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Revision 1.39 by root, Tue Jan 31 20:52:19 2006 UTC vs.
Revision 1.46 by root, Sat Feb 17 20:36:35 2007 UTC

1FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1RXVT-UNICODE/URXVT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
2 Meta, Features & Commandline Issues 2 Meta, Features & Commandline Issues
3 My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human? 3 My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human?
4 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net", channel 4 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net", channel
5 "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be 5 "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be
6 interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :). 6 interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :).
8 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode? 8 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode?
9 Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a 9 Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a
10 simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these 10 simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these
11 should give you tabs: 11 should give you tabs:
12 12
13 rxvt -pe tabbed 13 urxvt -pe tabbed
14 14
15 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,tabbed 15 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,tabbed
16 16
17 It will also work fine with tabbing functionality of many window 17 It will also work fine with tabbing functionality of many window
18 managers or similar tabbing programs, and its embedding-features allow 18 managers or similar tabbing programs, and its embedding-features allow
21 (murxvt) terminal as an example embedding application. 21 (murxvt) terminal as an example embedding application.
22 22
23 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using? 23 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using?
24 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape 24 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape
25 sequence "ESC [ 8 n" sets the window title to the version number. When 25 sequence "ESC [ 8 n" sets the window title to the version number. When
26 using the rxvtc client, the version displayed is that of the daemon. 26 using the urxvtc client, the version displayed is that of the daemon.
27 27
28 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that? 28 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that?
29 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for something 29 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for something
30 you don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings 30 you don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings
31 that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by 31 that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by
38 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to almost a 38 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to almost a
39 kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will then (if 39 kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will then (if
40 full) use 10 Megabytes of memory. With "--enable-unicode3" it gets 40 full) use 10 Megabytes of memory. With "--enable-unicode3" it gets
41 worse, as rxvt-unicode then uses 8 bytes per screen cell. 41 worse, as rxvt-unicode then uses 8 bytes per screen cell.
42 42
43 How can I start rxvtd in a race-free way? 43 How can I start urxvtd in a race-free way?
44 Try "rxvtd -f -o", which tells rxvtd to open the display, create the 44 Try "urxvtd -f -o", which tells urxvtd to open the display, create the
45 listening socket and then fork. 45 listening socket and then fork.
46 46
47 How can I start urxvtd automatically when I run urxvtc?
48 If you want to start urxvtd automatically whenever you run urxvtc and
49 the daemon isn't running yet, use this script:
50
51 #!/bin/sh
52 urxvtc "$@"
53 if [ $? -eq 2 ]; then
54 urxvtd -q -o -f
55 urxvtc "$@"
56 fi
57
58 This tries to create a new terminal, and if fails with exit status 2,
59 meaning it couldn't connect to the daemon, it will start the daemon and
60 re-run the command. Subsequent invocations of the script will re-use the
61 existing daemon.
62
47 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I need this to decide about setting colors etc. 63 How do I distinguish whether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I need this to decide about setting colors etc.
48 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you can 64 The original rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable
49 check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, slrn, 65 "COLORTERM", so you can check and see if that is set. Note that several
50 Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide whether 66 programs, JED, slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this
51 or not to use color. 67 variable to decide whether or not to use color.
52 68
53 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable? 69 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable?
54 If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled 70 If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled
55 insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script 71 insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script
56 snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode 72 snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode
90 106
91 text data bss drs rss filename 107 text data bss drs rss filename
92 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything 108 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything
93 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything 109 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything
94 110
95 When you "--enable-everything" (which _is_ unfair, as this involves xft 111 When you "--enable-everything" (which *is* unfair, as this involves xft
96 and full locale/XIM support which are quite bloaty inside libX11 and my 112 and full locale/XIM support which are quite bloaty inside libX11 and my
97 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasnobaly so. 113 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasonably so.
98 114
99 text data bss drs rss filename 115 text data bss drs rss filename
100 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything 116 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything
101 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything 117 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything
102 118
164 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it! 180 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it!
165 181
166 1. Use inheritPixmap: 182 1. Use inheritPixmap:
167 183
168 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg 184 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg
169 rxvt -ip -tint red -sh 40 185 urxvt -ip -tint red -sh 40
170 186
171 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting 187 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting
172 support, or you are unable to read. 188 support, or you are unable to read.
