How to use the command 'setxkbmap' (with examples)

The ‘setxkbmap’ command is used to set the keyboard layout using the X Keyboard Extension. It allows users to easily change their keyboard layout, its variants, and switching options. This command is particularly useful when working with multiple languages or keyboard layouts.

Use case 1: Set the keyboard in French AZERTY

Code:

setxkbmap fr

Motivation: In this use case, the ‘setxkbmap’ command is used to set the keyboard in the French AZERTY layout. This is useful for individuals who frequently type in French or need to switch between different keyboard layouts.

Explanation: The command ‘setxkbmap fr’ sets the keyboard layout to French (fr) AZERTY. It modifies the current XKB configuration and applies the changes to the keyboard layout instantly.

Example output: The keyboard layout is changed to the French AZERTY layout. The keystrokes for different keys on the keyboard will be remapped accordingly to match the French layout.

Use case 2: Set multiple keyboard layouts, their variants, and switching option

Code:

setxkbmap -layout us,de -variant ,qwerty -option 'grp:alt_caps_toggle'

Motivation: This use case demonstrates how to set multiple keyboard layouts, specify their variants, and enable a switching option. It is helpful for multilingual users who frequently switch between different language layouts.

Explanation: The command ‘setxkbmap -layout us,de -variant ,qwerty -option ‘grp:alt_caps_toggle’’ sets the keyboard layout to English (US) and German (DE) and specifies the variant as QWERTY for both. It also enables an option ‘grp:alt_caps_toggle’ which allows switching between layouts using the left Alt key and the Caps Lock key simultaneously.

Example output: The keyboard layout is set to both English (US) and German (DE) with QWERTY variants. The option ‘grp:alt_caps_toggle’ is enabled, allowing the user to switch between layouts by pressing the left Alt key and the Caps Lock key simultaneously.

Use case 3: Get help

Code:

setxkbmap -help

Motivation: This use case demonstrates how to access the help documentation for the ‘setxkbmap’ command. It is useful for users who need to understand the available options and syntax of the command.

Explanation: The command ‘setxkbmap -help’ displays the help documentation for the ‘setxkbmap’ command. It provides a description of the command, usage information, and a list of available options.

Example output: The help documentation for the ‘setxkbmap’ command is displayed, providing detailed information about the command, its usage, and available options.

Use case 4: List all layouts

Code:

localectl list-x11-keymap-layouts

Motivation: This use case illustrates how to list all available keyboard layouts. It can be helpful for users who want to see a comprehensive list of the available options when configuring their keyboard layout.

Explanation: The command ’localectl list-x11-keymap-layouts’ lists all the available keyboard layouts. It provides a list of codes that represent different layouts, such as ‘us’ for English (US) and ‘fr’ for French.

Example output: A list of keyboard layout codes is displayed, representing the available layouts. This may include codes for various languages and their regional variants.

Use case 5: List variants for the layout

Code:

localectl list-x11-keymap-variants de

Motivation: This use case demonstrates how to list the variants available for a specific keyboard layout. It is useful for users who want to explore the different options and configurations available for a particular layout.

Explanation: The command ’localectl list-x11-keymap-variants de’ lists the variants available for the German (DE) keyboard layout. It displays a list of codes representing different variants, such as ‘qwertz’ and ’neo’.

Example output: A list of variant codes for the German (DE) keyboard layout is displayed, representing the available configurations for the layout.

Use case 6: List available switching options

Code:

localectl list-x11-keymap-options | grep grp:

Motivation: This use case shows how to list available switching options for keyboard layouts. It is useful for users who want to explore different options for switching between layouts.

Explanation: The command ’localectl list-x11-keymap-options’ lists all available options for keyboard layouts. The ‘grep grp:’ command filters the output to only show the options related to layout switching. This allows users to quickly see the available options.

Example output: A list of available switching options for keyboard layouts is displayed. These options may include ‘grp:alt_shift_toggle’ and ‘grp:lctrl_lshift_toggle’, among others.

Conclusion:

The ‘setxkbmap’ command provides a convenient way to set keyboard layouts, variants, and switching options in the X Keyboard Extension. It allows users to easily configure their keyboard to meet their specific language and typing needs. By understanding the various use cases and examples provided above, users can effectively utilize the command to customize their keyboard layout experience.