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Revision 1.40 by root, Tue Jan 31 20:57:29 2006 UTC vs.
Revision 1.68 by root, Sun Oct 27 16:20:55 2013 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 :).
7
8 I use Gentoo, and I have a problem...
9 There are three big problems with Gentoo Linux: first of all, most if
10 not all Gentoo systems are completely broken (missing or mismatched
11 header files, broken compiler etc. are just the tip of the iceberg);
12 secondly, the Gentoo maintainer thinks it is a good idea to add broken
13 patches to the code; and lastly, it should be called Gentoo GNU/Linux.
14
15 For these reasons, it is impossible to support rxvt-unicode on Gentoo.
16 Problems appearing on Gentoo systems will usually simply be ignored
17 unless they can be reproduced on non-Gentoo systems.
7 18
8 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode? 19 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 20 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 21 simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these
11 should give you tabs: 22 should give you tabs:
42 53
43 How can I start urxvtd in a race-free way? 54 How can I start urxvtd in a race-free way?
44 Try "urxvtd -f -o", which tells urxvtd to open the display, create the 55 Try "urxvtd -f -o", which tells urxvtd to open the display, create the
45 listening socket and then fork. 56 listening socket and then fork.
46 57
47 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I need this to decide about setting colors etc. 58 How can I start urxvtd automatically when I run urxvtc?
48 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you can 59 If you want to start urxvtd automatically whenever you run urxvtc and
49 check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, slrn, 60 the daemon isn't running yet, use this script:
50 Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide whether 61
51 or not to use color. 62 #!/bin/sh
63 urxvtc "$@"
64 if [ $? -eq 2 ]; then
65 urxvtd -q -o -f
66 urxvtc "$@"
67 fi
68
69 This tries to create a new terminal, and if fails with exit status 2,
70 meaning it couldn't connect to the daemon, it will start the daemon and
71 re-run the command. Subsequent invocations of the script will re-use the
72 existing daemon.
73
74 How do I distinguish whether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular
75xterm? I need this to decide about setting colours etc.
76 The original rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable
77 "COLORTERM", so you can check and see if that is set. Note that several
78 programs, JED, slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this
79 variable to decide whether or not to use colour.
52 80
53 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable? 81 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 82 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 83 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 84 snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode
63 91
64 # Bourne/Korn/POSIX family of shells: 92 # Bourne/Korn/POSIX family of shells:
65 [ ${TERM:-foo} = foo ] && TERM=xterm # assume an xterm if we don't know 93 [ ${TERM:-foo} = foo ] && TERM=xterm # assume an xterm if we don't know
66 if [ ${TERM:-foo} = xterm ]; then 94 if [ ${TERM:-foo} = xterm ]; then
67 stty -icanon -echo min 0 time 15 # see if enhanced rxvt or not 95 stty -icanon -echo min 0 time 15 # see if enhanced rxvt or not
68 echo -n '^[Z' 96 printf "\eZ"
69 read term_id 97 read term_id
70 stty icanon echo 98 stty icanon echo
71 if [ ""${term_id} = '^[[?1;2C' -a ${DISPLAY:-foo} = foo ]; then 99 if [ ""${term_id} = '^[[?1;2C' -a ${DISPLAY:-foo} = foo ]; then
72 echo -n '^[[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string 100 printf '\e[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string
73 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell 101 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell
74 fi 102 fi
75 fi 103 fi
76 104
77 How do I compile the manual pages on my own? 105 How do I compile the manual pages on my own?
78 You need to have a recent version of perl installed as /usr/bin/perl, 106 You need to have a recent version of perl installed as /usr/bin/perl,
79 one that comes with pod2man, pod2text and pod2html. Then go to the doc 107 one that comes with pod2man, pod2text and pod2xhtml (from Pod::Xhtml).
80 subdirectory and enter "make alldoc". 108 Then go to the doc subdirectory and enter "make alldoc".
81 109
82 Isn't rxvt-unicode supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat? 110 Isn't rxvt-unicode supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat?
83 I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra 111 I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra
84 bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see 112 bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see
85 that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always 113 that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always
90 118
91 text data bss drs rss filename 119 text data bss drs rss filename
92 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything 120 98398 1664 24 15695 1824 rxvt --disable-everything
93 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything 121 188985 9048 66616 18222 1788 urxvt --disable-everything
94 122
95 When you "--enable-everything" (which _is_ unfair, as this involves xft 123 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 124 and full locale/XIM support which are quite bloaty inside libX11 and my
97 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasnobaly so. 125 libc), the two diverge, but not unreasonably so.
