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Revision 1.98 by root, Tue Jan 31 00:56:07 2006 UTC vs.
Revision 1.99 by root, Tue Jan 31 00:57:35 2006 UTC

24=head1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 24=head1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
25 25
26=head2 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select 26=head2 The new selection selects pieces that are too big, how can I select
27single words? 27single words?
28 28
29Yes. For example, if you want to select alphanumeric words, you can use 29If you want to select e.g. alphanumeric words, you can use the following
30the following resource: 30setting:
31 31
32 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([[:word:]]+) 32 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([[:word:]]+)
33 33
34If you click more than twice, the selection will be extended 34If you click more than twice, the selection will be extended
35more and more. 35more and more.
39 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+) 39 URxvt.selection.pattern-0: ([^"&'()*,;<=>?@[\\\\]^`{|})]+)
40 40
41Please also note that the I<LeftClick Shift-LeftClik> combination also 41Please also note that the I<LeftClick Shift-LeftClik> combination also
42selects words like the old code. 42selects words like the old code.
43 43
44=over 4
45
46=item I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I 44=head2 I don't like the new selection/popups/hotkeys/perl, how do I
47change/disable it? 45change/disable it?
48 46
49You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the 47You can disable the perl extension completely by setting the
50B<perl-ext-common> resource to the empty string, which also keeps 48B<perl-ext-common> resource to the empty string, which also keeps
51rxvt-unicode from initialising perl, saving memory. 49rxvt-unicode from initialising perl, saving memory.
63scrollback search mode is triggered by B<M-s>. You can move it to any 61scrollback search mode is triggered by B<M-s>. You can move it to any
64other combination either by setting the B<searchable-scrollback> resource: 62other combination either by setting the B<searchable-scrollback> resource:
65 63
66 URxvt.searchable-scrollback: CM-s 64 URxvt.searchable-scrollback: CM-s
67 65
68=item The cursor moves when selecting text in the current input line, how 66=head2 The cursor moves when selecting text in the current input line, how
69do I switch this off? 67do I switch this off?
70 68
71=item During rlogin/ssh/telnet/etc. sessions, clicking near the cursor 69=head2 During rlogin/ssh/telnet/etc. sessions, clicking near the cursor
72outputs strange escape sequences, how do I fix this? 70outputs strange escape sequences, how do I fix this?
73 71
74These are caused by the C<readline> perl extension. Under normal 72These are caused by the C<readline> perl extension. Under normal
75circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the 73circumstances, it will move your cursor around when you click into the
76line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment, 74line that contains it. It tries hard not to do this at the wrong moment,
80You can permamently switch this feature off by disabling the C<readline> 78You can permamently switch this feature off by disabling the C<readline>
81extension: 79extension:
82 80
83 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline 81 URxvt.perl-ext-common: default,-readline
84 82
85=item Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources? 83=head2 Why doesn't rxvt-unicode read my resources?
86 84
87Well, why, indeed? It does, in a way very similar to other X 85Well, why, indeed? It does, in a way very similar to other X
88applications. Most importantly, this means that if you or your OS loads 86applications. Most importantly, this means that if you or your OS loads
89resources into the X display (the right way to do it), rxvt-unicode will 87resources into the X display (the right way to do it), rxvt-unicode will
90ignore any resource files in your home directory. It will only read 88ignore any resource files in your home directory. It will only read
100 98
101If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of 99If you want to use another form (there are lots of different ways of
102specifying resources), make sure you understand wether and why it 100specifying resources), make sure you understand wether and why it
103works. If unsure, use the form above. 101works. If unsure, use the form above.
104 102
105=item I can't get transparency working, what am I doing wrong? 103=head2 I can't get transparency working, what am I doing wrong?
106 104
107First of all, transparency isn't officially supported in rxvt-unicode, so 105First of all, transparency isn't officially supported in rxvt-unicode, so
108you are mostly on your own. Do not bug the author about it (but you may 106you are mostly on your own. Do not bug the author about it (but you may
109bug everybody else). Also, if you can't get it working consider it a rite 107bug everybody else). Also, if you can't get it working consider it a rite
110of passage: ... and you failed. 108of passage: ... and you failed.