173 189
174 2. Use a simple pixmap and emulate pseudo-transparency. This enables you 190 2. Use a simple pixmap and emulate pseudo-transparency. This enables you
175 to use effects other than tinting and shading: Just shade/tint/whatever 191 to use effects other than tinting and shading: Just shade/tint/whatever
176 your picture with gimp or any other tool: 192 your picture with gimp or any other tool:
177 193
178 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.xpm 194 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.xpm
179 rxvt -pixmap background.xpm -pe automove-background 195 urxvt -pixmap background.xpm -pe automove-background
180 196
181 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack XPM and Perl support, or 197 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack XPM and Perl support, or
182 you are unable to read. 198 you are unable to read.
183 199
184 3. Use an ARGB visual: 200 3. Use an ARGB visual:
185 201
186 rxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc 202 urxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc
187 203
188 This requires XFT support, and the support of your X-server. If that 204 This requires XFT support, and the support of your X-server. If that
189 doesn't work for you, blame Xorg and Keith Packard. ARGB visuals aren't 205 doesn't work for you, blame Xorg and Keith Packard. ARGB visuals aren't
190 there yet, no matter what they claim. Rxvt-Unicode contains the 206 there yet, no matter what they claim. Rxvt-Unicode contains the
191 neccessary bugfixes and workarounds for Xft and Xlib to make it work, 207 necessary bugfixes and workarounds for Xft and Xlib to make it work, but
192 but that doesn't mean that your WM has the required kludges in place. 208 that doesn't mean that your WM has the required kludges in place.
193 209
194 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job: 210 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job:
195 211
196 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \ 212 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \
197 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000 213 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000
198 214
199 Then click on a window you want to make transparent. Replace 0xc0000000 215 Then click on a window you want to make transparent. Replace 0xc0000000
200 by other values to change the degree of opacity. If it doesn't work and 216 by other values to change the degree of opacity. If it doesn't work and
201 your server crashes, you got to keep the pieces. 217 your server crashes, you got to keep the pieces.
202
203 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
204 This is because there is a difference between script and language --
205 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output is, as
206 it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode first sees a
207 japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese font for display.
208 Subsequent japanese characters will use that font. Now, many chinese
209 characters aren't represented in japanese fonts, so when the first
210 non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will look for a chinese
211 font -- unfortunately at this point, it will still use the japanese font
212 for chinese characters that are also in the japanese font.
213
214 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your font
215 list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font list as a
216 preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a japanese font
217 first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font first.
218
219 In the future it might be possible to switch language preferences at
220 runtime (the internal data structure has no problem with using different
221 fonts for the same character at the same time, but no interface for this
222 has been designed yet).
223
224 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see "Can
225 I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
226 218
227 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings? 219 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings?
228 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that 220 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that
229 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for terminal 221 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for terminal
230 use might contain some characters that are simply too wide. Rxvt-unicode 222 use might contain some characters that are simply too wide. Rxvt-unicode
236 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed 228 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed
237 bounding box, and rxvt-unicode has no way of detecting this (the correct 229 bounding box, and rxvt-unicode has no way of detecting this (the correct
238 way is to ask for the character bounding box, which unfortunately is 230 way is to ask for the character bounding box, which unfortunately is
239 wrong in these cases). 231 wrong in these cases).
240 232
241 It's not clear (to me at least), wether this is a bug in Xft, freetype, 233 It's not clear (to me at least), whether this is a bug in Xft, freetype,
242 or the respective font. If you encounter this problem you might try 234 or the respective font. If you encounter this problem you might try
243 using the "-lsp" option to give the font more height. If that doesn't 235 using the "-lsp" option to give the font more height. If that doesn't
244 work, you might be forced to use a different font. 236 work, you might be forced to use a different font.
245 237
246 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their 238 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their
268 260
269 Can I switch the fonts at runtime? 261 Can I switch the fonts at runtime?
270 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the 262 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the
271 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately: 263 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately:
272 264
273 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic" 265 printf '\33]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic"
274 266
275 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer a 267 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer a
276 japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, where 268 japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, where
277 japanese fonts would only be in your way. 269 japanese fonts would only be in your way.
278 270
279 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching. 271 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching.