98 126
99 text data bss drs rss filename 127 text data bss drs rss filename
100 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything 128 163431 2152 24 20123 2060 rxvt --enable-everything
101 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything 129 1035683 49680 66648 29096 3680 urxvt --enable-everything
102 130
130 the case of rxvt-unicode this hardly matters, as its portability limits 158 the case of rxvt-unicode this hardly matters, as its portability limits
131 are defined by things like X11, pseudo terminals, locale support and 159 are defined by things like X11, pseudo terminals, locale support and
132 unix domain sockets, which are all less portable than C++ itself. 160 unix domain sockets, which are all less portable than C++ itself.
133 161
134 Regarding the bloat, see the above question: It's easy to write programs 162 Regarding the bloat, see the above question: It's easy to write programs
135 in C that use gobs of memory, an certainly possible to write programs in 163 in C that use gobs of memory, and certainly possible to write programs
136 C++ that don't. C++ also often comes with large libraries, but this is 164 in C++ that don't. C++ also often comes with large libraries, but this
137 not necessarily the case with GCC. Here is what rxvt links against on my 165 is not necessarily the case with GCC. Here is what rxvt links against on
138 system with a minimal config: 166 my system with a minimal config:
139 167
140 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000) 168 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000)
141 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaadde000) 169 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaadde000)
142 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab01d000) 170 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab01d000)
143 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000) 171 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000)
144 172
145 And here is rxvt-unicode: 173 And here is rxvt-unicode:
146 174
147 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000) 175 libX11.so.6 => /usr/X11R6/lib/libX11.so.6 (0x00002aaaaabc3000)
148 libgcc_s.so.1 => /lib/libgcc_s.so.1 (0x00002aaaaada2000) 176 libgcc_s.so.1 => /lib/libgcc_s.so.1 (0x00002aaaaada2000)
149 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaaeb0000) 177 libc.so.6 => /lib/libc.so.6 (0x00002aaaaaeb0000)
150 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab0ee000) 178 libdl.so.2 => /lib/libdl.so.2 (0x00002aaaab0ee000)
151 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000) 179 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000)
152 180
153 No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically), 181 No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically),
154 except maybe libX11 :) 182 except maybe libX11 :)
155 183
156 Rendering, Font & Look and Feel Issues 184 Rendering, Font & Look and Feel Issues
161 rite of passage: ... and you failed. 189 rite of passage: ... and you failed.
162 190
163 Here are four ways to get transparency. Do read the manpage and option 191 Here are four ways to get transparency. Do read the manpage and option
164 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it! 192 descriptions for the programs mentioned and rxvt-unicode. Really, do it!
165 193
166 1. Use inheritPixmap: 194 1. Use transparent mode:
167 195
168 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg 196 Esetroot wallpaper.jpg
169 urxvt -ip -tint red -sh 40 197 urxvt -tr -tint red -sh 40
170 198
171 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting 199 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack transparency and tinting
172 support, or you are unable to read. 200 support, or you are unable to read. This method requires that the
201 background-setting program sets the _XROOTPMAP_ID or ESETROOT_PMAP_ID
202 property. Compatible programs are Esetroot, hsetroot and feh.
173 203
174 2. Use a simple pixmap and emulate pseudo-transparency. This enables you 204 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 205 to use effects other than tinting and shading: Just shade/tint/whatever
176 your picture with gimp or any other tool: 206 your picture with gimp or any other tool:
177 207
178 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.xpm 208 convert wallpaper.jpg -blur 20x20 -modulate 30 background.jpg
179 urxvt -pixmap background.xpm -pe automove-background 209 urxvt -pixmap "background.jpg;:root"
180 210
181 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack XPM and Perl support, or 211 That works. If you think it doesn't, you lack GDK-PixBuf support, or you
182 you are unable to read. 212 are unable to read.
183 213
184 3. Use an ARGB visual: 214 3. Use an ARGB visual:
185 215
186 urxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc 216 urxvt -depth 32 -fg grey90 -bg rgba:0000/0000/4444/cccc
187 217
188 This requires XFT support, and the support of your X-server. If that 218 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 219 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 220 there yet, no matter what they claim. Rxvt-Unicode contains the
191 neccessary bugfixes and workarounds for Xft and Xlib to make it work, 221 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. 222 that doesn't mean that your WM has the required kludges in place.
193 223
194 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job: 224 4. Use xcompmgr and let it do the job:
195 225
196 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \ 226 xprop -frame -f _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 32c \
197 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000 227 -set _NET_WM_WINDOW_OPACITY 0xc0000000
198 228
199 Then click on a window you want to make transparent. Replace 0xc0000000 229 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 230 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. 231 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).
226 232
227 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings? 233 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings?
228 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that 234 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 235 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 236 use might contain some characters that are simply too wide. Rxvt-unicode
236 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed 242 however: Xft fonts often draw glyphs larger than their acclaimed
237 bounding box, and rxvt-unicode has no way of detecting this (the correct 243 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 244 way is to ask for the character bounding box, which unfortunately is
239 wrong in these cases). 245 wrong in these cases).