147 145
148Then click on a window you want to make transparent. Replace C<0xc0000000> 146Then click on a window you want to make transparent. Replace C<0xc0000000>
149by other values to change the degree of opacity. If it doesn't work and 147by other values to change the degree of opacity. If it doesn't work and
150your server crashes, you got to keep the pieces. 148your server crashes, you got to keep the pieces.
151 149
152=item Isn't rxvt supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat? 150=head2 Isn't rxvt supposed to be small? Don't all those features bloat?
153 151
154I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra 152I often get asked about this, and I think, no, they didn't cause extra
155bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see 153bloat. If you compare a minimal rxvt and a minimal urxvt, you can see
156that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always being 154that the urxvt binary is larger (due to some encoding tables always being
157compiled in), but it actually uses less memory (RSS) after startup. Even 155compiled in), but it actually uses less memory (RSS) after startup. Even
189(21152k + extra 4204k in separate processes) or konsole (22200k + extra 187(21152k + extra 4204k in separate processes) or konsole (22200k + extra
19043180k in daemons that stay around after exit, plus half a minute of 18843180k in daemons that stay around after exit, plus half a minute of
191startup time, including the hundreds of warnings it spits out), it fares 189startup time, including the hundreds of warnings it spits out), it fares
192extremely well *g*. 190extremely well *g*.
193 191
194=item Why C++, isn't that unportable/bloated/uncool? 192=head2 Why C++, isn't that unportable/bloated/uncool?
195 193
196Is this a question? :) It comes up very often. The simple answer is: I had 194Is this a question? :) It comes up very often. The simple answer is: I had
197to write it, and C++ allowed me to write and maintain it in a fraction 195to write it, and C++ allowed me to write and maintain it in a fraction
198of the time and effort (which is a scarce resource for me). Put even 196of the time and effort (which is a scarce resource for me). Put even
199shorter: It simply wouldn't exist without C++. 197shorter: It simply wouldn't exist without C++.
223 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000) 221 /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2 (0x00002aaaaaaab000)
224 222
225No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically), 223No large bloated libraries (of course, none were linked in statically),
226except maybe libX11 :) 224except maybe libX11 :)
227 225
228=item Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode? 226=head2 Does it support tabs, can I have a tabbed rxvt-unicode?
229 227
230Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a 228Beginning with version 7.3, there is a perl extension that implements a
231simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these should 229simple tabbed terminal. It is installed by default, so any of these should
232give you tabs: 230give you tabs:
233 231
239or similar tabbing programs, and its embedding-features allow it to be 237or similar tabbing programs, and its embedding-features allow it to be
240embedded into other programs, as witnessed by F<doc/rxvt-tabbed> or 238embedded into other programs, as witnessed by F<doc/rxvt-tabbed> or
241the upcoming C<Gtk2::URxvt> perl module, which features a tabbed urxvt 239the upcoming C<Gtk2::URxvt> perl module, which features a tabbed urxvt
242(murxvt) terminal as an example embedding application. 240(murxvt) terminal as an example embedding application.
243 241
244=item How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using? 242=head2 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using?
245 243
246The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape 244The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape
247sequence C<ESC [ 8 n> sets the window title to the version number. When 245sequence C<ESC [ 8 n> sets the window title to the version number. When
248using the @@RXVT_NAME@@c client, the version displayed is that of the 246using the @@RXVT_NAME@@c client, the version displayed is that of the
249daemon. 247daemon.
250 248
251=item I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem... 249=head2 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem...
252 250
253The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode in sarge contains large 251The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode in sarge contains large
254patches that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode (but 252patches that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode (but
255unfortunately this notice has been removed). Before reporting a bug to 253unfortunately this notice has been removed). Before reporting a bug to
256the original rxvt-unicode author please download and install the genuine 254the original rxvt-unicode author please download and install the genuine
262For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and 260For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and
263probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's also a 261probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's also a
264bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for other users that 262bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for other users that
265might encounter the same issue. 263might encounter the same issue.
