File Storage and Resetting Control Surface Studio

This guide explains how Control Surface Studio stores its files on your computer and how to reset the app data without needing to reinstall CSS itself.

1. Understand Where Files Are Stored

Control Surface Studio stores data in two locations:

A. The Application Folder

This is where the actual app is installed (typically in your Applications folder on macOS or Program Files on Windows).

B. The Configuration Folder

This is where CSS stores all scripts & controller templates which you have created and your specific settings. It is located in your computer’s home directory and is named: Control Surface Studio 2.8.

File Structure Inside the Home Directory

Within the Control Surface Studio 2.8 folder, you’ll find:

  • /controller/ — contains all your controller templates. Each file = one template.
  • /script/ — contains all your scripts. Each file = one script.
  • /settings/settings.json — contains your configuration settings (e.g., options from the Settings Menu within CSS).

2. Reset Configuration (Fresh Settings Only)

If the app isn’t working correctly and you want to reset the configuration without losing your scripts or templates, you can delete the settings only.

Steps:

  1. Close Control Surface Studio.
  2. Navigate to your home directory.
  3. Open the Control Surface Studio/settings/ folder.
  4. Delete the settings.json file.
  5. Reopen Control Surface Studio and log in again.

Result: Your scripts and templates will still be intact, but all settings will be reset to default.

3. Full Reset (Fresh Installation Without Redownloading)

To completely reset the app, including removing all scripts, templates, and settings:

Steps:

  1. Close Control Surface Studio.
  2. Navigate to your home directory.
  3. Rename or delete the entire Control Surface Studio 2.8 folder.
  • (Optional) Rename it if you want to back it up (e.g., Control Surface Studio - backup)
  1. Reopen Control Surface Studio and log in.

Result:
A new Control Surface Studio folder will be created with:

  • Default script folder
  • Default controller templates folder
  • Default settings/settings.json

4. Restore Backup

If you renamed your original folder in step 3:

  1. Delete the new folder created by the app.
  2. Rename your backup folder back to Control Surface Studio.

Result: Your previous templates, scripts, and settings will be restored.