240 246
241 It's not clear (to me at least), wether this is a bug in Xft, freetype, 247 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 248 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 249 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. 250 work, you might be forced to use a different font.
245 251
246 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their 252 All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their
268 274
269 Can I switch the fonts at runtime? 275 Can I switch the fonts at runtime?
270 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the 276 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the
271 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately: 277 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately:
272 278
273 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic" 279 printf '\33]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic"
274 280
275 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer a 281 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 282 japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, where
277 japanese fonts would only be in your way. 283 japanese fonts would only be in your way.
278 284
279 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching. 285 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching.
280 286
281 Why do italic characters look as if clipped? 287 Why do italic characters look as if clipped?
282 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For 288 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For
283 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera Sans 289 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 290 Mono" completely fails in its italic face. A workaround might be to
285 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this: 291 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this:
286 292
287 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 293 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
288 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 294 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
289 295
293 antialiasing (by appending ":antialias=false"), which saves lots of 299 antialiasing (by appending ":antialias=false"), which saves lots of
294 memory and also speeds up rendering considerably. 300 memory and also speeds up rendering considerably.
295 301
296 Rxvt-unicode doesn't seem to anti-alias its fonts, what is wrong? 302 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 303 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 304 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 305 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 306 antialiasing disabled for most of them, because the author thinks they
301 look best that way. 307 look best that way.
302 308
303 If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually. 309 If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually.
304 310
305 What's with this bold/blink stuff? 311 What's with this bold/blink stuff?
306 If no bold colour is set via "colorBD:", bold will invert text using the 312 If no bold colour is set via "colorBD:", bold will invert text using the
307 standard foreground colour. 313 standard foreground colour.
308 314
309 For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the text 315 For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the text
310 blink when compiled with "--enable-blinking". with standard colours. 316 blink when compiled with "--enable-text-blink". Without
311 Without "--enable-blinking", the blink attribute will be ignored. 317 "--enable-text-blink", the blink attribute will be ignored.
312 318
313 On ANSI colours, bold/blink attributes are used to set high-intensity 319 On ANSI colours, bold/blink attributes are used to set high-intensity
314 foreground/background colors. 320 foreground/background colours.
315 321
316 color0-7 are the low-intensity colors. 322 color0-7 are the low-intensity colours.
317 323
318 color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colors. 324 color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colours.
319 325
320 I don't like the screen colors. How do I change them? 326 I don't like the screen colours. How do I change them?
321 You can change the screen colors at run-time using ~/.Xdefaults 327 You can change the screen colours at run-time using ~/.Xdefaults
322 resources (or as long-options). 328 resources (or as long-options).
323 329
324 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, including 330 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, including
325 the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow: 331 the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow:
326 332
340 URxvt.color12: #0000FF 346 URxvt.color12: #0000FF
341 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF 347 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF
342 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF 348 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF
343 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF 349 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF
344 350
345 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described (not by 351 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colours.
346 me) as "pretty girly".
347 352
348 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1 353 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1
349 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1 354 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1
350 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e 355 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e
351 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1 356 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1
362 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff 367 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff
363 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff 368 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff
364 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd 369 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd
365 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd 370 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd
366 371
372 They have been described (not by me) as "pretty girly".
373
367 Why do some characters look so much different than others? 374 Why do some characters look so much different than others?
368 See next entry. 375 See next entry.
369 376
370 How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts? 377 How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts?
371 Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is fine. 378 Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is fine.
382 389
383 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font list, 390 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font list,
384 e.g.: 391 e.g.:
385 392
386 urxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3... 393 urxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3...
387 394
388 When rxvt-unicode sees a character, it will first look at the base font. 395 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 396 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 397 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. 398 search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the X-server.
392 399
393 The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the 400 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, 401 base font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell size,
395 which must be the same due to the way terminals work. 402 which must be the same due to the way terminals work.
396 403
404 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
405 This is because there is a difference between script and language --
406 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output is, as
407 it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode first sees a
408 japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese font for display.
409 Subsequent japanese characters will use that font. Now, many chinese
410 characters aren't represented in japanese fonts, so when the first
411 non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will look for a chinese
412 font -- unfortunately at this point, it will still use the japanese font
413 for chinese characters that are also in the japanese font.
414
415 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your font
416 list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font list as a
417 preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a japanese font
418 first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font first.
419
420 In the future it might be possible to switch language preferences at
421 runtime (the internal data structure has no problem with using different
422 fonts for the same character at the same time, but no interface for this
423 has been designed yet).
424
425 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see "Can
426 I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
427
428 How can I make mplayer display video correctly?
429 We are working on it, in the meantime, as a workaround, use something
430 like:
431
432 urxvt -b 600 -geometry 20x1 -e sh -c 'mplayer -wid $WINDOWID file...'