266 264
267=item I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any 265=head2 I am maintaining rxvt-unicode for distribution/OS XXX, any
268recommendation? 266recommendation?
269 267
270You should build one binary with the default options. F<configure> 268You should build one binary with the default options. F<configure>
271now enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them 269now enables most useful options, and the trend goes to making them
272runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enbaling them, 270runtime-switchable, too, so there is usually no drawback to enbaling them,
283If you can/want build more binaries, I recommend building a minimal 281If you can/want build more binaries, I recommend building a minimal
284one with C<--disable-everything> (very useful) and a maximal one with 282one with C<--disable-everything> (very useful) and a maximal one with
285C<--enable-everything> (less useful, it will be very big due to a lot of 283C<--enable-everything> (less useful, it will be very big due to a lot of
286encodings built-in that increase download times and are rarely used). 284encodings built-in that increase download times and are rarely used).
287 285
288=item I need to make it setuid/setgid to support utmp/ptys on my OS, is this safe? 286=head2 I need to make it setuid/setgid to support utmp/ptys on my OS, is this safe?
289 287
290It should be, starting with release 7.1. You are encouraged to properly 288It should be, starting with release 7.1. You are encouraged to properly
291install urxvt with privileges necessary for your OS now. 289install urxvt with privileges necessary for your OS now.
292 290
293When rxvt-unicode detects that it runs setuid or setgid, it will fork 291When rxvt-unicode detects that it runs setuid or setgid, it will fork
300This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very early 298This forking is done as the very first within main(), which is very early
301and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before main(), or 299and reduces possible bugs to initialisation code run before main(), or
302things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should result in very 300things like the dynamic loader of your system, which should result in very
303little risk. 301little risk.
304 302
305=item When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 303=head2 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?
306 304
307The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available 305The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely available
308as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often arises). 306as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same problem often arises).
309 307
310The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this can 308The correct solution for this problem is to install the terminfo, this can
328 URxvt.termName: rxvt 326 URxvt.termName: rxvt
329 327
330If you don't plan to use B<rxvt> (quite common...) you could also replace 328If you don't plan to use B<rxvt> (quite common...) you could also replace
331the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one. 329the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one.
332 330
333=item C<tic> outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry. 331=head2 C<tic> outputs some error when compiling the terminfo entry.
334 332
335Most likely it's the empty definition for C<enacs=>. Just replace it by 333Most likely it's the empty definition for C<enacs=>. Just replace it by
336C<enacs=\E[0@> and try again. 334C<enacs=\E[0@> and try again.
337 335
338=item C<bash>'s readline does not work correctly under @@RXVT_NAME@@. 336=head2 C<bash>'s readline does not work correctly under @@RXVT_NAME@@.
339 337
340=item I need a termcap file entry. 338=head2 I need a termcap file entry.
341 339
342One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating 340One reason you might want this is that some distributions or operating
343systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap 341systems still compile some programs using the long-obsoleted termcap
344library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry 342library (Fedora Core's bash is one example) and rely on a termcap entry
345for C<rxvt-unicode>. 343for C<rxvt-unicode>.
371 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\ 369 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\
372 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\ 370 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\
373 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\ 371 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
374 :vs=\E[?25h: 372 :vs=\E[?25h:
375 373
376=item Why does C<ls> no longer have coloured output? 374=head2 Why does C<ls> no longer have coloured output?
377 375
378The C<ls> in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 376The C<ls> in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to
379decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration 377decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration
380file. Needless to say, C<rxvt-unicode> is not in it's default file (among 378file. Needless to say, C<rxvt-unicode> is not in it's default file (among
381with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add: 379with most other terminals supporting colour). Either add:
386 384
387 alias ls='ls --color=auto' 385 alias ls='ls --color=auto'
388 386
389to your C<.profile> or C<.bashrc>. 387to your C<.profile> or C<.bashrc>.
390 388
391=item Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. use the 88 colour mode? 389=head2 Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. use the 88 colour mode?
