How to reset preferences

If you experience certain errors and strange behavior, it might be caused by inconsistencies in the program settings. In order to reset everything, you need to rename or delete the preferences directory. This way, JOSM will behave just like you have installed it the first time. Note that while the file preferences.xml contains most program settings, there are other files which could be causing problems, such as an image cache, bad plugin, etc.

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Locate the settings folder

Windows

In Microsoft Windows the JOSM preferences directory is placed in your application data directory, which is typically C:\Users\USERNAME\Application Data\JOSM (Windows Vista and 7) or C:\Documents and Settings\USERNAME\Application Data\JOSM. To find the specific directory on your system, open an explorer window and type:

%APPDATA%

in the location bar and press Enter. You should find a folder called JOSM.
Alternatively, try to search for the term JOSM or browse the usual folders, that contain program settings.

Linux and Mac

The settings folder is in your home directory:

~/.josm

Java preference folder option

Alternatively, it is possible to set the preference folder at start up on the console with:

-Djosm.home=

e.g.

java -Xmx1000m -Djosm.home=$HOME/.josm-latest -jar josm-latest.jar

This may be useful when testing different versions.

Command line option

The command line option --reset-preferences resets the preferences to defaults.