What is Xmodmap?
Xmodmap is a simple utility for modifying keyboard mappings and pointer button mappings in the X Window System. It enables users to easily remap keys and buttons and assign different functions to them without having to directly edit configuration files.
Some common uses of xmodmap include:
- Swapping Caps Lock and Escape keys
- Remapping extra mouse buttons to functions like Back/Forward in the browser
- Disabling annoying keys like the Windows key
- Changing keyboard layouts on the fly (like Dvorak or Colemak)
Xmodmap works by communicating keycode/keysym mappings to the X server. It avoids having to edit files like xorg.conf directly. The remappings it makes are temporary and only last for the current X session. To make more permanent changes, the key mappings would need to be put in a startup script to run each time the computer starts up.
Overall, xmodmap is a simple but handy utility that makes it easy for advanced Linux users to customize their keyboard and mouse bindings to suit their preferences and workflows without digging into configuration files. It has been around for many years and continues to be included in most Linux distributions by default.
SharpKeys, Karabiner Elements, Key Remapper, KeyTweak, Input Remapper, Key Mapper, Kinto, KeyExtender, MapKeyboard, Key Manager, X Keyboard Extension (XKB), Seil, xcape, DoubleCommand, Key Remapper 4dots, Stick Shift are some alternatives to Xmodmap.