433
397 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction 434 Keyboard, Mouse & User Interaction
398 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select single words? 435 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 436 If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following
400 setting: 437 setting:
401 438
407 To get a selection that is very similar to the old code, try this 444 To get a selection that is very similar to the old code, try this
408 pattern: 445 pattern:
409 446
410 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+) 447 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+)
411 448
412 Please also note that the *LeftClick Shift-LeftClik* combination also 449 Please also note that the *LeftClick Shift-LeftClick* combination also
413 selects words like the old code. 450 selects words like the old code.
414 451
415 I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I change/disable it? 452 I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I change/disable it?
416 You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the 453 You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the
417 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps 454 perl-ext-common resource to the empty string, which also keeps
440 circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the 477 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, 478 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 479 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. 480 some cases during rlogin sessions, it fails to detect this properly.
444 481
445 You can permamently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline" 482 You can permanently switch this feature off by disabling the "readline"
446 extension: 483 extension:
447 484
448 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline 485 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline
449 486
450 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output? 487 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
451 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no 488 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 489 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 490 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 491 how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a
455 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please 492 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please
456 report if that helped. 493 report if that helped.
457 494
458 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working. 495 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working.
464 will continue without an input method. 501 will continue without an input method.
465 502
466 In this case either do not specify a preeditStyle or specify more than 503 In this case either do not specify a preeditStyle or specify more than
467 one pre-edit style, such as OverTheSpot,Root,None. 504 one pre-edit style, such as OverTheSpot,Root,None.
468 505
506 If it still doesn't work, then maybe your input method doesn't support
507 compose sequences - to fall back to the built-in one, make sure you
508 don't specify an input method via "-im" or "XMODIFIERS".
509
469 I cannot type "Ctrl-Shift-2" to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755 510 I cannot type "Ctrl-Shift-2" to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755
470 Either try "Ctrl-2" alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on 511 Either try "Ctrl-2" alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on
471 international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your 512 international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your
472 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for 513 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for
473 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default telnet 514 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default telnet
474 escape character and so on. 515 escape character and so on.
475 516
476 Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works. 517 Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works.
477 Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing some 518 Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing some
478 editors prematurely may leave the mouse in mouse report mode. I've heard 519 editors prematurely may leave it active. I've heard that tcsh may use
479 that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A quick 520 mouse reporting unless it is otherwise specified. A quick check is to
480 check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are 521 see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are pressed.
481 depressed.
482 522
483 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 523 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
484 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the BackSpace 524 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the Backspace
485 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are 525 keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following question) there are
486 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?". 526 two standard values that can be used for Backspace: "^H" and "^?".
487 527
488 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the 528 Historically, either value is correct, but rxvt-unicode adopts the
489 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one only only 529 debian policy of using "^?" when unsure, because it's the one and only
490 correct choice :). 530 correct choice :).
491 531
492 Rxvt-unicode tries to inherit the current stty settings and uses the 532 It is possible to toggle between "^H" and "^?" with the DECBKM private
493 value of `erase' to guess the value for backspace. If rxvt-unicode 533 mode:
494 wasn't started from a terminal (say, from a menu or by remote shell),
495 then the system value of `erase', which corresponds to CERASE in
496 <termios.h>, will be used (which may not be the same as your stty
497 setting).
498
499 For starting a new rxvt-unicode:
500 534
501 # use Backspace = ^H 535 # use Backspace = ^H
502 $ stty erase ^H 536 $ stty erase ^H
503 $ urxvt 537 $ printf "\e[?67h"
504 538
505 # use Backspace = ^? 539 # use Backspace = ^?
506 $ stty erase ^? 540 $ stty erase ^?
507 $ urxvt 541 $ printf "\e[?67l"
508
509 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l".
510
511 For an existing rxvt-unicode:
512
513 # use Backspace = ^H
514 $ stty erase ^H
515 $ echo -n "^[[36h"
516
517 # use Backspace = ^?
518 $ stty erase ^?
519 $ echo -n "^[[36l"
520 542
521 This helps satisfy some of the Backspace discrepancies that occur, but 543 This helps satisfy some of the Backspace discrepancies that occur, but
522 if you use Backspace = "^H", make sure that the termcap/terminfo value 544 if you use Backspace = "^H", make sure that the termcap/terminfo value
523 properly reflects that. 545 properly reflects that.
524 546
540 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with 562 use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with
541 keysyms. 563 keysyms.
