i3 FAQ - Individual question feedhttps://faq.i3wm.org/questions/Frequently asked questions and answers about the i3 window managerenCopyright i3, 2012Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:05:46 +0000How to use Mod4 with xdotool and i3wm?https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it. # Sample case I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do `$mod+2` and `$mod` for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected. If while in workplace #1, from the console I do `xdotool key Super+2`, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did `shit+$mod+2` instead of `$mod+2`. I tried with `Meta` instead of `Super`, but it does not work neither, and displays an `(arg: 2):` on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried `Mod4`, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key. # My question Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the `$mod` key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives? Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:45:20 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/Comment by Hibou57 for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1554#comment-1554That's my keyboard which is like this (French layout on a laptop). I'v made some other tests, and if I do `xdotool key Super+Eacute`, I go to workplace #2, because “é” is the letter I get if I press the “2” key without pressing Shift. P.S. I posted something on the xdotool-users groups, and will report any useful answer here.Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:19:41 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1554#comment-1554Comment by Hibou57 for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1551#comment-1551Just an hypothesis: to input “2” on my keyboard, I have to press Shit; perhaps that the reason why `xdotool Super+2` is interpreted as `xdotool Super+Shift+2`. Now, I don't know if it's due to i3wm keyboard input interpretation of if it's due to xdotool.Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:29:24 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1551#comment-1551Comment by mschaefer for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1553#comment-1553Maybe you are right. I tried "xdotool key Super+2" and for me it is working, meaning it switches to workspace 2 and does not move the active window. But why do you have to press Shift to get a "2", anyway?Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:15:34 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1553#comment-1553Comment by Hibou57 for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1550#comment-1550Hi Joepd. I wanted to setup a Demu as an alternative and/or remainder of keystrokes used within i3wm.Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:00:19 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1550#comment-1550Comment by joepd for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1549#comment-1549What would you like to achieve? Very well possible that there is a better way... Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:51:06 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1549#comment-1549Answer by Hibou57 for <p>Note: I don't know if my issue is finally with i3wm or with xdotool. If ever my question is wrong here, just tell and suggest another place to ask for it.</p> <h1>Sample case</h1> <p>I have a console opened in workspace #1. I have an application opened in workplace #2. If while in workspace #1, from the keyboard I do <code>$mod+2</code> and <code>$mod</code> for me is the Win‑key, I'm switching to workplace #2, as expected.</p> <p>If while in workplace #1, from the console I do <code>xdotool key Super+2</code>, instead of switching to workplace #2, the current window is moved to workplace #2 and I stay in workplace #1, like if I did <code>shit+$mod+2</code> instead of <code>$mod+2</code>.</p> <p>I tried with <code>Meta</code> instead of <code>Super</code>, but it does not work neither, and displays an <code>(arg: 2):</code> on the terminal, which I don't know what it is. I tried <code>Mod4</code>, but xdotool complains it does not know what it is. I don't know any other name except Super or Meta or Mod4, for the Win‑key.</p> <h1>My question</h1> <p>Is this an issue with i3wm or an issue with xdotool? How do I properly use xdotool to send keystrokes involving the <code>$mod</code> key which i3wm properly recognizes or properly receives?</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?answer=1555#post-id-1555I may answer my own question partly now. A possible solution would be to be able to ask xdotool to send key‑code instead of key‑symbols, but I don't know how to do this. However, after some testing, I was able to switch to workplace #2 running `xdotool key "Super+Eacute"` instead of `xdotool key "Super+2"`, this is dependant on my keyboard layout. I will update this answer as soon as I get a better (keyboard layout independent) method. Note this apply with other things too: `xdotool key "Super+J"` do the same as `xdotool key "Shit+Super+J"`, and `xdotool key "Super+j"` with a lower‑case “j” has to be used to go to left. My custom menu is on a good way now.Fri, 05 Apr 2013 09:29:56 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?answer=1555#post-id-1555Comment by Hibou57 for <p>I may answer my own question partly now.</p> <p>A possible solution would be to be able to ask xdotool to send key‑code instead of key‑symbols, but I don't know how to do this. However, after some testing, I was able to switch to workplace #2 running <code>xdotool key "Super+Eacute"</code> instead of <code>xdotool key "Super+2"</code>, this is dependant on my keyboard layout.</p> <p>I will update this answer as soon as I get a better (keyboard layout independent) method.</p> <p>Note this apply with other things too: <code>xdotool key "Super+J"</code> do the same as <code>xdotool key "Shit+Super+J"</code>, and <code>xdotool key "Super+j"</code> with a lower‑case “j” has to be used to go to left.</p> <p>My custom menu is on a good way now.</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1560#comment-1560That's what I looking about in the doc now. I missed it and became aware of it only after I wanted to reply to a question opened by someone else (I'm new to i3wm, and still discovering it). Anyway, I will update the answer if I see fits.Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:05:46 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1560#comment-1560Comment by vandannen for <p>I may answer my own question partly now.</p> <p>A possible solution would be to be able to ask xdotool to send key‑code instead of key‑symbols, but I don't know how to do this. However, after some testing, I was able to switch to workplace #2 running <code>xdotool key "Super+Eacute"</code> instead of <code>xdotool key "Super+2"</code>, this is dependant on my keyboard layout.</p> <p>I will update this answer as soon as I get a better (keyboard layout independent) method.</p> <p>Note this apply with other things too: <code>xdotool key "Super+J"</code> do the same as <code>xdotool key "Shit+Super+J"</code>, and <code>xdotool key "Super+j"</code> with a lower‑case “j” has to be used to go to left.</p> <p>My custom menu is on a good way now.</p> https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1559#comment-1559I am not sure what exactly you want to achieve, but instead of sending the corresponding keys to initiate some action, you could just send the desired commands to i3, like: i3-msg workspace 2Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:00:31 +0000https://faq.i3wm.org/question/1548/how-to-use-mod4-with-xdotool-and-i3wm/?comment=1559#comment-1559