280 272
281 Why do italic characters look as if clipped? 273 Why do italic characters look as if clipped?
282 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For 274 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For
283 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera Sans 275 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera Sans
284 Mono" completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround might be to 276 Mono" completely fails in its italic face. A workaround might be to
285 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this: 277 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this:
286 278
287 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 279 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
288 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 280 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
289 281
293 antialiasing (by appending ":antialias=false"), which saves lots of 285 antialiasing (by appending ":antialias=false"), which saves lots of
294 memory and also speeds up rendering considerably. 286 memory and also speeds up rendering considerably.
295 287
296 Rxvt-unicode doesn't seem to anti-alias its fonts, what is wrong? 288 Rxvt-unicode doesn't seem to anti-alias its fonts, what is wrong?
297 Rxvt-unicode will use whatever you specify as a font. If it needs to 289 Rxvt-unicode will use whatever you specify as a font. If it needs to
298 fall back to it's default font search list it will prefer X11 core 290 fall back to its default font search list it will prefer X11 core fonts,
299 fonts, because they are small and fast, and then use Xft fonts. It has 291 because they are small and fast, and then use Xft fonts. It has
300 antialiasing disabled for most of them, because the author thinks they 292 antialiasing disabled for most of them, because the author thinks they
301 look best that way. 293 look best that way.
302 294
303 If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually. 295 If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually.
304 296
340 URxvt.color12: #0000FF 332 URxvt.color12: #0000FF
341 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF 333 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF
342 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF 334 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF
343 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF 335 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF
344 336
345 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described (not by 337 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors.
346 me) as "pretty girly".
347 338
348 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1 339 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1
349 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1 340 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1
350 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e 341 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e
351 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1 342 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1
362 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff 353 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff
363 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff 354 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff
364 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd 355 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd
365 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd 356 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd
366 357
358 They have been described (not by me) as "pretty girly".
359
367 Why do some characters look so much different than others? 360 Why do some characters look so much different than others?
368 See next entry. 361 See next entry.
369 362
370 How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts? 363 How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts?
371 Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is fine. 364 Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is fine.
381 the font that the characters it claims to contain indeed look correct. 374 the font that the characters it claims to contain indeed look correct.
382 375
383 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font list, 376 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font list,
384 e.g.: 377 e.g.:
385 378
386 rxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3... 379 urxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3...
387 380
388 When rxvt-unicode sees a character, it will first look at the base font. 381 When rxvt-unicode sees a character, it will first look at the base font.
389 If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to the next 382 If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to the next
390 font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed up this 383 font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed up this
391 search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the X-server. 384 search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the X-server.
392 385
393 The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the 386 The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the
394 base font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell size, 387 base font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell size,
395 which must be the same due to the way terminals work. 388 which must be the same due to the way terminals work.
396 389
390 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
391 This is because there is a difference between script and language --
392 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output is, as
393 it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode first sees a
394 japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese font for display.
395 Subsequent japanese characters will use that font. Now, many chinese
396 characters aren't represented in japanese fonts, so when the first
397 non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will look for a chinese
398 font -- unfortunately at this point, it will still use the japanese font
399 for chinese characters that are also in the japanese font.
400
401 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your font
402 list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font list as a
403 preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a japanese font
404 first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font first.
405
406 In the future it might be possible to switch language preferences at
407 runtime (the internal data structure has no problem with using different
408 fonts for the same character at the same time, but no interface for this
409 has been designed yet).
410
411 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see "Can
412 I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
413
397 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction 414 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction
398 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select single words? 415 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select single words?
399 If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following 416 If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following
400 setting: 417 setting:
401 418
417 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps 434 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps
418 rxvt-unicode from initialising perl, saving memory. 435 rxvt-unicode from initialising perl, saving memory.
419 436
420 If you only want to disable specific features, you first have to 437 If you only want to disable specific features, you first have to
421 identify which perl extension is responsible. For this, read the section 438 identify which perl extension is responsible. For this, read the section
422 PREPACKAGED EXTENSIONS in the rxvtperl(3) manpage. For example, to 439 PREPACKAGED EXTENSIONS in the urxvtperl(3) manpage. For example, to
423 disable the selection-popup and option-popup, specify this 440 disable the selection-popup and option-popup, specify this
424 perl-ext-common resource: 441 perl-ext-common resource:
425 442
426 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-selection-popup,-option-popup 443 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-selection-popup,-option-popup
427 444
440 circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the 457 circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the
441 line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment, 458 line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment,
442 but when running a program that doesn't parse cursor movements or in 459 but when running a program that doesn't parse cursor movements or in
443 some cases during rlogin sessions, it fails to detect this properly. 460 some cases during rlogin sessions, it fails to detect this properly.
