ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/rxvt-unicode/README.FAQ
(Generate patch)

Comparing rxvt-unicode/README.FAQ (file contents):
Revision 1.2 by root, Sun Jan 16 15:59:45 2005 UTC vs.
Revision 1.12 by root, Thu Feb 17 12:06:21 2005 UTC

1FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using? 2 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using?
3 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape 3 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape
4 sequence "ESC[8n" sets the window title to the version number. 4 sequence "ESC [ 8 n" sets the window title to the version number.
5
6 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem...
7 The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode contains large patches
8 that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode. Before
9 reporting a bug to the original rxvt-unicode author please download
10 and install the genuine version
11 (<http://software.schmorp.de#rxvt-unicode>) and try to reproduce the
12 problem. If you cannot, chances are that the problems are specific
13 to Debian GNU/Linux, in which case it should be reported via the
14 Debian Bug Tracking System (use "reportbug" to report the bug).
15
16 For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and
17 probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's
18 also a bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for
19 other users that might encounter the same issue.
5 20
6 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 21 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?
7 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely 22 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely
8 available as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same 23 available as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same
9 problem often arises). 24 problem often arises).
… …
21 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and 36 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and
22 different colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen 37 different colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen
23 applications. It's a nice quick-and-dirty workaround for rare cases, 38 applications. It's a nice quick-and-dirty workaround for rare cases,
24 though. 39 though.
25 40
26 If you always want to do this you can either recompile rxvt-unicode 41 If you always want to do this (and are fine with the consequences)
27 with the desired TERM value or use a resource to set it: 42 you can either recompile rxvt-unicode with the desired TERM value or
43 use a resource to set it:
28 44
29 URxvt.termName: rxvt 45 URxvt.termName: rxvt
30 46
31 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also 47 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also
32 replace the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one. 48 replace the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one.
33 49
50 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under rxvt.
34 I need a termcap file entry. 51 I need a termcap file entry.
52 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or
53 operating systems still compile some programs using the
54 long-obsoleted termcap library (Fedora Core's bash is one example)
55 and rely on a termcap entry for "rxvt-unicode".
56
35 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many 57 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many
36 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's 58 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's
37 infocmp program like this: 59 infocmp program like this:
38 60
39 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode 61 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode
40 62
41 OR you could this termcap entry: 63 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above:
42 64
43 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\ 65 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\
44 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\ 66 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\
45 :co#80:it#8:li#24:\ 67 :co#80:it#8:li#24:lm#0:\
46 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\ 68 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\
47 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\ 69 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\
48 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=^O:al=\E[L:\ 70 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=\E(B:al=\E[L:\
49 :as=^N:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:\ 71 :as=\E(0:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:\
50 :cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:dl=\E[M:do=^J:\ 72 :cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:\
51 :ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:\ 73 :dl=\E[M:do=^J:ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:\
74 :i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:im=\E[4h:\
52 :im=\E[4h:is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\ 75 :is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\
53 :k0=\E[21~:k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:\ 76 :k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:k5=\E[15~:\
54 :k5=\E[15~:k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:\ 77 :k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:kD=\E[3~:\
55 :kD=\E[3~:kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:\ 78 :kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:ke=\E[?1l\E>:\
56 :ke=\E[?1l\E>:kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:\ 79 :kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:ku=\EOA:le=^H:\
57 :ku=\EOA:le=^H:mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:\ 80 :mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:\
58 :nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:\ 81 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\
59 :st=\EH:ta=^I:te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:\ 82 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\
60 :up=\E[A:us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\ 83 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
61 :vs=\E[?25h: 84 :vs=\E[?25h:
62 85
63 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output? 86 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output?
64 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 87 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to
65 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration 88 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration
… …
84 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file, 107 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file,
85 so you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I 108 so you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I
86 log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on 109 log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on
87 how to do this). 110 how to do this).
88 111
112 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
113 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no
114 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is
115 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of wether
116 and how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a
117 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and
118 please report if that helped.
119
89 Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding? 120 Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding?
90 Unicode does not seem to work? 121 Unicode does not seem to work?
91 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character 122 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character
92 but getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program 123 but getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program
93 output is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale 124 output is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale
94 settings. 125 settings.
95 126
96 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the 127 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the
97 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the 128 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the
98 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the 129 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the
99 locale to sth. else, e.h. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this is 130 locale to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this
100 not going to work. 131 is not going to work.
