LinuxCommandLibrary

mousetweaks

Customize mouse accessibility settings

SYNOPSIS

mousetweaks [OPTION...]

PARAMETERS

--disable-all
    Disable all mouse accessibility features managed by mousetweaks.

--enable-all
    Enable all mouse accessibility features managed by mousetweaks.

--set-dwell-click-time=MS
    Set the time (in milliseconds) the pointer must hover before a dwell click occurs.

--set-dwell-click-type=TYPE
    Set the dwell click action (e.g., single, double, drag, secondary).

--set-dwell-click-threshold=PX
    Set the threshold of movement (in pixels) before a dwell click is cancelled.

--set-dwell-click-hide-window
    Hide the visual dwell click window or indicator.

--set-dwell-click-show-window
    Show the visual dwell click window or indicator.

--set-dwell-click-use-sound
    Enable/disable an auditory cue when a dwell click occurs.

--set-dwell-click-gesture-size=PX
    Set the size (in pixels) of the dwell click gestures.

--set-dwell-click-gesture-time=MS
    Set the time (in milliseconds) before a dwell click gesture is detected.

--set-click-assist-timeout=MS
    Set the timeout (in milliseconds) before a secondary click assist is activated.

--set-click-assist-type=TYPE
    Set the click assist action (e.g., primary, secondary, drag).

--status
    Display the current status of all mousetweaks features.

-v, --version
    Show the version information of mousetweaks.

-h, --help
    Display a brief help message with common options.

--help-all
    Show all help options, including generic GTK+ and X display options.

--help-gtk
    Show GTK+ specific options related to the application.

--display=DISPLAY
    Specify the X display to use for the application.

DESCRIPTION

mousetweaks is a GNOME accessibility application designed to enhance mouse interaction for users, particularly those with motor impairments. It provides two primary features: Dwell Click and Click Assist.

Dwell Click enables users to perform mouse clicks by simply hovering the pointer over an element for a specified duration, eliminating the need for physical button presses. This can be configured for single, double, drag, or secondary (right) clicks. It includes options to adjust dwell time, movement threshold, and visual/auditory feedback.

Click Assist simplifies complex mouse operations. For example, it can assist with secondary clicks by making them easier to activate, or with drag-and-drop actions by providing a "drag lock" feature. This reduces the physical effort and precision required for intricate mouse gestures.

mousetweaks integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop, allowing these accessibility settings to be managed both via the command line and through the graphical GNOME Control Center under accessibility options. It plays a crucial role in making the GNOME environment more inclusive and accessible.

CAVEATS

The functionality of mousetweaks is closely integrated with the GNOME desktop environment and primarily designed for X11. Its behavior or availability may vary in non-GNOME environments or with Wayland display servers. Changes made via the command line might require a session restart for full effect if the mousetweaks daemon isn't running or doesn't pick up changes dynamically. It may also conflict with other third-party mouse customization or accessibility tools.

DWELL CLICK MECHANISM

Dwell Click eliminates the need for physical mouse button presses. When enabled, users simply hold the mouse pointer motionless over a target area for a predefined dwell time. After this duration, mousetweaks automatically simulates a click action, which can be configured as a single click, double click, drag operation, or secondary (right) click. It also features a customizable movement threshold to prevent accidental clicks if the pointer jitters slightly.

CLICK ASSIST FEATURES

Click Assist provides supplementary tools to simplify complex mouse gestures. It can assist with secondary clicks by making them easier to activate, often through a brief pause after a primary click or a specific gesture. It also supports drag lock, where a drag operation can be initiated and maintained without continuously holding down a mouse button, making drag-and-drop much less strenuous for users with limited dexterity.

HISTORY

mousetweaks is a component of the broader GNOME accessibility framework. Its development aligns with GNOME's commitment to providing universal access features, evolving over time to offer robust solutions for users with varying motor capabilities. It reflects ongoing efforts to make the desktop environment inclusive and user-friendly for everyone.

SEE ALSO

gsettings(1), xinput(1), gnome-control-center(1), orca(1)

Copied to clipboard