444 461
445 You can permamently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline" 462 You can permanently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline"
446 extension: 463 extension:
447 464
448 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline 465 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline
449 466
450 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output? 467 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
451 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no 468 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no
452 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is 469 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is
453 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of wether and 470 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of whether and
454 how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a 471 how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a
455 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please 472 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please
456 report if that helped. 473 report if that helped.
457 474
458 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working. 475 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working.
479 that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A quick 496 that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A quick
480 check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are 497 check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are
481 depressed. 498 depressed.
482 499
483 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 500 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
484 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the BackSpace 501 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the Backspace
485 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are 502 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are
486 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?". 503 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?".
487 504
488 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the 505 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the
489 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one only only 506 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one only only
498 515
499 For starting a new rxvt-unicode: 516 For starting a new rxvt-unicode:
500 517
501 # use Backspace = ^H 518 # use Backspace = ^H
502 $ stty erase ^H 519 $ stty erase ^H
503 $ rxvt 520 $ urxvt
504 521
505 # use Backspace = ^? 522 # use Backspace = ^?
506 $ stty erase ^? 523 $ stty erase ^?
507 $ rxvt 524 $ urxvt
508 525
509 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l". 526 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l".
510 527
511 For an existing rxvt-unicode: 528 For an existing rxvt-unicode:
512 529
538 There are some compile-time selections available via configure. Unless 555 There are some compile-time selections available via configure. Unless
539 you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources" option you can 556 you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources" option you can
540 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with 557 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with
541 keysyms. 558 keysyms.
542 559
543 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "rxvt -name URxvt" 560 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "urxvt -name URxvt"
544 561
545 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~ 562 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~
546 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~ 563 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~
547 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'> 564 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'>
548 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/> 565 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/>
576 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various 593 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various
577 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the 594 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the
578 keys as required for your particular machine. 595 keys as required for your particular machine.
579 596
580 Terminal Configuration 597 Terminal Configuration
598 Can I see a typical configuration?
599 The default configuration tries to be xterm-like, which I don't like
600 that much, but it's least surprise to regular users.
601
602 As a rxvt or rxvt-unicode user, you are practically supposed to invest
603 time into customising your terminal. To get you started, here is the
604 author's .Xdefaults entries, with comments on what they do. It's
605 certainly not *typical*, but what's typical...
606
607 URxvt.cutchars: "()*,<>[]{}|'
608 URxvt.print-pipe: cat >/tmp/xxx
609
610 These are just for testing stuff.
611
612 URxvt.imLocale: ja_JP.UTF-8
613 URxvt.preeditType: OnTheSpot,None
614
615 This tells rxvt-unicode to use a special locale when communicating with
616 the X Input Method, and also tells it to only use the OnTheSpot pre-edit
617 type, which requires the "xim-onthespot" perl extension but rewards me
618 with correct-looking fonts.
619
620 URxvt.perl-lib: /root/lib/urxvt
621 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,selection-autotransform,selection-pastebin,xim-onthespot,remote-clipboard
622 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ( at .*? line \\d+)
623 URxvt.selection.pattern-1: ^(/[^:]+):\
624 URxvt.selection-autotransform.0: s/^([^:[:space:]]+):(\\d+):?$/:e \\Q$1\\E\\x0d:$2\\x0d/
625 URxvt.selection-autotransform.1: s/^ at (.*?) line (\\d+)$/:e \\Q$1\\E\\x0d:$2\\x0d/
626
627 This is my perl configuration. The first two set the perl library
628 directory and also tells urxvt to use a large number of extensions. I
629 develop for myself mostly, so I actually use most of the extensions I
630 write.
631
632 The selection stuff mainly makes the selection perl-error-message aware
633 and tells it to convert perl error messages into vi-commands to load the
634 relevant file and go tot he error line number.
635
636 URxvt.scrollstyle: plain
637 URxvt.secondaryScroll: true
638
639 As the documentation says: plain is the preferred scrollbar for the
640 author. The "secondaryScroll" configures urxvt to scroll in full-screen
641 apps, like screen, so lines scrolled out of screen end up in urxvt's
642 scrollback buffer.