392 390
393=item Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. make use of italic? 391=head2 Why doesn't vim/emacs etc. make use of italic?
394 392
395=item Why are the secondary screen-related options not working properly? 393=head2 Why are the secondary screen-related options not working properly?
396 394
397Make sure you are using C<TERM=rxvt-unicode>. Some pre-packaged 395Make sure you are using C<TERM=rxvt-unicode>. Some pre-packaged
398distributions (most notably Debian GNU/Linux) break rxvt-unicode 396distributions (most notably Debian GNU/Linux) break rxvt-unicode
399by setting C<TERM> to C<rxvt>, which doesn't have these extra 397by setting C<TERM> to C<rxvt>, which doesn't have these extra
400features. Unfortunately, some of these (most notably, again, Debian 398features. Unfortunately, some of these (most notably, again, Debian
401GNU/Linux) furthermore fail to even install the C<rxvt-unicode> terminfo 399GNU/Linux) furthermore fail to even install the C<rxvt-unicode> terminfo
402file, so you will need to install it on your own (See the question B<When 400file, so you will need to install it on your own (See the question B<When
403I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?> on 401I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?> on
404how to do this). 402how to do this).
405 403
406=item My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output? 404=head2 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
407 405
408Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no 406Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no
409specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is caused 407specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is caused
410by the wrong C<TERM> setting, although the details of wether and how 408by the wrong C<TERM> setting, although the details of wether and how
411this can happen are unknown, as C<TERM=rxvt> should offer a compatible 409this can happen are unknown, as C<TERM=rxvt> should offer a compatible
412keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please report if that 410keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and please report if that
413helped. 411helped.
414 412
415=item Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding? 413=head2 Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding?
416 414
417=item Unicode does not seem to work? 415=head2 Unicode does not seem to work?
418 416
419If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but 417If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character but
420getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output is 418getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program output is
421subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings. 419subtly garbled, then you should check your locale settings.
422 420
442 440
443If nothing works and you are sure that everything is set correctly then 441If nothing works and you are sure that everything is set correctly then
444you will need to remember a little known fact: Some programs just don't 442you will need to remember a little known fact: Some programs just don't
445support locales :( 443support locales :(
446 444
447=item Why do some characters look so much different than others? 445=head2 Why do some characters look so much different than others?
448 446
449=item How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts? 447=head2 How does rxvt-unicode choose fonts?
450 448
451Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is 449Most fonts do not contain the full range of Unicode, which is
452fine. Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of 450fine. Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of
453your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you want 451your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you want
454to display. 452to display.
472 470
473The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the base 471The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the base
474font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell size, which 472font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell size, which
475must be the same due to the way terminals work. 473must be the same due to the way terminals work.
476 474
477=item Why do some chinese characters look so different than others? 475=head2 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
478 476
479This is because there is a difference between script and language -- 477This is because there is a difference between script and language --
480rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output is, 478rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output is,
481as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode first 479as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode first
482sees a japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese font for 480sees a japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese font for
497has been designed yet). 495has been designed yet).
498 496
499Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see L<Can 497Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see L<Can
500I switch the fonts at runtime?> later in this document). 498I switch the fonts at runtime?> later in this document).
501 499
502=item Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings? 500=head2 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings?
503 501
504Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that character 502Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that character
505size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for terminal use might 503size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for terminal use might
506contain some characters that are simply too wide. Rxvt-unicode will avoid 504contain some characters that are simply too wide. Rxvt-unicode will avoid
507these characters. For characters that are just "a bit" too wide a special 505these characters. For characters that are just "a bit" too wide a special
519might be forced to use a different font. 517might be forced to use a different font.
520 518
521All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their bounding 519All of this is not a problem when using X11 core fonts, as their bounding
522box data is correct. 520box data is correct.
523 521
524=item On Solaris 9, many line-drawing characters are too wide. 522=head2 On Solaris 9, many line-drawing characters are too wide.
