Wow API Settings System

WoW Settings System (CVars and Console)

Use this skill when you need to explain or work with console variables (CVars) and console commands in WoW Retail.

What CVars Are

• CVars are client configuration values that affect graphics, sound, UI, and gameplay behavior.
• Many settings in the in-game Interface options map directly to CVars.
• The authoritative, up-to-date list is on the wiki. Use it instead of copying large lists.

Reference: https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Console_variables

Reading and Setting CVars

API (AddOns or scripts)

• Read: GetCVar(name) returns a string value.
• Read default: GetCVarDefault(name) returns the coded default value.
• Inspect: GetCVarInfo(name) can indicate if a CVar is secure.
• Write: SetCVar(name, value) sets a value as a string.

Example:

-- Enable UI error popups
SetCVar("scriptErrors", 1)

/console Command

• Use /console <name> <value> in chat.
• Example:

/console scriptErrors 1

Console Window

• Enable with /console enable or start the client with -console.
• Open the console window with the ` or ~ key.

Secure CVars and Combat Restrictions

• Secure CVars cannot be changed in combat.
• Secure CVars must be changed via SetCVar (not /console).
• Use GetCVarInfo to determine if a CVar is secure before changing it.

CVar Scope (Account vs Character)

• Some CVars are account-wide, others are character-specific.
• Character or account specific values may sync to the server (when synchronizeConfig is enabled).
• Changing a character specific CVar only affects the current character.

Resetting CVars

• Reset one CVar to default:

SetCVar("autoSelfCast", GetCVarDefault("autoSelfCast"))

• Console reset:

/console cvar_default autoSelfCast

• Full reset:

/console cvar_default

Note: Account or character specific CVars that are synced may persist even after reinstalling or deleting the WTF folder.

Config Files (When the Game Is Not Running)

• WTF/Config.wtf stores startup and global settings.
• WTF/Account/<AccountName>/config-cache.wtf and per-character config-cache.wtf store account or character scoped values.
• Only edit these files while the game is closed or changes will be overwritten.

Discovering CVars and Console Commands

• The wiki list is the most complete, searchable source.
• The console command list is also on the same page.
• Some console APIs expose command lists (see the API docs for C_Console).

Reference: https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Console_variables

Additional Notes

See references/CVARS-OVERVIEW.md for a short, curated set of workflow tips, pitfalls, and reset guidance.

When to Use This Skill

• You need to explain how to set or read CVars from an addon or script.
• You need to clarify CVar scope, secure restrictions, or reset behavior.
• You need guidance on console command usage or config file locations.