643
644 URxvt.background: #000000
645 URxvt.foreground: gray90
646 URxvt.color7: gray90
647 URxvt.colorBD: #ffffff
648 URxvt.cursorColor: #e0e080
649 URxvt.throughColor: #8080f0
650 URxvt.highlightColor: #f0f0f0
651
652 Some colours. Not sure which ones are being used or even non-defaults,
653 but these are in my .Xdefaults. Most notably, they set
654 foreground/background to light gray/black, and also make sure that the
655 colour 7 matches the default foreground colour.
656
657 URxvt.underlineColor: yellow
658
659 Another colour, makes underline lines look different. Sometimes hurts,
660 but is mostly a nice effect.
661
662 URxvt.geometry: 154x36
663 URxvt.loginShell: false
664 URxvt.meta: ignore
665 URxvt.utmpInhibit: true
666
667 Uh, well, should be mostly self-explanatory. By specifying some defaults
668 manually, I can quickly switch them for testing.
669
670 URxvt.saveLines: 8192
671
672 A large scrollback buffer is essential. Really.
673
674 URxvt.mapAlert: true
675
676 The only case I use it is for my IRC window, which I like to keep
677 iconified till people msg me (which beeps).
678
679 URxvt.visualBell: true
680
681 The audible bell is often annoying, especially when in a crowd.
682
683 URxvt.insecure: true
684
685 Please don't hack my mutt! Ooops...
686
687 URxvt.pastableTabs: false
688
689 I once thought this is a great idea.
690
691 urxvt.font: 9x15bold,\
692 -misc-fixed-bold-r-normal--15-140-75-75-c-90-iso10646-1,\
693 -misc-fixed-medium-r-normal--15-140-75-75-c-90-iso10646-1, \
694 [codeset=JISX0208]xft:Kochi Gothic, \
695 xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:autohint=true, \
696 xft:Code2000:antialias=false
697 urxvt.boldFont: -xos4-terminus-bold-r-normal--14-140-72-72-c-80-iso8859-15
698 urxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
699 urxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
700
701 I wrote rxvt-unicode to be able to specify fonts exactly. So don't be
702 overwhelmed. A special note: the "9x15bold" mentioned above is actually
703 the version from XFree-3.3, as XFree-4 replaced it by a totally
704 different font (different glyphs for ";" and many other harmless
705 characters), while the second font is actually the "9x15bold" from
706 XFree4/XOrg. The bold version has less chars than the medium version, so
707 I use it for rare characters, too. When editing sources with vim, I use
708 italic for comments and other stuff, which looks quite good with
709 Bitstream Vera anti-aliased.
710
711 Terminus is a quite bad font (many very wrong glyphs), but for most of
712 my purposes, it works, and gives a different look, as my normal
713 (Non-bold) font is already bold, and I want to see a difference between
714 bold and normal fonts.
715
716 Please note that I used the "urxvt" instance name and not the "URxvt"
717 class name. Thats because I use different configs for different
718 purposes, for example, my IRC window is started with "-name IRC", and
719 uses these defaults:
720
721 IRC*title: IRC
722 IRC*geometry: 87x12+535+542
723 IRC*saveLines: 0
724 IRC*mapAlert: true
725 IRC*font: suxuseuro
726 IRC*boldFont: suxuseuro
727 IRC*colorBD: white
728 IRC*keysym.M-C-1: command:\033]710;suxuseuro\007\033]711;suxuseuro\007
729 IRC*keysym.M-C-2: command:\033]710;9x15bold\007\033]711;9x15bold\007
730
731 "Alt-Shift-1" and "Alt-Shift-2" switch between two different font sizes.
732 "suxuseuro" allows me to keep an eye (and actually read) stuff while
733 keeping a very small window. If somebody pastes something complicated
734 (e.g. japanese), I temporarily switch to a larger font.