525 523
526Seems to be a known bug, read 524Seems to be a known bug, read
527L<http://nixdoc.net/files/forum/about34198.html>. Some people use the 525L<http://nixdoc.net/files/forum/about34198.html>. Some people use the
528following ugly workaround to get non-double-wide-characters working: 526following ugly workaround to get non-double-wide-characters working:
529 527
530 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x) 528 #define wcwidth(x) wcwidth(x) > 1 ? 1 : wcwidth(x)
531 529
532=item My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working. 530=head2 My Compose (Multi_key) key is no longer working.
533 531
534The most common causes for this are that either your locale is not set 532The most common causes for this are that either your locale is not set
535correctly, or you specified a B<preeditStyle> that is not supported by 533correctly, or you specified a B<preeditStyle> that is not supported by
536your input method. For example, if you specified B<OverTheSpot> and 534your input method. For example, if you specified B<OverTheSpot> and
537your input method (e.g. the default input method handling Compose keys) 535your input method (e.g. the default input method handling Compose keys)
539rxvt-unicode will continue without an input method. 537rxvt-unicode will continue without an input method.
540 538
541In this case either do not specify a B<preeditStyle> or specify more than 539In this case either do not specify a B<preeditStyle> or specify more than
542one pre-edit style, such as B<OverTheSpot,Root,None>. 540one pre-edit style, such as B<OverTheSpot,Root,None>.
543 541
544=item I cannot type C<Ctrl-Shift-2> to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755 542=head2 I cannot type C<Ctrl-Shift-2> to get an ASCII NUL character due to ISO 14755
545 543
546Either try C<Ctrl-2> alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on 544Either try C<Ctrl-2> alone (it often is mapped to ASCII NUL even on
547international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your 545international keyboards) or simply use ISO 14755 support to your
548advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for other 546advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for other
549codes, too, such as C<Ctrl-Shift-1-d> to type the default telnet escape 547codes, too, such as C<Ctrl-Shift-1-d> to type the default telnet escape
550character and so on. 548character and so on.
551 549
552=item How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much? 550=head2 How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much?
553 551
554First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminal settings 552First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminal settings
555(C<TERM=rxvt-unicode>), which will get rid of most of these effects. Then 553(C<TERM=rxvt-unicode>), which will get rid of most of these effects. Then
556make sure you have specified colours for italic and bold, as otherwise 554make sure you have specified colours for italic and bold, as otherwise
557rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate the effect: 555rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate the effect:
558 556
559 URxvt.colorBD: white 557 URxvt.colorBD: white
560 URxvt.colorIT: green 558 URxvt.colorIT: green
561 559
562=item Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how can I fix that? 560=head2 Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how can I fix that?
563 561
564For some unexplainable reason, some rare programs assume a very weird 562For some unexplainable reason, some rare programs assume a very weird
565colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more than the standard 563colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more than the standard
5668 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right fix is, of course, to fix 5648 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right fix is, of course, to fix
567these programs not to assume non-ISO colours without very good reasons. 565these programs not to assume non-ISO colours without very good reasons.
568 566
569In the meantime, you can either edit your C<rxvt-unicode> terminfo 567In the meantime, you can either edit your C<rxvt-unicode> terminfo
570definition to only claim 8 colour support or use C<TERM=rxvt>, which will 568definition to only claim 8 colour support or use C<TERM=rxvt>, which will
571fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode features. 569fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode features.
572 570
573=item I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 571=head2 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all.
574 572
575Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol C<__STDC_ISO_10646__> to be defined 573Rxvt-unicode requires the symbol C<__STDC_ISO_10646__> to be defined
576in your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it, 574in your compile environment, or an implementation that implements it,
577wether it defines the symbol or not. C<__STDC_ISO_10646__> requires that 575wether it defines the symbol or not. C<__STDC_ISO_10646__> requires that
578B<wchar_t> is represented as unicode. 576B<wchar_t> is represented as unicode.
600 598
601The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the 599The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in the
602system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry 600system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app to carry
603complete replacements for them :) 601complete replacements for them :)
604 602
605=item I use Solaris 9 and it doesn't compile/work/etc. 603=head2 I use Solaris 9 and it doesn't compile/work/etc.