542 564
543 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "urxvt -name URxvt" 565 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "urxvt -name URxvt"
544 566
567 URxvt.keysym.Prior: \033[5~
568 URxvt.keysym.Next: \033[6~
545 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~ 569 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[7~
546 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~ 570 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[8~
547 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'>
548 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/>
549 URxvt.keysym.C-semicolon: \033<C-;>
550 URxvt.keysym.C-grave: \033<C-`>
551 URxvt.keysym.C-comma: \033<C-,>
552 URxvt.keysym.C-period: \033<C-.>
553 URxvt.keysym.C-0x60: \033<C-`>
554 URxvt.keysym.C-Tab: \033<C-Tab>
555 URxvt.keysym.C-Return: \033<C-Return>
556 URxvt.keysym.S-Return: \033<S-Return>
557 URxvt.keysym.S-space: \033<S-Space>
558 URxvt.keysym.M-Up: \033<M-Up> 571 URxvt.keysym.Up: \033[A
559 URxvt.keysym.M-Down: \033<M-Down> 572 URxvt.keysym.Down: \033[B
573 URxvt.keysym.Right: \033[C
560 URxvt.keysym.M-Left: \033<M-Left> 574 URxvt.keysym.Left: \033[D
561 URxvt.keysym.M-Right: \033<M-Right>
562 URxvt.keysym.M-C-0: list \033<M-C- 0123456789 >
563 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz >
564 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007
565 575
566 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource. 576 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource.
567 577
568 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the following map 578 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the following map
569 KP_Insert == Insert 579 KP_Insert == Insert
576 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various 586 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various
577 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the 587 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the
578 keys as required for your particular machine. 588 keys as required for your particular machine.
579 589
580 Terminal Configuration 590 Terminal Configuration
591 Can I see a typical configuration?
592 The default configuration tries to be xterm-like, which I don't like
593 that much, but it's least surprise to regular users.
594
595 As a rxvt or rxvt-unicode user, you are practically supposed to invest
596 time into customising your terminal. To get you started, here is the
597 author's .Xdefaults entries, with comments on what they do. It's
598 certainly not *typical*, but what's typical...
599
600 URxvt.cutchars: "()*,<>[]{}|'
601 URxvt.print-pipe: cat >/tmp/xxx
602
603 These are just for testing stuff.
604
605 URxvt.imLocale: ja_JP.UTF-8
606 URxvt.preeditType: OnTheSpot,None
607
608 This tells rxvt-unicode to use a special locale when communicating with
609 the X Input Method, and also tells it to only use the OnTheSpot pre-edit
610 type, which requires the "xim-onthespot" perl extension but rewards me
611 with correct-looking fonts.
612
613 URxvt.perl-lib: /root/lib/urxvt
614 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,selection-autotransform,selection-pastebin,xim-onthespot,remote-clipboard
615 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ( at .*? line \\d+)
616 URxvt.selection.pattern-1: ^(/[^:]+):\
617 URxvt.selection-autotransform.0: s/^([^:[:space:]]+):(\\d+):?$/:e \\Q$1\\E\\x0d:$2\\x0d/
618 URxvt.selection-autotransform.1: s/^ at (.*?) line (\\d+)$/:e \\Q$1\\E\\x0d:$2\\x0d/
619
620 This is my perl configuration. The first two set the perl library
621 directory and also tells urxvt to use a large number of extensions. I
622 develop for myself mostly, so I actually use most of the extensions I
623 write.
624
625 The selection stuff mainly makes the selection perl-error-message aware
626 and tells it to convert perl error messages into vi-commands to load the
627 relevant file and go to the error line number.
628
629 URxvt.scrollstyle: plain
630 URxvt.secondaryScroll: true
631
632 As the documentation says: plain is the preferred scrollbar for the
633 author. The "secondaryScroll" configures urxvt to scroll in full-screen
634 apps, like screen, so lines scrolled out of screen end up in urxvt's
635 scrollback buffer.
636
637 URxvt.background: #000000
638 URxvt.foreground: gray90
639 URxvt.color7: gray90
640 URxvt.colorBD: #ffffff
641 URxvt.cursorColor: #e0e080
642 URxvt.throughColor: #8080f0
643 URxvt.highlightColor: #f0f0f0
644
645 Some colours. Not sure which ones are being used or even non-defaults,
646 but these are in my .Xdefaults. Most notably, they set
647 foreground/background to light gray/black, and also make sure that the
648 colour 7 matches the default foreground colour.
649
650 URxvt.underlineColor: yellow
651
652 Another colour, makes underline lines look different. Sometimes hurts,
653 but is mostly a nice effect.
654
655 URxvt.geometry: 154x36
656 URxvt.loginShell: false
657 URxvt.meta: ignore
658 URxvt.utmpInhibit: true
659
660 Uh, well, should be mostly self-explanatory. By specifying some defaults
661 manually, I can quickly switch them for testing.
662
663 URxvt.saveLines: 8192
664
665 A large scrollback buffer is essential. Really.
666
667 URxvt.mapAlert: true
668
669 The only case I use it is for my IRC window, which I like to keep
670 iconified till people msg me (which beeps).
