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General settings control your development environment and basic preferences.

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Python environment

Select the Python installation to use for new notebooks. Default Python Environment shows all detected Python installations:
  • System Python
  • Homebrew Python (macOS)
  • Python from Microsoft Store (Windows)
  • pyenv versions (macOS/Linux)
  • Conda environments
  • Virtual environments (.venv)
The selected environment becomes the default kernel for new notebooks and is automatically activated in new terminals.

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Creating a virtual environment

Click Create Python virtual environment to create a .venv in your workspace:
  1. Qualia creates the virtual environment
  2. It becomes available in the kernel picker
  3. Select it to use for your project
This is useful for isolating project dependencies.

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Julia environment

Select the Julia installation for new notebooks:
  • System Julia
  • Juliaup versions
  • Custom installations
Julia kernels appear in the kernel picker grouped separately from Python.

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R environment

Select the R installation for new notebooks:
  • System R
  • R installations in standard locations
R kernels work like Python kernels — select an environment here, and new R notebooks use it.

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Terminal shell

Override the default shell for terminals:
  • Empty: Use system default (SHELL on Unix, PowerShell on Windows)
  • Custom path: Specify a shell like /bin/zsh or /bin/bash (macOS/Linux) or cmd.exe (Windows)
Common shell paths:
  • /bin/zsh (default on modern macOS)
  • /bin/bash
  • /bin/fish
Changes apply to new terminals only. Existing terminals keep their original shell.

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Response language

Control the language Qualia uses in responses:
  • Auto: Match your system language
  • Specific language: Always respond in English, Spanish, etc.
This affects the AI’s responses, not the UI language.

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Notifications

Control when Qualia sends operating system notifications while the app is not focused:
  • Notify when an agent needs input: Send a notification when an agent is waiting on your response.
  • Notify when agents finish: Send a notification when every agent in a project has completed.
  • Agent interaction sounds: Play a warm bloom when an agent needs input and a success sound when a project’s agents finish.
All three settings are enabled by default. In-app alerts still appear when an agent needs your input and the chat is not currently visible.

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Default kernel validation

Qualia validates that your default kernel exists:
  • Green check: Kernel is available
  • Warning: Kernel not found (e.g., deleted virtual environment)
If your default kernel is missing, new notebooks fall back to the first available Python kernel.