xbindkeys
Bind keys to commands in X11
TLDR
SYNOPSIS
xbindkeys [options]
DESCRIPTION
xbindkeys binds keys or key combinations to shell commands in X11. It works independently of window managers, making it useful for global hotkeys including multimedia keys.Use `xbindkeys -k` to identify key names interactively. Press the desired key in the popup window to see its name and keycode.Configuration is read from ~/.xbindkeysrc by default. The daemon monitors the config file and reloads automatically when modified. Send SIGHUP to force reload.For complex setups, xbindkeys supports Guile Scheme configuration via ~/.xbindkeysrc.scm.
PARAMETERS
-d, --defaults
Print default configuration to stdout.-f, --file file
Use specified configuration file.-k, --key
Identify a key (press key in window).-mk, --multikey
Identify multi-key combination.-s, --show
Show current key bindings.-n, --nodaemon
Don't run as daemon.-v, --verbose
Verbose mode.-h, --help
Display help.-X, --display display
Set X display to use.-g, --geometry geometry
Set size and position of the key identification window (used with -k or -mk).-dg, --defaults-guile
Print a default Guile configuration file to stdout.-fg, --file-guile file
Use an alternative Guile configuration file.-V, --version
Display version.
CONFIGURATION
Config file syntax (~/.xbindkeysrc):
modifier + key
# Example: Volume up
"pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ +5%"
XF86AudioRaiseVolume
# Example: Screenshot
"scrot"
MODIFIERS
Control, Shift, Mod1 (Alt), Mod2 (NumLock), Mod3 (CapsLock), Mod4 (Super/Win), Mod5 (Scroll Lock), Release (trigger on key release)
CAVEATS
X11 only; won't work under Wayland. Some keys may be grabbed by other applications. Key names can be found in /usr/include/X11/keysymdef.h. Multimedia keys require proper kernel/X configuration.
HISTORY
xbindkeys was created to provide a window-manager-independent way to bind keys to commands. It fills the gap for desktop environments and window managers that lack built-in hotkey configuration.