671
672 URxvt.visualBell: true
673
674 The audible bell is often annoying, especially when in a crowd.
675
676 URxvt.insecure: true
677
678 Please don't hack my mutt! Ooops...
679
680 URxvt.pastableTabs: false
681
682 I once thought this is a great idea.
683
684 urxvt.font: 9x15bold,\
685 -misc-fixed-bold-r-normal--15-140-75-75-c-90-iso10646-1,\
686 -misc-fixed-medium-r-normal--15-140-75-75-c-90-iso10646-1, \
687 [codeset=JISX0208]xft:Kochi Gothic, \
688 xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:autohint=true, \
689 xft:Code2000:antialias=false
690 urxvt.boldFont: -xos4-terminus-bold-r-normal--14-140-72-72-c-80-iso8859-15
691 urxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
692 urxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
693
694 I wrote rxvt-unicode to be able to specify fonts exactly. So don't be
695 overwhelmed. A special note: the "9x15bold" mentioned above is actually
696 the version from XFree-3.3, as XFree-4 replaced it by a totally
697 different font (different glyphs for ";" and many other harmless
698 characters), while the second font is actually the "9x15bold" from
699 XFree4/XOrg. The bold version has less chars than the medium version, so
700 I use it for rare characters, too. When editing sources with vim, I use
701 italic for comments and other stuff, which looks quite good with
702 Bitstream Vera anti-aliased.
703
704 Terminus is a quite bad font (many very wrong glyphs), but for most of
705 my purposes, it works, and gives a different look, as my normal
706 (Non-bold) font is already bold, and I want to see a difference between
707 bold and normal fonts.
708
709 Please note that I used the "urxvt" instance name and not the "URxvt"
710 class name. That is because I use different configs for different
711 purposes, for example, my IRC window is started with "-name IRC", and
712 uses these defaults:
713
714 IRC*title: IRC
715 IRC*geometry: 87x12+535+542
716 IRC*saveLines: 0
717 IRC*mapAlert: true
718 IRC*font: suxuseuro
719 IRC*boldFont: suxuseuro
720 IRC*colorBD: white
721 IRC*keysym.M-C-1: command:\033]710;suxuseuro\007\033]711;suxuseuro\007
722 IRC*keysym.M-C-2: command:\033]710;9x15bold\007\033]711;9x15bold\007
723
724 "Alt-Ctrl-1" and "Alt-Ctrl-2" switch between two different font sizes.
725 "suxuseuro" allows me to keep an eye (and actually read) stuff while
726 keeping a very small window. If somebody pastes something complicated
727 (e.g. japanese), I temporarily switch to a larger font.
728
729 The above is all in my ".Xdefaults" (I don't use ".Xresources" nor
730 "xrdb"). I also have some resources in a separate ".Xdefaults-hostname"
731 file for different hosts, for example, on my main desktop, I use:
732
733 URxvt.keysym.C-M-q: command:\033[3;5;5t
734 URxvt.keysym.C-M-y: command:\033[3;5;606t
735 URxvt.keysym.C-M-e: command:\033[3;1605;5t
736 URxvt.keysym.C-M-c: command:\033[3;1605;606t
737 URxvt.keysym.C-M-p: perl:test
738
739 The first for keysym definitions allow me to quickly bring some windows
740 in the layout I like most. Ion users might start laughing but will stop
741 immediately when I tell them that I use my own Fvwm2 module for much the
742 same effect as Ion provides, and I only very rarely use the above key
743 combinations :->
744
581 Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources? 745 Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources?
582 Well, why, indeed? It does, in a way very similar to other X 746 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 747 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 748 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 749 ignore any resource files in your home directory. It will only read
592 Also consider the form resources have to use: 756 Also consider the form resources have to use:
593 757
594 URxvt.resource: value 758 URxvt.resource: value
595 759
596 If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of 760 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. 761 specifying resources), make sure you understand whether and why it
598 If unsure, use the form above. 762 works. If unsure, use the form above.
599 763
600 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 764 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 765 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 766 as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often
603 arises). 767 arises).
604 768
605 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this 769 The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this
606 can be done like this (with ncurses' infocmp): 770 can be done by simply installing rxvt-unicode on the remote system as
771 well (in case you have a nice package manager ready), or you can install
772 the terminfo database manually like this (with ncurses infocmp. works as
773 user and root):
607 774
608 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain 775 REMOTE=remotesystem.domain
609 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti" 776 infocmp rxvt-unicode | ssh $REMOTE "mkdir -p .terminfo && cat >/tmp/ti && tic /tmp/ti"
610 777
611 ... or by installing rxvt-unicode normally on the remote system, 778 One some systems you might need to set $TERMINFO to the full path of
779 $HOME/.terminfo for this to work. Debian systems have a broken tic which
780 will not be able to overwrite the existing rxvt-unicode terminfo entry -
781 you might have to manually delete all traces of rxvt-unicode* from
782 /etc/terminfo.
612 783
613 If you cannot or do not want to do this, then you can simply set 784 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 785 "TERM=rxvt" or even "TERM=xterm", and live with the small number of
615 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different 786 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and different
616 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice 787 colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen applications. It's a nice
621 resource to set it: 792 resource to set it:
622 793
623 URxvt.termName: rxvt 794 URxvt.termName: rxvt
624 795
625 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace 796 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also replace
626 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one. 797 the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one and use "TERM=rxvt".
