post Command Hooks
  - 3.5.2. Other Hooks
- 3.6. Theming
  - 3.6.1. Theme Files
  - 3.6.2. Colour Attributes
  - 3.6.3. Search mode threadlines
  - 3.6.4. Tagstring Formatting
  - 3.6.5. ANSI escape codes
  - 3.6.6. Test your theme