735
736 The above is all in my ".Xdefaults" (I don't use ".Xresources" nor
737 "xrdb"). I also have some resources in a separate ".Xdefaults-hostname"
738 file for different hosts, for example, on ym main desktop, I use:
739
740 URxvt.keysym.C-M-q: command:\033[3;5;5t
741 URxvt.keysym.C-M-y: command:\033[3;5;606t
742 URxvt.keysym.C-M-e: command:\033[3;1605;5t
743 URxvt.keysym.C-M-c: command:\033[3;1605;606t
744 URxvt.keysym.C-M-p: perl:test
745
746 The first for keysym definitions allow me to quickly bring some windows
747 in the layout I like most. Ion users might start laughing but will stop
748 immediately when I tell them that I use my own Fvwm2 module for much the
749 same effect as Ion provides, and I only very rarely use the above key
750 combinations :->
751
581 Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources? 752 Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources?
582 Well, why, indeed? It does, in a way very similar to other X 753 Well, why, indeed? It does, in a way very similar to other X
583 applications. Most importantly, this means that if you or your OS loads 754 applications. Most importantly, this means that if you or your OS loads
584 resources into the X display (the right way to do it), rxvt-unicode will 755 resources into the X display (the right way to do it), rxvt-unicode will
585 ignore any resource files in your home directory. It will only read 756 ignore any resource files in your home directory. It will only read
592 Also consider the form resources have to use: 763 Also consider the form resources have to use:
593 764
594 URxvt.resource: value 765 URxvt.resource: value
595 766
596 If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of 767 If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of
597 specifying resources), make sure you understand wether and why it works. 768 specifying resources), make sure you understand whether and why it
598 If unsure, use the form above. 769 works. If unsure, use the form above.
599 770
600 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 771 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?
601 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available 772 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available
602 as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often 773 as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often
603 arises). 774 arises).
604 775
605 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this 776 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this
606 can be done like this (with ncurses' infocmp): 777 can be done like this (with ncurses' infocmp and works as user and
778 admin):
607 779
608 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain 780 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain
609 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti" 781 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "mkdir -p .terminfo && cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti"
610 782
611 ... or by installing rxvt-unicode normally on the remote system, 783 ... or by installing rxvt-unicode normally on the remote system,
784
785 One some systems you might need to set $TERMINFO to the full path of
786 $HOME/.terminfo for this to work.
612 787
613 If you cannot or do not want to do this, then you can simply set 788 If you cannot or do not want to do this, then you can simply set
614 "TERM=rxvt" or even "TERM=xterm", and live with the small number of 789 "TERM=rxvt" or even "TERM=xterm", and live with the small number of
615 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different 790 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different
616 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice 791 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice
621 resource to set it: 796 resource to set it:
622 797
623 URxvt.termName: rxvt 798 URxvt.termName: rxvt
624 799
625 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace 800 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace
626 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one. 801 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one and use "TERM=rxvt".
627 802
628 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry. 803 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry.
629 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by 804 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by
630 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again. 805 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again.
631 806
632 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under rxvt. 807 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under urxvt.
633 See next entry. 808 See next entry.
634 809
635 I need a termcap file entry. 810 I need a termcap file entry.
636 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating 811 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating
637 systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap 812 systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap
638 library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry 813 library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry
639 for "rxvt-unicode". 814 for "rxvt-unicode".
640 815
641 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many cases. 816 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with reasonable results in many
642 You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's infocmp program 817 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's infocmp
643 like this: 818 program like this:
644 819
645 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode 820 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode
646 821
647 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above: 822 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above:
648 823
667 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\ 842 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
668 :vs=\E[?25h: 843 :vs=\E[?25h:
669 844
670 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output? 845 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output?
671 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 846 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to
672 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration 847 decide whether a terminal has colour, but uses its own configuration
673 file. Needless to say, "rxvt-unicode" is not in it's default file (among 848 file. Needless to say, "rxvt-unicode" is not in its default file (among
674 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add: 849 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add:
675 850
676 TERM rxvt-unicode 851 TERM rxvt-unicode
677 852
678 to "/etc/DIR_COLORS" or simply add: 853 to "/etc/DIR_COLORS" or simply add:
705 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but 880 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but
706 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output 881 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output
707 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings. 882 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings.
708 883
709 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the 884 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the
710 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the 885 programs running in it. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale,
711 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the locale 886 while the login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes
712 to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this is not 887 the locale to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this
713 going to work. 888 is not going to work, and is the most common cause for problems.
714 889
715 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will likely 890 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will likely
716 run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in your 891 run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in your
717 .profile. 892 .profile.