101 132
102 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will 133 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will
103 likely run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in 134 likely run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in
104 your .profile. 135 your .profile.
105 136
106 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" 137 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE"
107 138
108 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification 139 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification
109 not supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command 140 not supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command
110 which displays this. If it displays sth. like: 141 which displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale
142 settings, as it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale).
143 If it displays something like:
111 144
112 locale: Cannot set LC_CTYPE to default locale: ... 145 locale: Cannot set LC_CTYPE to default locale: ...
113 146
114 Then the locale you specified is not supported on your system. 147 Then the locale you specified is not supported on your system.
115 148
… …
123 Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of 156 Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of
124 your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you 157 your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you
125 want to display. 158 want to display.
126 159
127 rxvt-unicode makes a best-effort try at finding a replacement font. 160 rxvt-unicode makes a best-effort try at finding a replacement font.
128 Often the result is fine, but sometimes the chosen font looks bad. 161 Often the result is fine, but sometimes the chosen font looks
129 Many fonts have totally strange characters that don't resemble the 162 bad/ugly/wrong. Some fonts have totally strange characters that
130 correct glyph at all, and rxvt-unicode lacks the artificial 163 don't resemble the correct glyph at all, and rxvt-unicode lacks the
131 intelligence to detect that a specific glyph is wrong: it has to 164 artificial intelligence to detect that a specific glyph is wrong: it
132 believe the font that the characters it contains indeed look 165 has to believe the font that the characters it claims to contain
133 correct. 166 indeed look correct.
134 167
135 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font 168 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font
136 list, e.g.: 169 list, e.g.:
137 170
138 rxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3... 171 rxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3...
… …
141 font. If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to 174 font. If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to
142 the next font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed 175 the next font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed
143 up this search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the 176 up this search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the
144 X-server. 177 X-server.
145 178
146 The only limitation is that all the fonts must not be larger than 179 The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the
147 the base font, as the base font defines the principal cell size, 180 base font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell
148 which must be the same due to the way terminals work. 181 size, which must be the same due to the way terminals work.
149 182
150 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others? 183 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
151 This is because there is a difference between script and language -- 184 This is because there is a difference between script and language --
152 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output 185 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output
153 is, as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode 186 is, as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode
154 first sees a japanese character, it might choose a japanese font for 187 first sees a japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese
155 it. Subsequent japanese characters will take that font. Now, many 188 font for display. Subsequent japanese characters will use that font.
156 chinese characters aren't represented in japanese fonts, so when the 189 Now, many chinese characters aren't represented in japanese fonts,
157 first non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will look for a 190 so when the first non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will
158 chinese font -- unfortunately at this point, it will still use the 191 look for a chinese font -- unfortunately at this point, it will
159 japanese font for japanese characters that are also chinese. 192 still use the japanese font for chinese characters that are also in
193 the japanese font.
160 194
161 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your 195 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your
162 font list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font 196 font list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font
163 list as a preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a 197 list as a preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a
164 japanese font first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font 198 japanese font first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font
165 first. 199 first.
166 200
167 In the future it might be possible to switch preferences at runtime 201 In the future it might be possible to switch language preferences at
168 (the internal data structure has no problem with using different 202 runtime (the internal data structure has no problem with using
169 fonts for the same character at the same time, but no interface for 203 different fonts for the same character at the same time, but no
170 this has been designed yet). 204 interface for this has been designed yet).
205
206 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see
207 "Can I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
171 208
172 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings? 209 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings?
173 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that 210 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that
174 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for 211 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for
175 terminal use might contain some characters that are simply too wide. 212 terminal use might contain some characters that are simply too wide.
… …
209 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for 246 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for
210 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default 247 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default
211 telnet escape character and so on. 248 telnet escape character and so on.
212 249
213 How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much? 250 How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much?
214 First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminfo 251 First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminal
215 ("urxvt"), which will get rid of most of these effects. Then make 252 settings ("TERM=rxvt-unicode"), which will get rid of most of these
216 sure you have specified colours for italic and bold, as otherwise 253 effects. Then make sure you have specified colours for italic and
217 rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate the effect: 254 bold, as otherwise rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate
255 the effect:
218 256
219 URxvt*colorBD: white 257 URxvt.colorBD: white
220 URxvt*colorIT: green 258 URxvt.colorIT: green
221 259
222 Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how 260 Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how
223 can I fix that? 261 can I fix that?
