See, e.g., https://doc.dovecot.org/2.4.2/core/config/quick.html#tldr-i-just-want-doveco...

michael

On 12/11/2025 3:29 PM MST Chad Wallace via dovecot <dovecot@dovecot.org> wrote:

I think the configuration layout you're seeing may be provided by your distribution (Debian, RedHat, etc.). In the original release provided by Dovecot, I only see a single config file: dovecont.conf.in

Also, it is quite easy to find which file has certain types of configuration:

$ grep -ri lmtp /etc/dovecot

On Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:47:44 +0000 n4ch0 via dovecot <dovecot@dovecot.org> wrote:

...

I've noticed that the official Dovecot documentation frequently omits crucial information about which specific files should be modified when configuring different functionalities. Concrete examples:

In the LMTP integration guide with Postfix (https://doc.dovecot.org/2.4.2/howto/lmtp/postfix.html#postfix-and-dovecot-lm...):

It indicates to modify the socket configuration, but doesn't specify in which file this modification should be made

In the quota plugin documentation (https://doc.dovecot.org/2.4.2/core/plugins/quota.html#quota-plugin-quota):

It requests enabling the quota module, but doesn't mention the corresponding configuration file

I managed to achieve the configuration I wanted but it took more time than it should have. My question: I understand that Dovecot uses a modular configuration system and that technically I can place directives in any file. However, wouldn't it be clearer and more efficient if the documentation followed an established order and specified recommended locations? For example:

"Edit /etc/dovecot/conf.d/10-master.conf to configure the LMTP socket" "Enable the quota plugin in /etc/dovecot/conf.d/10-mail.conf"

Is there a technical reason why the documentation deliberately avoids recommending specific files, or does it simply assume that users already know these conventions? Is there a general guide about Dovecot's configuration file structure and best practices for organizing them?

Thanks!

---

dovecot mailing list -- dovecot@dovecot.org To unsubscribe send an email to dovecot-leave@dovecot.org

-- Chad Wallace Software Developer | The Lodging Company® P: +1 250 869 4931 ext. 251 TF: +1 888 676 9977 E: cwallace@lodgingcompany.com W: www.lodgingcompany.com

---

dovecot mailing list -- dovecot@dovecot.org To unsubscribe send an email to dovecot-leave@dovecot.org