Back up emulator controls and Steam Input layouts separately: they are different settings layers, and restoring one does not restore the other. For emulator-specific controls, use the configuration location listed on that emulator’s EmuDeck page; for Steam Input, export a personal layout from Game Mode. There is no single universal EmuDeck controller backup file or restore button.
Know which controller settings you need to preserve
EmuDeck controller behavior can come from an emulator’s own input configuration, a named profile inside that emulator, or a Steam Input layout. EmuDeck’s Controls 101 page directs users to each emulator’s page for configuration-file locations; those folders usually contain controller layouts that can be backed up or shared.
- Emulator configuration files: preserve that emulator’s input settings. The correct location depends on the emulator and installation.
- Emulator profile: use the emulator’s own save/load controls where available. Profile behavior varies by emulator.
- Steam Input layout: preserve how Steam maps a controller for a game. This does not replace emulator-side input settings.
- EmuDeck defaults: reset changed settings to EmuDeck’s defaults; this is not a way to recover a personal custom mapping.
Back up emulator-specific controller settings
- Identify the emulator whose controls you changed.
- Open its current EmuDeck documentation page and locate the configuration-file path. Do not use a path copied from another emulator: paths differ, and the SteamOS locations shown in EmuDeck documentation should not be assumed to apply to Windows, macOS, another Linux distribution, or another Steam user.
- In the file manager, copy the relevant configuration files to a separate location. Keep the original filenames and folder structure so the emulator can find them if you restore them. An external drive is one optional place for a second copy; EmuDeck does not require a particular storage device.
- If the emulator supports named profiles, save the mapping using its own interface as well. This can be more convenient than replacing configuration files when the emulator supports profile loading.
EmuDeck documents configuration folders that users can back up, but does not specify one universal archive format, sync service, or one-click restore command. Treat a file copy as a manual backup tied to the emulator’s documented location.
Dolphin profiles: global or per game
Dolphin lets users save controller profiles globally or for a specific game. Its EmuDeck Dolphin documentation warns that global changes may be reset to EmuDeck defaults when EmuDeck is updated. If you need a custom setup to remain distinct from the global defaults, use a named profile and choose the appropriate global or per-game scope.
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Back up a Steam Input layout separately
- In Game Mode, open the relevant game’s controller layout screen.
- Select the Gear icon, choose Export Layout, then choose New Personal Save to save a personal layout, following EmuDeck’s Community Creations instructions.
- If you also want a file-level copy, use the Steam Controller Configs or templates locations listed on that page. Show hidden folders in the file manager if needed, and verify that the path matches your SteamOS user environment before changing files.
A Steam Input export preserves the Steam-side layout, not an emulator’s native input configuration. Keep separate backups if you customized both layers.
Restore the correct layer
Restore copied emulator configuration files
- Make a copy of the current configuration files before replacing anything, so you can recover the present state if the older backup is incomplete or unsuitable.
- Use the emulator’s current EmuDeck page to confirm its configuration location, then copy the backed-up files into the corresponding location while preserving filenames and folder structure.
- Open the emulator and use its documented profile or load behavior if the setup relies on a named profile. Instructions differ; EmuDeck’s pages for Cemu, Yuzu, and Ryujinx describe emulator-specific profile or default-selection workflows.
Restore or reselect a Steam Input layout
Open the game’s Controller screen in Game Mode and select the saved layout you intend to use. EmuDeck’s FAQ describes Steam Input profile selection and examples of emulators with EmuDeck profiles; consult the current instructions for the emulator in use rather than assuming the listed profiles cover every version or setup.
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Reset to EmuDeck defaults
If your goal is to undo changes rather than recover your own saved controls, use the relevant reset controls on EmuDeck’s Manage Emulators page. This returns settings to EmuDeck defaults and may discard custom changes; it does not restore a personal backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check Steam Input when an external controller behaves differently
Steam Input can affect how an external controller communicates with an emulator. EmuDeck’s External Controllers instructions describe cases where disabling Steam Input may be needed for features such as gyro, and note that a restart may be necessary for the setting to apply. Use the device-specific instructions: controller behavior can differ by device and emulator.
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- Check the game’s Controller screen to confirm the intended Steam Input layout or setting.
- Check the emulator’s own selected input device and profile.
- If you change Steam Input for a documented external-controller case, restart where the instructions call for it, then test the feature again.
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