224 For some unexplainable reason, some programs (i.e. irssi) assume a 262 For some unexplainable reason, some rare programs assume a very
225 very weird colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more 263 weird colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more than
226 than the standard 8 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right 264 the standard 8 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right fix is,
227 fix is, of course, to fix these programs not to assume non-ISO 265 of course, to fix these programs not to assume non-ISO colours
228 colours without very good reasons. 266 without very good reasons.
229 267
230 In the meantime, you can either edit your "urxvt" terminfo 268 In the meantime, you can either edit your "rxvt-unicode" terminfo
231 definition to only claim 8 colour support or use "TERM=rxvt", which 269 definition to only claim 8 colour support or use "TERM=rxvt", which
232 will fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode 270 will fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode
233 features. 271 features.
234 272
235 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 273 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all.
… …
238 it, wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" 276 it, wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__"
239 requires that wchar_t is represented as unicode. 277 requires that wchar_t is represented as unicode.
240 278
241 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl 279 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl
242 nor does it support it. Instead, it uses it's own internal 280 nor does it support it. Instead, it uses it's own internal
243 representation of wchar_t. This is, of course, completely legal. 281 representation of wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with
282 respect to standards.
244 283
245 However, "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support 284 However, "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support
246 multi-language apps in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and 285 multi-language apps in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and
247 non-standardized) representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to 286 non-standardized) representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to
248 convert between wchar_t (as used by X11 and your applications) and 287 convert between wchar_t (as used by X11 and your applications) and
… …
257 OS implements encodings slightly different than the terminal 296 OS implements encodings slightly different than the terminal
258 emulator). 297 emulator).
259 298
260 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in 299 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in
261 the system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app 300 the system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app
262 to carry complete replacements. 301 to carry complete replacements for them :)
263 302
264 How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use? 303 How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use?
265 Is there an option to switch encodings? 304 Is there an option to switch encodings?
266 Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch, 305 Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch,
267 and no specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't 306 and no specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't
… …
270 309
271 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for 310 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for
272 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating 311 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating
273 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties 312 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties
274 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*. 313 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*.
314 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example,
315 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses it's own,
316 locale-independent table under all locales).
275 317
276 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding. 318 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding.
277 All programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree 319 All programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree
278 in the interpretation of characters. 320 in the interpretation of characters.
279 321
… …
287 "language_country.encoding", but other forms (i.e. "de" or "german") 329 "language_country.encoding", but other forms (i.e. "de" or "german")
288 are also common. 330 are also common.
289 331
290 Rxvt-unicode ignores all other locale categories, and except for the 332 Rxvt-unicode ignores all other locale categories, and except for the
291 encoding, ignores country or language-specific settings, i.e. 333 encoding, ignores country or language-specific settings, i.e.
292 "de_DE.UTF-8" and "ja_JP.UTF-8" are the same for rxvt-unicode. 334 "de_DE.UTF-8" and "ja_JP.UTF-8" are the normally same to
335 rxvt-unicode.
293 336
294 If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you 337 If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you
295 start rxvt-unicode with the correct "LC_CTYPE" category. 338 start rxvt-unicode with the correct "LC_CTYPE" category.
296 339
297 Can I switch locales at runtime? 340 Can I switch locales at runtime?
298 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try sth. like this, which sets 341 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets
299 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE". 342 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE".
300 343
301 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 344 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
302 345
303 See also the previous question. 346 See also the previous answer.
304 347
305 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in 348 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in
306 one locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support 349 one locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support it
307 UTF-8. For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which first 350 (e.g. UTF-8). For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which
308 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later: 351 first switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later:
309 352
310 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 353 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
311 xjdic -js 354 xjdic -js
312 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8 355 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8
313 356
357 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine,
358 except for some locales where character width differs between
359 program- and rxvt-unicode-locales.
360
314 Can I switch the fonts at runtime? 361 Can I switch the fonts at runtime?
315 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try sth. like this, which has the 362 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has
316 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately: 363 the same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect
364 immediately:
317 365
318 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic" 366 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic"
319 367
320 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer 368 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer
321 a japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, 369 a japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily,
… …
324 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching. 372 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching.
