> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.quadrillion.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# General Settings

> Configure Python environments, terminal shell, and language preferences.

General settings control your development environment and basic preferences.

## 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.

### 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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)

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="macOS/Linux">
    Common shell paths:

    * `/bin/zsh` (default on modern macOS)
    * `/bin/bash`
    * `/bin/fish`
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows">
    Common shell options:

    * PowerShell (default)
    * `cmd.exe` for Command Prompt
    * WSL bash if Windows Subsystem for Linux is installed
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

Changes apply to new terminals only. Existing terminals keep their original shell.

## 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.

## 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.

## 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.

## Related settings

* [Editor settings](/settings/editor) for code editing preferences
* [AI settings](/settings/ai) for model and behavior configuration
* [Kernel toolbar](/kernel-toolbar) for kernel controls in notebooks