Managing Wacom Tablets with 'xsetwacom' (with examples)

The xsetwacom command-line tool is an essential utility for artists, designers, and other professionals who use Wacom pen tablets. It allows users to configure their Wacom tablets’ settings dynamically at runtime. With the help of this command, users can optimize their tablets for different tasks, making the tool remarkably flexible and beneficial for enhancing workflow efficiency. This article will explore various use cases of the xsetwacom command with detailed motivation, explanations, and example outputs.

Use case 1: Listing All Available Wacom Devices

Code:

xsetwacom list

Motivation:

Before configuring your Wacom tablet, it’s important to identify all connected Wacom devices. This step ensures that changes are applied to the correct device, especially useful in a multi-device environment, such as when more than one tablet is connected. Listing devices helps you to obtain the specific name or ID you need to target with subsequent commands.

Explanation:

• xsetwacom: Calls the xsetwacom utility.
• list: Instructs the tool to output a list of all available Wacom devices currently connected to the system.

Example Output:

Wacom Pen and multitouch sensor Pen stylus         id: 12  type: STYLUS    
Wacom Pen and multitouch sensor Finger touch       id: 13  type: TOUCH     

The output shows each device’s name, its ID, and the type of tool (such as STYLUS or TOUCH), providing all the necessary information to prepare for further customization.

Use case 2: Mapping Wacom Tablet to Specific Screen

Code:

xsetwacom set "device_name" MapToOutput screen

Motivation:

In a multi-monitor setup, you might want to restrict your Wacom tablet’s interaction to a particular screen. For example, if you’re using a tablet alongside a reference monitor, mapping the tablet to just the design screen helps maintain a consistent and efficient workflow.

Explanation:

• device_name: Replace this placeholder with the actual name of your Wacom device as obtained from the listing.
• MapToOutput: Sets which screen the device should be mapped to.
• screen: Use xrandr to determine the screen’s name or identifier you wish to map to, ensuring precise control over device motion on specific outputs.

Example Output:

The command does not produce an output but modifies the tablet’s functionality, directing its focus exclusively towards the specified monitor.

Use case 3: Setting Mode to Relative or Absolute

Code:

xsetwacom set "device_name" Mode "Relative|Absolute"

Motivation:

Changing the tracking mode from absolute to relative (or vice versa) can significantly impact how you interact with the Wacom tablet. In relative mode, the tablet mimics a traditional mouse, where movement depends on the dragging motion, suitable for users who switch frequently between tablets and regular mice. Absolute mode links stylus position directly to the screen’s coordinates, ideal for precise tasks like drawing or design work.

Explanation:

• device_name: Substitute with your actual device name acquired from xsetwacom list.
• Mode: Specifies the mode configuration to switch to.
• Relative|Absolute: Define whether the stylus should act with ‘Relative’ mouse-like movement or ‘Absolute’ direct-to-location movement.

Example Output:

Like the previous command, this command doesn’t produce a textual output but distinctly alters the user experience based on the set mode.

Use case 4: Rotating Input for Tablet-PC ScreeN Orientation

Code:

xsetwacom set "device_name" Rotate none|half|cw|ccw

Motivation:

When using tablet PCs, it’s common to rotate the screen for optimal viewing and interaction angles. Ensuring the Wacom pen orientation matches the screen rotation prevents disorientation and maintains intuitive input, especially during presentations or collaborative design sessions.

Explanation:

• device_name: Enter the name of your device as shown in the list.
• Rotate: Adjust the stylus input to match screen rotation.
• none|half|cw|ccw: Choose rotation angle from no rotation (’none’), 180 degrees (‘half’), clockwise 90 degrees (‘cw’), or counterclockwise 90 degrees (‘ccw’), connected to anticipated screen position changes.

Example Output:

This will instantly tweak the tablet’s response without generating output text, effectively synchronizing pen movement with current screen orientation.

Use case 5: Enabling TabletPC Button on Touch

Code:

xsetwacom set "device_name" TabletPCButton "on"

Motivation:

Using this setting can enhance ergonomics when drawing or writing. It enables a mode where buttons on the stylus side are only active during contact with the tablet, thereby preventing accidental presses during non-design activity or while resting your pen hand on the tablet.

Explanation:

• device_name: The device name acquired as a starting point.
• TabletPCButton: Adjusts the feature allowing buttons to function only upon tip contact with the tablet surface.
• "on": Enables the described functionality, reducing unintended interactions.

Example Output:

Invisible from a user perspective, the command modifies how tablet buttons operate to increase control precision.

Conclusion:

The xsetwacom tool offers a range of functionalities to fine-tune Wacom tablets for specific settings and orientations. Whether you are optimizing for workspace hardware like dual screens, altering input modes, or adjusting rotation for mobile devices, learning how to employ these commands empowers users to fully leverage their Wacom tablet systems within tailored application environments.