xbindkeys

Start xbindkeys

$ xbindkeys

$ xbindkeys --defaults > ~/.xbindkeysrc

$ xbindkeys -k

$ xbindkeys -mk

$ xbindkeys -s

$ killall -HUP xbindkeys

$ xbindkeys -f [~/.config/xbindkeysrc]

xbindkeys [options]

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.

-d, --defaults

Print default configuration to stdout.

Use specified configuration file.

Identify a key (press key in window).

Identify multi-key combination.

Show current key bindings.

Don't run as daemon.

Verbose mode.

Display help.

Display version.

Config file syntax (~/.xbindkeysrc):

$ "command"
    modifier + key

# Example: Volume up
"pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ +5%"
    XF86AudioRaiseVolume

# Example: Screenshot
"scrot"
    Print

Control, Shift, Mod1 (Alt), Mod2 (NumLock), Mod3 (CapsLock), Mod4 (Super/Win), Mod5 (Scroll Lock), Release (trigger on key release)

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.

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.

xev(1), xmodmap(1), sxhkd(1), xdotool(1)