325 373
326 Why do italic characters look as if clipped? 374 Why do italic characters look as if clipped?
327 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For 375 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For
328 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera 376 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera
329 Sans Mono" completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround is to 377 Sans Mono" completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround might
330 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this: 378 be to enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this:
331 379
332 URxvt*italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 380 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
333 URxvt*boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 381 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
334 382
335 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 383 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do?
336 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest 384 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest
337 of the terminal, using the resource "imlocale": 385 of the terminal, using the resource "imlocale":
338 386
… …
341 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and 389 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and
342 still use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not 390 still use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not
343 be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP" in a normal way then, 391 be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP" in a normal way then,
344 as your input method limits you. 392 as your input method limits you.
345 393
394 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits.
395 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by
396 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory
397 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering
398 at exit time. kinput2 (and derived input methods) generally
399 succeeds, while SCIM (or similar input methods) fails. In the end,
400 however, crashes cannot be completely avoided even if both sides
401 cooperate.
402
403 So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers.
404
346 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that? 405 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that?
347 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for sth. you 406 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for
348 don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings 407 something you don't use. One thing you should try is to configure
349 that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by 408 out all settings that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a
350 design, when used. Compiling it out ensures that no Xft font will be 409 resource hog by design, when used. Compiling it out ensures that no
351 loaded accidentally when rxvt-unicode tries to find a font for your 410 Xft font will be loaded accidentally when rxvt-unicode tries to find
352 characters. 411 a font for your characters.
353 412
354 Also, many people (me included) like large windows and even larger 413 Also, many people (me included) like large windows and even larger
355 scrollback buffers: Without "--enable-unicode3", rxvt-unicode will 414 scrollback buffers: Without "--enable-unicode3", rxvt-unicode will
356 use 6 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to 415 use 6 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to
357 almost a kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will 416 almost a kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will
… …
401 resources (or as long-options). 460 resources (or as long-options).
402 461
403 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, 462 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen,
404 including the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow: 463 including the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow:
405 464
406 URxvt*color0: #000000 465 URxvt.color0: #000000
407 URxvt*color1: #A80000 466 URxvt.color1: #A80000
408 URxvt*color2: #00A800 467 URxvt.color2: #00A800
409 URxvt*color3: #A8A800 468 URxvt.color3: #A8A800
410 URxvt*color4: #0000A8 469 URxvt.color4: #0000A8
411 URxvt*color5: #A800A8 470 URxvt.color5: #A800A8
412 URxvt*color6: #00A8A8 471 URxvt.color6: #00A8A8
413 URxvt*color7: #A8A8A8 472 URxvt.color7: #A8A8A8
414 473
415 URxvt*color8: #000054 474 URxvt.color8: #000054
416 URxvt*color9: #FF0054 475 URxvt.color9: #FF0054
417 URxvt*color10: #00FF54 476 URxvt.color10: #00FF54
418 URxvt*color11: #FFFF54 477 URxvt.color11: #FFFF54
419 URxvt*color12: #0000FF 478 URxvt.color12: #0000FF
420 URxvt*color13: #FF00FF 479 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF
421 URxvt*color14: #00FFFF 480 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF
422 URxvt*color15: #FFFFFF 481 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF
423 482
424 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described as 483 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described
425 "pretty girly": 484 (not by me) as "pretty girly".
426 485
427 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1 486 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1
428 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1 487 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1
429 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e 488 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e
430 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1 489 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1
… …
441 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff 500 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff
442 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff 501 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff
443 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd 502 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd
444 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd 503 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd
445 504
505 How can I start rxvtd in a race-free way?
506 Despite it's name, rxvtd is not a real daemon, but more like a
507 server that answers rxvtc's requests, so it doesn't background
508 itself.
509
510 To ensure rxvtd is listening on it's socket, you can use the
511 following method to wait for the startup message before continuing:
512
513 { rxvtd & } | read
514
446 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 515 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
447 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the 516 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the
448 BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following 517 BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following
449 question) there are two standard values that can be used for 518 question) there are two standard values that can be used for
450 Backspace: "^H" and "^?". 519 Backspace: "^H" and "^?".
… …
468 537
469 # use Backspace = ^? 538 # use Backspace = ^?
470 $ stty erase ^? 539 $ stty erase ^?
471 $ rxvt 540 $ rxvt
472 541
473 Toggle with "ESC[36h" / "ESC[36l" as documented in rxvt(7). 542 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l" as documented in rxvt(7).