718 893
719 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" 894 printf '\33]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" # $LANG or $LC_ALL are worth a try, too
720 895
721 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification not 896 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification not
722 supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command which 897 supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command which
723 displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale settings, as 898 displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale settings, as
724 it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale). If it displays 899 it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale). If it displays
743 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for 918 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for
744 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating 919 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating
745 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties 920 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties
746 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*. 921 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*.
747 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example, 922 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example,
748 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses it's own, 923 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses its own,
749 locale-independent table under all locales). 924 locale-independent table under all locales).
750 925
751 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding. All 926 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding. All
752 programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree in the 927 programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree in the
753 interpretation of characters. 928 interpretation of characters.
770 945
771 Can I switch locales at runtime? 946 Can I switch locales at runtime?
772 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets 947 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets
773 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE". 948 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE".
774 949
775 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 950 printf '\33]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
776 951
777 See also the previous answer. 952 See also the previous answer.
778 953
779 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in one 954 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in one
780 locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support it (e.g. 955 locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support it (e.g.
781 UTF-8). For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which first 956 UTF-8). For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which first
782 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later: 957 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later:
783 958
784 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 959 printf '\33]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
785 xjdic -js 960 xjdic -js
786 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8 961 printf '\33]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8
787 962
788 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine, 963 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine,
789 except for some locales where character width differs between program- 964 except for some locales where character width differs between program-
790 and rxvt-unicode-locales. 965 and rxvt-unicode-locales.
791 966
967 I have problems getting my input method working.
968 Try a search engine, as this is slightly different for every input
969 method server.
970
971 Here is a checklist:
972
973 - Make sure your locale *and* the imLocale are supported on your OS.
974 Try "locale -a" or check the documentation for your OS.
975
976 - Make sure your locale or imLocale matches a locale supported by your
977 XIM.
978 For example, kinput2 does not support UTF-8 locales, you should use
979 "ja_JP.EUC-JP" or equivalent.
980
981 - Make sure your XIM server is actually running.
982 - Make sure the "XMODIFIERS" environment variable is set correctly when
983 *starting* rxvt-unicode.
984 When you want to use e.g. kinput2, it must be set to "@im=kinput2".
985 For scim, use "@im=SCIM". You can see what input method servers are
986 running with this command:
987
988 xprop -root XIM_SERVERS
989
990 *
991
792 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 992 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do?
793 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of 993 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of
794 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale": 994 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale":
795 995
796 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP 996 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP
797 997
798 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and still 998 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and still
799 use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not be able 999 use your input method. Please note, however, that, depending on your
800 to input characters outside "EUC-JP" in a normal way then, as your input 1000 Xlib version, you may not be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP"
801 method limits you. 1001 in a normal way then, as your input method limits you.
802 1002
803 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits. 1003 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits.
804 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by 1004 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by
805 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory 1005 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory
806 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at 1006 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at
827 that might encounter the same issue. 1027 that might encounter the same issue.
828 1028
829 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation? 1029 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation?
830 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now 1030 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now
831 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them 1031 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them
832 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enbaling 1032 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enabling
833 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter 1033 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter
834 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely 1034 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely
835 more in the future) depends on it. 1035 more in the future) depends on it.
836 1036
837 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" snd "perl-ext" resources 1037 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" snd "perl-ext" resources
869 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x) 1069 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x)
870 1070
871 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 1071 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all.
872 Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol "__STDC_ISO_10646__" to be defined in 1072 Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol "__STDC_ISO_10646__" to be defined in
873 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it, 1073 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it,
874 wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that 1074 whether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that
875 wchar_t is represented as unicode. 1075 wchar_t is represented as unicode.
876 1076
877 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl nor 1077 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symbol nor
878 does it support it. Instead, it uses it's own internal representation of 1078 does it support it. Instead, it uses its own internal representation of
879 wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with respect to standards. 1079 wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with respect to standards.
880 1080
881 However, that means rxvt-unicode only works in "POSIX", "ISO-8859-1" and 1081 However, that means rxvt-unicode only works in "POSIX", "ISO-8859-1" and
882 "UTF-8" locales under FreeBSD (which all use Unicode as wchar_t. 1082 "UTF-8" locales under FreeBSD (which all use Unicode as wchar_t.
883 1083

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