606 604
607Try the diff in F<doc/solaris9.patch> as a base. It fixes the worst 605Try the diff in F<doc/solaris9.patch> as a base. It fixes the worst
608problems with C<wcwidth> and a compile problem. 606problems with C<wcwidth> and a compile problem.
609 607
610=item How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin? 608=head2 How can I use rxvt-unicode under cygwin?
611 609
612rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using 610rxvt-unicode should compile and run out of the box on cygwin, using
613the X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no 611the X11 libraries that come with cygwin. libW11 emulation is no
614longer supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a 612longer supported (and makes no sense, either, as it only supported a
615single font). I recommend starting the X-server in C<-multiwindow> or 613single font). I recommend starting the X-server in C<-multiwindow> or
618 616
619At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any multi-byte 617At the time of this writing, cygwin didn't seem to support any multi-byte
620encodings (you might try C<LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8>), so you are likely limited 618encodings (you might try C<LC_CTYPE=C-UTF-8>), so you are likely limited
621to 8-bit encodings. 619to 8-bit encodings.
622 620
623=item How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use? 621=head2 How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use?
624 622
625=item Is there an option to switch encodings? 623=head2 Is there an option to switch encodings?
626 624
627Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch, and no 625Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch, and no
628specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't even know about 626specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't even know about
629UTF-8 or any other encodings with respect to terminal I/O. 627UTF-8 or any other encodings with respect to terminal I/O.
630 628
655rxvt-unicode. 653rxvt-unicode.
656 654
657If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you start 655If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you start
658rxvt-unicode with the correct C<LC_CTYPE> category. 656rxvt-unicode with the correct C<LC_CTYPE> category.
659 657
660=item Can I switch locales at runtime? 658=head2 Can I switch locales at runtime?
661 659
662Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets 660Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets
663rxvt-unicode's idea of C<LC_CTYPE>. 661rxvt-unicode's idea of C<LC_CTYPE>.
664 662
665 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 663 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
677 675
678You can also use xterm's C<luit> program, which usually works fine, except 676You can also use xterm's C<luit> program, which usually works fine, except
679for some locales where character width differs between program- and 677for some locales where character width differs between program- and
680rxvt-unicode-locales. 678rxvt-unicode-locales.
681 679
682=item Can I switch the fonts at runtime? 680=head2 Can I switch the fonts at runtime?
683 681
684Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the same 682Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has the same
685effect as using the C<-fn> switch, and takes effect immediately: 683effect as using the C<-fn> switch, and takes effect immediately:
686 684
687 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic" 685 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic"
690japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, where 688japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, where
691japanese fonts would only be in your way. 689japanese fonts would only be in your way.
692 690
693You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching. 691You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching.
694 692
695=item Why do italic characters look as if clipped? 693=head2 Why do italic characters look as if clipped?
696 694
697Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For 695Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For
698example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font C<xft:Bitstream Vera Sans 696example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font C<xft:Bitstream Vera Sans
699Mono> completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround might be to 697Mono> completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround might be to
700enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this: 698enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this:
701 699
702 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 700 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
703 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 701 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
704 702
705=item My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 703=head2 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do?
706 704
707You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of the 705You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest of the
708terminal, using the resource C<imlocale>: 706terminal, using the resource C<imlocale>:
709 707
710 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP 708 URxvt.imlocale: ja_JP.EUC-JP
712Now you can start your terminal with C<LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8> and still 710Now you can start your terminal with C<LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8> and still
713use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not be able to 711use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not be able to
714input characters outside C<EUC-JP> in a normal way then, as your input 712input characters outside C<EUC-JP> in a normal way then, as your input
715method limits you. 713method limits you.
716 714
717=item Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits. 715=head2 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits.
