diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index b128c85d..eccd8149 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -13,6 +13,12 @@
 #  You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
 #  along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 
+if(NOT CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE)
+  set(CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE "RelWithDebInfo" CACHE STRING
+      "Choose the type of build, options are: None Debug Release RelWithDebInfo Debug Debugfull Profile MinSizeRel."
+      FORCE)
+endif()
+
 project(KeePassX)
 
 cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 2.6.4)