CHDK Config File Editor: Quick Setup Guide for BeginnersIf you’ve installed CHDK (Canon Hack Development Kit) on your Canon camera or are considering it, the CHDK Config File Editor is an essential tool for customizing how CHDK behaves. This guide walks a beginner through what the editor is, why it’s useful, and how to create, edit, and safely apply config files to get predictable, repeatable results from CHDK features such as scripting, interval shooting, exposure bracketing, and more.
What is the CHDK Config File Editor?
The CHDK Config File Editor is a desktop or web-based utility (depending on the variant) that helps you create and modify CHDK-compatible .CFG files without manually editing raw text. CHDK uses config files to store numerical parameters, boolean flags, and mode-specific settings for Lua scripts and CHDK built-in features. A proper editor:
- presents user-friendly fields and explanations for each option,
- validates ranges and types to reduce errors,
- can export ready-to-use .CFG files that CHDK reads from your memory card.
Why use it instead of hand-editing? Because it reduces syntax mistakes, helps discover options you didn’t know existed, and can speed up creating repeatable setups for timelapses, focus stacking, motion detection, and custom button mappings.
Before you begin — prerequisites and warnings
- Ensure your Canon camera model is supported by CHDK. Not every model can run CHDK; check CHDK’s compatibility list.
- You must have CHDK already installed on your camera and able to run. This guide does not cover installing CHDK itself.
- Back up any existing CHDK config files and scripts from your memory card before making changes.
- Incorrect settings may cause unexpected camera behavior. If the camera behaves oddly after loading a config, power-cycle the camera and remove or rename the config file to restore default behavior.
Getting the CHDK Config File Editor
There are a few popular ways people edit CHDK config files:
- Standalone desktop editors (Windows, macOS, Linux) — often community-made GUI apps that read/write .CFG.
- Web-based editors — a browser UI that creates a downloadable .CFG.
- Text editors with CHDK-specific schema/help — for users who prefer manual control.
Choose an editor that matches your platform and comfort level. For beginners, a GUI desktop or web editor is recommended.
Structure of a CHDK config file (basic overview)
A CHDK config file is a text file structured as key=value pairs, grouped by sections. Common elements include:
- Global flags (enable/disable features)
- Numeric parameters (timelapse interval, exposure steps)
- Mappings (button behavior)
- Script-specific parameters (Lua script options)
Example (simplified):
[General] capture_mode=auto interval=5.0 [Scripting] autoscript=timelapse.lua script_delay=2.0 An editor will present these as labeled fields rather than raw text.
Step-by-step: Create your first basic config (timelapse example)
- Launch the CHDK Config File Editor.
- Create a new config and give it a meaningful name (e.g., timelapse_5s.cfg).
- Set the primary mode:
- capture mode: interval or shooting mode depending on your editor’s terms.
- Configure interval settings:
- interval between shots: 5 seconds
- number of shots: 120 (for a 10-minute timelapse)
- Set exposure behavior:
- auto-exposure lock: enabled (prevents exposure changes between frames)
- exposure compensation: set if you want consistent brightness
- Assign or specify a Lua script if using one:
- autoscript: timelapse.lua
- script parameters: (if required by the script; some scripts accept frame count, delay, etc.)
- Save/export the .CFG file and copy it to your camera’s CHDK folder on the memory card.
- On the camera, load CHDK, navigate to the config manager, and select your config to activate it.
- Test with a short series first to confirm behavior.
Common beginner-friendly settings and what they do
- Interval: Time in seconds between frames for timelapse.
- Number of shots: How many frames to capture; determines total duration.
- Autofocus mode: Continuous vs. locked (locking focus prevents shift).
- Exposure lock / AE lock: Fixes exposure to the first frame for consistency.
- RAW capture: If supported, enables RAW for higher-quality frames (larger files).
- Silent picture mode: Use electronic shutter or silent capture modes where available.
- Button mapping: Assign CHDK functions (script start/stop) to physical camera buttons.
Using Lua scripts with configs
Many CHDK features are implemented via Lua scripts. Config files can set which script to run automatically and pass parameters.
- Place the Lua script alongside the config file on the card.
- In the editor, set autoscript to the script filename.
- If the script accepts parameters, the editor may provide labeled inputs; otherwise, you can often add a param line in the config.
Example common scripts:
- timelapse.lua — interval timelapse with optional exposure handling.
- bracketing.lua — advanced exposure bracketing sequences.
- focus_stack.lua — automated focus stacking.
Troubleshooting tips
- Camera won’t respond or freezes: remove power, delete/rename the config, and reboot.
- Script doesn’t run: ensure the filename matches exactly (case-sensitive on some setups) and the script is in the correct folder.
- Exposure or focus shifting: enable AE/AF lock or set manual exposure/focus if your model supports it.
- Large file sizes: enable RAW only if you have enough card space; use JPEG or lower resolution for long timelapses.
Tips for organizing multiple configs
- Use clear filenames that indicate purpose: timelapse_5s_120.cfg, bracket_3ev.cfg.
- Keep related scripts in the same folder as the config.
- Maintain a simple README on the card describing each config and expected behavior.
Safety and good habits
- Always test new configs in a controlled environment before committing to long shoots.
- Keep battery charged—long scripts and interval shooting consume more power.
- Keep a backup of your working config set on your computer or cloud storage.
Quick reference: example timelapse config (template)
Use this template as a starting point (your editor will generate equivalent fields):
[General] name=timelapse_5s_120 mode=interval interval=5.0 shots=120 mirror_lock=no [Exposure] ae_lock=yes exposure_comp=0 [Scripting] autoscript=timelapse.lua script_params= Next steps and learning resources
- Explore community forums and CHDK documentation for model-specific tips and popular scripts.
- Experiment incrementally: tweak one setting at a time to learn its effect.
- Share your configs and results to get feedback from experienced CHDK users.
CHDK’s Config File Editor turns powerful but complex camera controls into repeatable workflows. Start simple, back up often, and expand your setups as you gain confidence.
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