718 716
719Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by 717Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by
720design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory 718design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory
721leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at 719leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering at
722exit time. B<kinput2> (and derived input methods) generally succeeds, 720exit time. B<kinput2> (and derived input methods) generally succeeds,
723while B<SCIM> (or similar input methods) fails. In the end, however, 721while B<SCIM> (or similar input methods) fails. In the end, however,
724crashes cannot be completely avoided even if both sides cooperate. 722crashes cannot be completely avoided even if both sides cooperate.
725 723
726So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers. 724So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers.
727 725
728=item Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that? 726=head2 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that?
729 727
730Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for something you 728Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for something you
731don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings that 729don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings that
732you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by design, 730you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by design,
733when used. Compiling it out ensures that no Xft font will be loaded 731when used. Compiling it out ensures that no Xft font will be loaded
7386 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to almost a 7366 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to almost a
739kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will then (if full) 737kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will then (if full)
740use 10 Megabytes of memory. With C<--enable-unicode3> it gets worse, as 738use 10 Megabytes of memory. With C<--enable-unicode3> it gets worse, as
741rxvt-unicode then uses 8 bytes per screen cell. 739rxvt-unicode then uses 8 bytes per screen cell.
742 740
743=item Can I speed up Xft rendering somehow? 741=head2 Can I speed up Xft rendering somehow?
744 742
745Yes, the most obvious way to speed it up is to avoid Xft entirely, as 743Yes, the most obvious way to speed it up is to avoid Xft entirely, as
746it is simply slow. If you still want Xft fonts you might try to disable 744it is simply slow. If you still want Xft fonts you might try to disable
747antialiasing (by appending C<:antialias=false>), which saves lots of 745antialiasing (by appending C<:antialias=false>), which saves lots of
748memory and also speeds up rendering considerably. 746memory and also speeds up rendering considerably.
749 747
750=item Rxvt-unicode doesn't seem to anti-alias its fonts, what is wrong? 748=head2 Rxvt-unicode doesn't seem to anti-alias its fonts, what is wrong?
751 749
752Rxvt-unicode will use whatever you specify as a font. If it needs to 750Rxvt-unicode will use whatever you specify as a font. If it needs to
753fall back to it's default font search list it will prefer X11 core 751fall back to it's default font search list it will prefer X11 core
754fonts, because they are small and fast, and then use Xft fonts. It has 752fonts, because they are small and fast, and then use Xft fonts. It has
755antialiasing disabled for most of them, because the author thinks they 753antialiasing disabled for most of them, because the author thinks they
756look best that way. 754look best that way.
757 755
758If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually. 756If you want antialiasing, you have to specify the fonts manually.
759 757
760=item Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works. 758=head2 Mouse cut/paste suddenly no longer works.
761 759
762Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing 760Make sure that mouse reporting is actually turned off since killing
763some editors prematurely may leave the mouse in mouse report mode. I've 761some editors prematurely may leave the mouse in mouse report mode. I've
764heard that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A 762heard that tcsh may use mouse reporting unless it otherwise specified. A
765quick check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are 763quick check is to see if cut/paste works when the Alt or Shift keys are
766depressed. 764depressed.
767 765
768=item What's with this bold/blink stuff? 766=head2 What's with this bold/blink stuff?
769 767
770If no bold colour is set via C<colorBD:>, bold will invert text using the 768If no bold colour is set via C<colorBD:>, bold will invert text using the
771standard foreground colour. 769standard foreground colour.
772 770
773For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the 771For the standard background colour, blinking will actually make the
780 778
781color0-7 are the low-intensity colors. 779color0-7 are the low-intensity colors.
782 780
783color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colors. 781color8-15 are the corresponding high-intensity colors.
784 782
785=item I don't like the screen colors. How do I change them? 783=head2 I don't like the screen colors. How do I change them?
786 784
787You can change the screen colors at run-time using F<~/.Xdefaults> 785You can change the screen colors at run-time using F<~/.Xdefaults>
788resources (or as long-options). 786resources (or as long-options).
789 787
790Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, 788Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen,
828 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff 826 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff
829 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff 827 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff
830 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd 828 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd
831 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd 829 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd
832 830
833=item How can I start @@RXVT_NAME@@d in a race-free way? 831=head2 How can I start @@RXVT_NAME@@d in a race-free way?