798
799 nano fails with "Error opening terminal: rxvt-unicode"
800 This exceptionally confusing and useless error message is printed by
801 nano when it can't find the terminfo database. Nothing is wrong with
802 your terminal, read the previous answer for a solution.
627 803
628 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry. 804 "tic" outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry.
629 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by 805 Most likely it's the empty definition for "enacs=". Just replace it by
630 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again. 806 "enacs=\E[0@" and try again.
631 807
636 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating 812 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating
637 systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap 813 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 814 library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry
639 for "rxvt-unicode". 815 for "rxvt-unicode".
640 816
641 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many cases. 817 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 818 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's infocmp
643 like this: 819 program like this:
644 820
645 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode 821 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode
646 822
647 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above: 823 Or you could use the termcap entry in doc/etc/rxvt-unicode.termcap,
648 824 generated by the command above.
649 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\
650 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\
651 :co#80:it#8:li#24:lm#0:\
652 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\
653 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\
654 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=\E(B:al=\E[L:\
655 :as=\E(0:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:\
656 :cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:\
657 :dl=\E[M:do=^J:ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:\
658 :i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:im=\E[4h:\
659 :is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\
660 :k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:k5=\E[15~:\
661 :k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:kD=\E[3~:\
662 :kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:ke=\E[?1l\E>:\
663 :kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:ku=\EOA:le=^H:\
664 :mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:\
665 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\
666 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\
667 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
668 :vs=\E[?25h:
669 825
670 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output? 826 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output?
671 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 827 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 828 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 829 file. Needless to say, "rxvt-unicode" is not in its default file (among
674 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add: 830 with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add:
675 831
676 TERM rxvt-unicode 832 TERM rxvt-unicode
677 833
678 to "/etc/DIR_COLORS" or simply add: 834 to "/etc/DIR_COLORS" or simply add:
705 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but 861 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but
706 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output 862 getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output
707 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings. 863 is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings.
708 864
709 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the 865 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 866 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 867 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 868 the locale to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this
713 going to work. 869 is not going to work, and is the most common cause for problems.
714 870
715 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will likely 871 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 872 run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in your
717 .profile. 873 .profile.
718 874
719 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" 875 printf '\33]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" # $LANG or $LC_ALL are worth a try, too
720 876
721 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification not 877 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 878 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 879 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 880 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 899 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for
744 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating 900 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating
745 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties 901 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties
746 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*. 902 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*.
747 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example, 903 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example,
748 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses it's own, 904 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses its own,
749 locale-independent table under all locales). 905 locale-independent table under all locales).
750 906
751 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding. All 907 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 908 programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree in the
753 interpretation of characters. 909 interpretation of characters.
770 926
771 Can I switch locales at runtime? 927 Can I switch locales at runtime?
772 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets 928 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets
773 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE". 929 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE".
774 930
775 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 931 printf '\33]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
776 932
777 See also the previous answer. 933 See also the previous answer.
778 934
779 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in one 935 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. 936 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 937 UTF-8). For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which first
782 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later: 938 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later:
783 939
784 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 940 printf '\33]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
785 xjdic -js 941 xjdic -js
786 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8 942 printf '\33]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8
787 943
788 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine, 944 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine,
789 except for some locales where character width differs between program- 945 except for some locales where character width differs between program-
790 and rxvt-unicode-locales. 946 and rxvt-unicode-locales.
791 947
948 I have problems getting my input method working.
949 Try a search engine, as this is slightly different for every input
950 method server.
951
952 Here is a checklist:
953
954 - Make sure your locale *and* the imLocale are supported on your OS.
955 Try "locale -a" or check the documentation for your OS.
956
957 - Make sure your locale or imLocale matches a locale supported by your
958 XIM.
959 For example, kinput2 does not support UTF-8 locales, you should use
960 "ja_JP.EUC-JP" or equivalent.
961
962 - Make sure your XIM server is actually running.
963 - Make sure the "XMODIFIERS" environment variable is set correctly when
964 *starting* rxvt-unicode.
965 When you want to use e.g. kinput2, it must be set to "@im=kinput2".
966 For scim, use "@im=SCIM". You can see what input method servers are
967 running with this command:
968
969 xprop -root XIM_SERVERS
970
792 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 971 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 972 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of
794 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale": 973 the terminal, using the resource "imlocale":
795 974
796 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP 975 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP
797 976
798 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and still 977 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 978 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 979 Xlib version, you may not be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP"
801 method limits you. 980 in a normal way then, as your input method limits you.
802 981
803 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits. 982 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits.
804 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by 983 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by
805 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory 984 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory
806 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at 985 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at
814 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem... 993 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem...
