Dotfiles Manager Generator
Scaffold a dotfiles repo + idempotent install script. Pick the configs to track (.bashrc, .vimrc, .gitconfig, .tmux.conf, ssh config, …), choose a manager (GNU Stow / bare-git / chezmoi / Dotbot) with a full comparison table, and get a repo tree, README, idempotent install.sh that backs up existing files, and a secret-safe .gitignore with a 'never commit these' checklist. 100% client-side.
About Dotfiles Manager Generator
Scaffold a dotfiles repo + idempotent install script. Pick the configs to track (.bashrc, .vimrc, .gitconfig, .tmux.conf, ssh config, …), choose a manager (GNU Stow / bare-git / chezmoi / Dotbot) with a full comparison table, and get a repo tree, README, idempotent install.sh that backs up existing files, and a secret-safe .gitignore with a 'never commit these' checklist. 100% client-side. Everything runs locally in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
How to use
- Enter your input in the tool above.
- Adjust any options to your preference.
- Use the Copy or Download buttons to save the result.
- Everything happens locally — your data never leaves your browser.
FAQ
Which dotfiles managers are supported?
Four managers, each with a full comparison card: GNU Stow (symlink farm, beginner-friendly), bare-git (no extra binary, files live at real $HOME paths), chezmoi (templating + encrypted secrets via age/gpg), and Dotbot (Python bootstrap with YAML config). The cards list pros, cons, difficulty level, whether symlinks are used, and whether an external binary is required.
Is the install script idempotent and does it back up existing files?
Yes — running install.sh twice produces the same end-state. Existing files at target paths are handled per your chosen backup mode: 'bak' (default) moves them to *.bak.<timestamp>, 'skip' leaves them in place and skips the link, or 'overwrite' removes them. The script uses `set -euo pipefail`, creates parent directories, and uses `ln -sfn` so re-running is safe.
What's in the generated .gitignore?
A secret-safe default: SSH private keys (~/.ssh/id_*), cloud credentials (~/.aws/credentials, ~/.kube/config, ~/.config/gh/hosts.yml), .env files, GnuPG dir, shell histories, password-store, Docker registry tokens, and *.pem/*.key/*.p12 patterns — plus OS junk (.DS_Store, Thumbs.db) and editor swap files. Manager-specific notes are appended (e.g. chezmoi ignores .chezmoi.toml local config).
Which dotfiles can I track?
Twelve common configs are in the catalog: .bashrc, .zshrc, .vimrc, .config/nvim (directory), .tmux.conf, .gitconfig, .gitignore_global, .ssh/config (flagged for secret risk), .config/starship.toml, .editorconfig, .profile, and .inputrc. Each has a default repo filename and starter content. You can tick exactly the ones you want.
What extra features does this tool have versus copying someone's repo?
(1) Manager comparison cards (Stow / bare-git / chezmoi / Dotbot) with pros, cons, difficulty. (2) Catalog of 12 common dotfiles with secret-risk flags. (3) Repo tree diagram for the chosen manager. (4) Idempotent install.sh with three backup modes. (5) OS detection guards (macOS / Linux / Windows). (6) Optional brew/apt package-install stub. (7) Secret-safe .gitignore (~25 patterns). (8) 'Never commit these' checklist with severity (critical/warn). (9) Generated README with manager rationale + repo layout. (10) Dotbot YAML config generator. (11) chezmoi .chezmoi.toml.tmpl generator. (12) Config validation (e.g. flags bare-git + ssh/config as risky). (13) History (localStorage, last 20). (14) Shareable URL with full config encoded. 100% client-side — nothing uploaded, no ads.
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