autokey
TLDR
Start AutoKey with GTK interface
SYNOPSIS
autokey-gtk [options]
autokey-qt [options]
DESCRIPTION
AutoKey is a desktop automation utility for Linux that provides text expansion and hotkey-triggered automation. It supports both simple phrase replacement and complex Python scripting for advanced automation tasks.
Phrases are text snippets that expand when you type an abbreviation. For example, typing "addr" could expand to your full address. Phrases support macros for dynamic content like dates, clipboard contents, or command output.
Scripts use Python 3 for advanced automation including mouse clicks, keyboard simulation, window manipulation, and system commands. Scripts are triggered by abbreviations or hotkeys just like phrases.
AutoKey comes in two variants: autokey-gtk for GTK-based desktops (GNOME, XFCE, MATE) and autokey-qt for Qt-based desktops (KDE Plasma). Both share the same configuration and scripting capabilities.
Configuration files are stored in ~/.config/autokey/ and include phrases, scripts, and settings.
PARAMETERS
-c, --configure
Open the configuration window on startup-l, --verbose
Enable verbose debug logging-m, --minimized
Start minimized to system tray-h, --help
Display help message
CAVEATS
Requires X11; Wayland is not currently supported. Needs a system tray or appindicator; GNOME Shell users may need the AppIndicator Support extension. Must be running in the background for automation to work. Phrase triggers must be unique to avoid conflicts.
HISTORY
AutoKey was originally created by Chris Olsen around 2008 as a Linux equivalent to text expansion tools available on other platforms. The project has been community-maintained since 2018 under the autokey GitHub organization. It provides TextExpander-like functionality for Linux users who need text expansion and keyboard automation.