474 543
475 For an existing rxvt-unicode: 544 For an existing rxvt-unicode:
476 545
477 # use Backspace = ^H 546 # use Backspace = ^H
478 $ stty erase ^H 547 $ stty erase ^H
… …
487 value properly reflects that. 556 value properly reflects that.
488 557
489 The Delete key is a another casualty of the ill-defined Backspace 558 The Delete key is a another casualty of the ill-defined Backspace
490 problem. To avoid confusion between the Backspace and Delete keys, 559 problem. To avoid confusion between the Backspace and Delete keys,
491 the Delete key has been assigned an escape sequence to match the 560 the Delete key has been assigned an escape sequence to match the
492 vt100 for Execute (ESC[3~) and is in the supplied termcap/terminfo. 561 vt100 for Execute ("ESC [ 3 ~") and is in the supplied
562 termcap/terminfo.
493 563
494 Some other Backspace problems: 564 Some other Backspace problems:
495 565
496 some editors use termcap/terminfo, some editors (vim I'm told) 566 some editors use termcap/terminfo, some editors (vim I'm told)
497 expect Backspace = ^H, GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for 567 expect Backspace = ^H, GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for
… …
503 There are some compile-time selections available via configure. 573 There are some compile-time selections available via configure.
504 Unless you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources" 574 Unless you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources"
505 option you can use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings 575 option you can use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings
506 associated with keysyms. 576 associated with keysyms.
507 577
508 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using `rxvt -name 578 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "rxvt -name
509 URxvt' 579 URxvt"
510 580
511 URxvt*keysym.Home: \e[1~ 581 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~
512 URxvt*keysym.End: \e[4~ 582 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~
513 URxvt*keysym.C-apostrophe: \e<C-'> 583 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'>
514 URxvt*keysym.C-slash: \e<C-/> 584 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/>
515 URxvt*keysym.C-semicolon: \e<C-;> 585 URxvt.keysym.C-semicolon: \033<C-;>
516 URxvt*keysym.C-grave: \e<C-`> 586 URxvt.keysym.C-grave: \033<C-`>
517 URxvt*keysym.C-comma: \e<C-,> 587 URxvt.keysym.C-comma: \033<C-,>
518 URxvt*keysym.C-period: \e<C-.> 588 URxvt.keysym.C-period: \033<C-.>
519 URxvt*keysym.C-0x60: \e<C-`> 589 URxvt.keysym.C-0x60: \033<C-`>
520 URxvt*keysym.C-Tab: \e<C-Tab> 590 URxvt.keysym.C-Tab: \033<C-Tab>
521 URxvt*keysym.C-Return: \e<C-Return> 591 URxvt.keysym.C-Return: \033<C-Return>
522 URxvt*keysym.S-Return: \e<S-Return> 592 URxvt.keysym.S-Return: \033<S-Return>
523 URxvt*keysym.S-space: \e<S-Space> 593 URxvt.keysym.S-space: \033<S-Space>
524 URxvt*keysym.M-Up: \e<M-Up> 594 URxvt.keysym.M-Up: \033<M-Up>
525 URxvt*keysym.M-Down: \e<M-Down> 595 URxvt.keysym.M-Down: \033<M-Down>
526 URxvt*keysym.M-Left: \e<M-Left> 596 URxvt.keysym.M-Left: \033<M-Left>
527 URxvt*keysym.M-Right: \e<M-Right> 597 URxvt.keysym.M-Right: \033<M-Right>
528 URxvt*keysym.M-C-0: list.0123456789.\e<M-C-.> 598 URxvt.keysym.M-C-0: list \033<M-C- 0123456789 >
529 URxvt*keysym.M-C-a: list.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz.\033<M-C-.> 599 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz >
530 URxvt*keysym.F12: proto:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007 600 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007
601
602 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource.
531 603
532 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How 604 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How
533 do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the 605 do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the
534 following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize. 606 following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize.
535 KP_Insert == Insert 607 KP_Insert == Insert
… …
541 613
542 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various 614 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various
543 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap 615 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap
544 the keys as required for your particular machine. 616 the keys as required for your particular machine.
545 617
546 How do I distinguish if I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I 618 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm?
547 need this to decide about setting colors etc. 619 I need this to decide about setting colors etc.
548 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you 620 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you
549 can check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, 621 can check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED,
550 slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide 622 slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide
551 whether or not to use color. 623 whether or not to use color.
552 624

Diff Legend

– Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines