im-config

im-config [options]

im-config configures the input method framework for Linux desktops. It selects between IBus, Fcitx 5, XIM and other input systems and writes the choice to ~/.xinputrc (or /etc/X11/xinit/xinputrc system-wide).Without options it shows a dialog listing available frameworks, marking the automatic choice for the current locale. The selected framework is started by im-launch when the X session starts, setting variables such as GTK_IM_MODULE, QT_IM_MODULE and XMODIFIERS.

-a

List all possible input method frameworks, even if their packages are not installed.

Use console dialog (whiptail).

Use X dialog with zenity.

Simulate; show what would happen without changing configuration files.

List available input method frameworks to stdout (only installed ones unless -a is given).

List configuration values: active system/user configuration and automatic/override choice for the current locale.

Set the input method framework. none activates nothing and uses the desktop default; REMOVE deletes the configuration file.

Print the localized description of an input method.

Display help information.

Debian/Ubuntu tool. A logout or session restart is needed for changes to take effect. im-config 1.0 (July 2026) dropped Wayland support and replaced the options with a debugging-oriented set: -p (list possible), -i (list installed), -d (defaults), -r (report current values), -w METHOD (write configuration), -c, -q, -v. On Wayland sessions (GNOME, KDE Plasma) the desktop usually configures the input method itself. Problems can be inspected with journalctl -b -t im-config.

im-config was written by Osamu Aoki for Debian as a replacement for the older im-switch tool, and is maintained by the Debian Input Method Team.

im-launch(1), ibus(1), fcitx5(1), fcitx(1)

Source code