834 832
835Try C<@@RXVT_NAME@@d -f -o>, which tells @@RXVT_NAME@@d to open the 833Try C<@@RXVT_NAME@@d -f -o>, which tells @@RXVT_NAME@@d to open the
836display, create the listening socket and then fork. 834display, create the listening socket and then fork.
837 835
838=item What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 836=head2 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
839 837
840Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the 838Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the
841BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following 839BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following
842question) there are two standard values that can be used for 840question) there are two standard values that can be used for
843Backspace: C<^H> and C<^?>. 841Backspace: C<^H> and C<^?>.
889some editors (vim I'm told) expect Backspace = ^H, 887some editors (vim I'm told) expect Backspace = ^H,
890GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for help. 888GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for help.
891 889
892Perhaps someday this will all be resolved in a consistent manner. 890Perhaps someday this will all be resolved in a consistent manner.
893 891
894=item I don't like the key-bindings. How do I change them? 892=head2 I don't like the key-bindings. How do I change them?
895 893
896There are some compile-time selections available via configure. Unless 894There are some compile-time selections available via configure. Unless
897you have run "configure" with the C<--disable-resources> option you can 895you have run "configure" with the C<--disable-resources> option you can
898use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with keysyms. 896use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings associated with keysyms.
899 897
920 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz > 918 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz >
921 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007 919 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007
922 920
923See some more examples in the documentation for the B<keysym> resource. 921See some more examples in the documentation for the B<keysym> resource.
924 922
925=item I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. 923=head2 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys.
926How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 924How do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4
927has the following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize. 925has the following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize.
928 926
929 KP_Insert == Insert 927 KP_Insert == Insert
930 F22 == Print 928 F22 == Print
935 933
936Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various possible 934Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various possible
937keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the keys as 935keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap the keys as
938required for your particular machine. 936required for your particular machine.
939 937
940=item How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? 938=head2 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm?
941I need this to decide about setting colors etc. 939I need this to decide about setting colors etc.
942 940
943rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you can 941rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you can
944check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, slrn, 942check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, slrn,
945Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide whether or 943Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide whether or
946not to use color. 944not to use color.
947 945
948=item How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable? 946=head2 How do I set the correct, full IP address for the DISPLAY variable?
949 947
950If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled 948If you've compiled rxvt-unicode with DISPLAY_IS_IP and have enabled
951insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script 949insecure mode then it is possible to use the following shell script
952snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode 950snippets to correctly set the display. If your version of rxvt-unicode
953wasn't also compiled with ESCZ_ANSWER (as assumed in these snippets) then 951wasn't also compiled with ESCZ_ANSWER (as assumed in these snippets) then
968 echo -n '^[[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string 966 echo -n '^[[7n' # query the rxvt we are in for the DISPLAY string
969 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell 967 read DISPLAY # set it in our local shell
970 fi 968 fi
971 fi 969 fi
972 970
973=item How do I compile the manual pages for myself? 971=head2 How do I compile the manual pages for myself?
974 972
975You need to have a recent version of perl installed as F</usr/bin/perl>, 973You need to have a recent version of perl installed as F</usr/bin/perl>,
976one that comes with F<pod2man>, F<pod2text> and F<pod2html>. Then go to 974one that comes with F<pod2man>, F<pod2text> and F<pod2html>. Then go to
977the doc subdirectory and enter C<make alldoc>. 975the doc subdirectory and enter C<make alldoc>.
978 976
979=item My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human? 977=head2 My question isn't answered here, can I ask a human?
980 978
981Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: C<irc.freenode.net>, 979Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: C<irc.freenode.net>,
982channel C<#rxvt-unicode> has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be 980channel C<#rxvt-unicode> has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might be
983interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :). 981interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not FAQs :).
984
985=back
986 982
987=head1 RXVT TECHNICAL REFERENCE 983=head1 RXVT TECHNICAL REFERENCE
988 984
989=head1 DESCRIPTION 985=head1 DESCRIPTION
990 986

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