> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.helpch.at/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.helpch.at/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/files.md).

# Configuration files

ChatChat configuration files and the settings each file controls.

ChatChat creates and loads these files from its plugin folder.

| File                | Purpose                                                                                                                            |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `settings.yml`      | Private-message settings and formats, mention settings and formats, item display, default locale, and reply-target cache duration. |
| `channels.yml`      | The default public channel and channel definitions, routing, radius, channel formats, and cross-server forwarding.                 |
| `formats.yml`       | Global public-chat formats, default format, and console format.                                                                    |
| `placeholders.yml`  | Custom MiniMessage placeholders available in formats and, with permission, player messages.                                        |
| `extensions.yml`    | Optional integrations and DeluxeChat compatibility settings. Changes require a restart.                                            |
| `locales/en_us.yml` | Bundled English messages. Add other locale files beside it in `locales/`.                                                          |

## Reloading configuration

Use `/chatchat reload` after changing ordinary settings, formats, channels, placeholders, or locale files. Restart after changing `extensions.yml` or channel `toggle-command` values.

See the linked configuration guides for [channels](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/channels.md), [formats](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/formats.md), [private messaging](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/private-messaging.md), [mentions](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/mentions.md), [placeholders](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/placeholders.md), and [optional integrations](/helpchat-plugins/chatchat/extensions.md).

## Locale files

Locale files use a locale name for the file name, such as `en_us.yml` or `es_es.yml`. ChatChat uses the player's client locale when a matching file exists. Otherwise it checks `default-locale` from `settings.yml`, then falls back to the bundled English messages. Missing message entries also fall back through those defaults.


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