815 The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode in sarge contains large 994 The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode in sarge contains large
816 patches that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode (but 995 patches that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode (but
817 unfortunately this notice has been removed). Before reporting a bug to 996 unfortunately this notice has been removed). Before reporting a bug to
818 the original rxvt-unicode author please download and install the genuine 997 the original rxvt-unicode author please download and install the genuine
819 version (<http://software.schmorp.de#rxvt-unicode>) and try to reproduce 998 version (<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/rxvt-unicode.html>) and try to
820 the problem. If you cannot, chances are that the problems are specific 999 reproduce the problem. If you cannot, chances are that the problems are
821 to Debian GNU/Linux, in which case it should be reported via the Debian 1000 specific to Debian GNU/Linux, in which case it should be reported via
822 Bug Tracking System (use "reportbug" to report the bug). 1001 the Debian Bug Tracking System (use "reportbug" to report the bug).
823 1002
824 For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and 1003 For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and
825 probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's also a 1004 probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's also a
826 bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for other users 1005 bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for other users
827 that might encounter the same issue. 1006 that might encounter the same issue.
828 1007
829 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation? 1008 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any recommendation?
830 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now 1009 You should build one binary with the default options. configure now
831 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them 1010 enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them
832 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enbaling 1011 runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enabling
833 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter 1012 them, except higher disk and possibly memory usage. The perl interpreter
834 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely 1013 should be enabled, as important functionality (menus, selection, likely
835 more in the future) depends on it. 1014 more in the future) depends on it.
836 1015
837 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" snd "perl-ext" resources 1016 You should not overwrite the "perl-ext-common" and "perl-ext" resources
838 system-wide (except maybe with "defaults"). This will result in useful 1017 system-wide (except maybe with "defaults"). This will result in useful
839 behaviour. If your distribution aims at low memory, add an empty 1018 behaviour. If your distribution aims at low memory, add an empty
840 "perl-ext-common" resource to the app-defaults file. This will keep the 1019 "perl-ext-common" resource to the app-defaults file. This will keep the
841 perl interpreter disabled until the user enables it. 1020 perl interpreter disabled until the user enables it.
842 1021
859 This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very 1038 This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very
860 early and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before 1039 early and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before
861 main(), or things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should 1040 main(), or things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should
862 result in very little risk. 1041 result in very little risk.
863 1042
864 On Solaris 9, many line-drawing characters are too wide.
865 Seems to be a known bug, read
866 <http://nixdoc.net/files/forum/about34198.html>. Some people use the
867 following ugly workaround to get non-double-wide-characters working:
868
869 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x)
870
871 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 1043 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 1044 Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol "__STDC_ISO_10646__" to be defined in
873 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it, 1045 your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it,
874 wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that 1046 whether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" requires that
875 wchar_t is represented as unicode. 1047 wchar_t is represented as unicode.
876 1048
877 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl nor 1049 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 1050 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. 1051 wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with respect to standards.
880 1052
881 However, that means rxvt-unicode only works in "POSIX", "ISO-8859-1" and 1053 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. 1054 "UTF-8" locales under FreeBSD (which all use Unicode as wchar_t).
883 1055
884 "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support multi-language apps 1056 "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support multi-language apps
885 in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and non-standardized) 1057 in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and non-standardized)
886 representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to convert between wchar_t 1058 representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to convert between wchar_t
887 (as used by X11 and your applications) and any other encoding without 1059 (as used by X11 and your applications) and any other encoding without
897 1069
898 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the 1070 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the
899 system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry 1071 system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry
900 complete replacements for them :) 1072 complete replacements for them :)
901 1073
902 I use Solaris 9 and it doesn't compile/work/etc.
903 Try the diff in doc/solaris9.patch as a base. It fixes the worst
904 problems with "wcwidth" and a compile problem.
905
906 How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin? 1074 How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin?
907 rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using the 1075 rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using the
908 X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no longer 1076 X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no longer
909 supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a single 1077 supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a single
910 font). I recommend starting the X-server in "-multiwindow" or 1078 font). I recommend starting the X-server in "-multiwindow" or
913 1081
914 At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any 1082 At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any
915 multi-byte encodings (you might try "LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8"), so you are 1083 multi-byte encodings (you might try "LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8"), so you are
916 likely limited to 8-bit encodings. 1084 likely limited to 8-bit encodings.
917 1085
1086 Character widths are not correct.
1087 urxvt uses the system wcwidth function to know the information about the
1088 width of characters, so on systems with incorrect locale data you will
1089 likely get bad results. Two notorious examples are Solaris 9, where
1090 single-width characters like U+2514 are reported as double-width, and
1091 Darwin 8, where combining chars are reported having width 1.
1092
1093 The solution is to upgrade your system or switch to a better one. A
1094 possibly working workaround is to use a wcwidth implementation like
1095
1096 http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~mgk25/ucs/wcwidth.c
1097

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