What you need to do before importing

Raw Accel is a mouse acceleration tool for Windows that stores its settings in JSON format. To import a JSON file, you need the file itself, Raw Accel installed on your computer, and the application closed while you perform the import. The process involves placing the JSON file in a specific folder and then opening Raw Accel to load it.

JSON files are plain text files that contain settings data. If someone has shared their Raw Accel configuration with you, or if you've backed up your own settings, that file will be named something like settings.json or config.json. You'll recognize it by the .json extension at the end.

Key Takeaways

  • Raw Accel stores all settings in a JSON file located in your user AppData folder under Raw Accel.
  • To import settings, close Raw Accel completely, then replace or add the JSON file in the correct folder location.
  • The default path is C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Raw Accel on Windows.
  • After placing the JSON file in the folder, open Raw Accel and the settings will load automatically.
  • Back up your current settings before importing new ones, in case you need to revert to your previous configuration.

Finding the Raw Accel settings folder

Raw Accel stores its configuration files in a hidden folder on your Windows system. To access it, open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Raw Accel, replacing [YourUsername] with your actual Windows username.

If the AppData folder is not visible, you need to show hidden files. In File Explorer, click the View tab at the top, then check the box next to Hidden items. Now the AppData folder will appear. Once you can see it, navigate through AppData → Roaming → Raw Accel.

Inside the Raw Accel folder, you should see a file named settings.json (or possibly config.json depending on your version). This is the file that controls all your mouse acceleration settings.

Backing up your current settings

Before you import a new JSON file, save a copy of your current settings. This way, if the imported settings don't work the way you expected, you can restore your original configuration.

In the Raw Accel folder, right-click on settings.json and select Copy. Then right-click in an empty area of the same folder and select Paste. Rename the copy to something like settings_backup.json so you know it's your backup. Store this file somewhere safe, like a Documents folder, if you want extra protection.

Closing Raw Accel and importing the file

Raw Accel must be completely closed before you replace or add a JSON file. If the application is running, it may overwrite any changes you make to the settings file. Check your system tray (the small icons in the bottom right of your taskbar) and right-click the Raw Accel icon if it's there, then select Exit or Quit.

Once Raw Accel is closed, take the JSON file you want to import and place it in the C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Raw Accel folder. If you're replacing your existing settings.json, you can simply overwrite it. If you want to keep both files, rename the imported file to something descriptive like settings_imported.json, then rename it to settings.json when you're ready to use it.

Loading the imported settings

After the JSON file is in place, open Raw Accel. The application will automatically read the settings.json file and load those configurations. You should see your mouse acceleration settings reflected in the Raw Accel interface — curves, sensitivity values, and any other customizations that were in the JSON file.

Test your mouse movement to confirm the settings feel correct. If something is off, close Raw Accel, restore your backup file by renaming it back to settings.json, and reopen the application.

Troubleshooting import problems

If Raw Accel doesn't load the imported settings, the JSON file may be corrupted or formatted incorrectly. JSON files are sensitive to syntax — even a missing comma or bracket can prevent them from loading. Check that the file you're importing came from a trusted source and is a valid Raw Accel configuration.

Another common issue is that Raw Accel was still running when you placed the file. The application writes its own settings.json when it closes, which can overwrite your import. Always close Raw Accel completely before moving or replacing files in its folder.

If you see an error message when opening Raw Accel, try deleting the problematic settings.json and restoring your backup. Raw Accel will create a new default settings.json file the next time it opens, and you can then try importing again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit the JSON file directly in a text editor?

Yes, you can open settings.json in Notepad or any plain text editor and modify values directly. However, you must be careful not to break the JSON syntax — missing commas, brackets, or quotes will prevent Raw Accel from reading the file. Only edit if you understand JSON structure, or stick to importing pre-made files.

What if the Raw Accel folder doesn't exist yet?

If you've just installed Raw Accel, the folder may not exist until you run the application for the first time. Open Raw Accel, adjust any setting, then close it. This creates the AppData folder and settings.json file. Then you can import your JSON file as described.

Can I import settings from a different version of Raw Accel?

Older and newer versions of Raw Accel may use slightly different JSON structures. If you're importing from a much older version, the file might not load correctly. Check the Raw Accel documentation or community forums to see if your version is compatible with the settings file you're trying to import.

Does importing a JSON file overwrite all my current settings?

Yes, replacing settings.json with a new file will overwrite your current configuration completely. That's why backing up your original settings.json before importing is important. If you want to keep both configurations, rename them differently and switch between them by renaming the one you want to use to settings.json.