How to Control Keyboard and Mouse Inputs Using 'ydotool' (with examples)

Ydotool is a powerful command-line utility that allows users to simulate keyboard and mouse inputs through commands, irrespective of the display server being used. This tool is particularly beneficial for automating tasks and controlling inputs on systems where other input automation tools may not be effective. Developed to be server agnostic, ydotool provides high flexibility and versatility in use.

Start the ydotool daemon in the background

Code:

ydotoold

Motivation:

The first step in utilizing ydotool often involves starting the ydotool daemon. Running this daemon in the background is essential because it manages the input commands that are sent to the keyboard and mouse interfaces. This allows the user to perform subsequent tasks without having to relaunch ydotool for every command.

Explanation:

• ydotoold: The command to start the ydotool daemon. By appending a ’d’, it signals to run it in the background, facilitating ongoing input management for ydotool operations.

Example Output:

Starting the daemon does not produce a typical output as it runs in the background but ensures that ydotool commands are executed smoothly.

Perform a left click input

Code:

ydotool click 0xC0

Motivation:

Simulating a left click is one of the fundamental operations needed in automated scripts. This can be used for various purposes such as clicking through dialog boxes, selecting files or options, and generally interacting with applications that require user input.

Explanation:

• click: A subcommand in ydotool that specifies the action we want to perform. In this case, it simulates a mouse click.
• 0xC0: Represents the button code for a left mouse click. This hexadecimal code corresponds to the left mouse button.

Example Output:

While ydotool does not print explicit output for individual actions such as mouse clicks, the system reacts as though a left-click input was physically made, making it useful for automation routines.

Perform a right click input

Code:

ydotool click 0xC1

Motivation:

A right click is often used to open context menus or to select additional options within an interface. Automatically simulating a right-click can be crucial when scripting interactions that require more than just the default actions associated with a left-click.

Explanation:

• click: This subcommand is being used once again to simulate a click action.
• 0xC1: A hexadecimal code that corresponds to the right-click button of a mouse, prompting right-click associated actions.

Example Output:

Similar to the left-click, executing this command results in application behavior as if a physical right-click was performed, such as opening a context menu on the desktop.

Input Alt+F4

Code:

ydotool key 56:1 62:1 62:0 56:0

Motivation:

Using the Alt+F4 command is a popular shortcut for closing windows and applications rapidly. Automating this keystroke can be particularly useful in scripts aimed at closing applications after certain tasks are completed or resetting environments.

Explanation:

• key: This subcommand is used to simulate pressing and releasing specific keys.
• 56:1: Presses the “Alt” key. The number “56” corresponds to the “Alt” key code, while “1” signifies a key press.
• 62:1: Presses the “F4” key. “62” is the code for the “F4” key, with “1” indicating a press.
• 62:0: Releases the “F4” key. “0” signifies the release action of the key.
• 56:0: Releases the “Alt” key, once more using “0” to indicate the key release.

Example Output:

While there is no printed output, the command effectively closes the currently focused window, mimicking the real-life impact of manually hitting Alt+F4 on the keyboard.

Conclusion:

Ydotool offers a versatile and reliable means to simulate mouse and keyboard inputs across various applications and display servers. By running the ydotool daemon in the background, users can script tasks that require standard input simulations such as mouse clicks or complex keyboard shortcuts, offering powerful automation possibilities in diverse computing environments.