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1NAME 1NAME
2 RXVT REFERENCE - FAQ, command sequences and other background information 2 RXVT REFERENCE - FAQ, command sequences and other background information
3
4SYNOPSIS
5 # set a new font set
6 printf '\33]50;%s\007' 9x15,xft:Kochi" Mincho"
7
8 # change the locale and tell rxvt-unicode about it
9 export LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.EUC-JP; printf "\33]701;$LC_CTYPE\007"
10
11 # set window title
12 printf '\33]2;%s\007' "new window title"
13
14DESCRIPTION
15 This document contains the FAQ, the RXVT TECHNICAL REFERENCE documenting
16 all escape sequences, and other background information.
17
18 The newest version of this document is also available on the World Wide
19 Web at
20 <http://cvs.schmorp.de/browse/*checkout*/rxvt-unicode/doc/rxvt.7.html>.
3 21
4FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 22FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
5 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using? 23 How do I know which rxvt-unicode version I'm using?
6 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape 24 The version number is displayed with the usage (-h). Also the escape
7 sequence "ESC[8n" sets the window title to the version number. 25 sequence "ESC [ 8 n" sets the window title to the version number.
26
27 I am using Debian GNU/Linux and have a problem...
28 The Debian GNU/Linux package of rxvt-unicode contains large patches
29 that considerably change the behaviour of rxvt-unicode. Before
30 reporting a bug to the original rxvt-unicode author please download
31 and install the genuine version
32 (<http://software.schmorp.de#rxvt-unicode>) and try to reproduce the
33 problem. If you cannot, chances are that the problems are specific
34 to Debian GNU/Linux, in which case it should be reported via the
35 Debian Bug Tracking System (use "reportbug" to report the bug).
36
37 For other problems that also affect the Debian package, you can and
38 probably should use the Debian BTS, too, because, after all, it's
39 also a bug in the Debian version and it serves as a reminder for
40 other users that might encounter the same issue.
8 41
9 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? 42 When I log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data?
10 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely 43 The terminal description used by rxvt-unicode is not as widely
11 available as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same 44 available as that for xterm, or even rxvt (for which the same
12 problem often arises). 45 problem often arises).
24 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and 57 problems arising, which includes wrong keymapping, less and
25 different colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen 58 different colours and some refresh errors in fullscreen
26 applications. It's a nice quick-and-dirty workaround for rare cases, 59 applications. It's a nice quick-and-dirty workaround for rare cases,
27 though. 60 though.
28 61
29 If you always want to do this you can either recompile rxvt-unicode 62 If you always want to do this (and are fine with the consequences)
30 with the desired TERM value or use a resource to set it: 63 you can either recompile rxvt-unicode with the desired TERM value or
64 use a resource to set it:
31 65
32 URxvt.termName: rxvt 66 URxvt.termName: rxvt
33 67
34 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also 68 If you don't plan to use rxvt (quite common...) you could also
35 replace the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one. 69 replace the rxvt terminfo file with the rxvt-unicode one.
36 70
71 "bash"'s readline does not work correctly under rxvt.
37 I need a termcap file entry. 72 I need a termcap file entry.
73 One reason you might want this is that some distributions or
74 operating systems still compile some programs using the
75 long-obsoleted termcap library (Fedora Core's bash is one example)
76 and rely on a termcap entry for "rxvt-unicode".
77
38 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many 78 You could use rxvt's termcap entry with resonable results in many
39 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's 79 cases. You can also create a termcap entry by using terminfo's
40 infocmp program like this: 80 infocmp program like this:
41 81
42 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode 82 infocmp -C rxvt-unicode
43 83
44 OR you could this termcap entry: 84 Or you could use this termcap entry, generated by the command above:
45 85
46 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\ 86 rxvt-unicode|rxvt-unicode terminal (X Window System):\
47 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\ 87 :am:bw:eo:km:mi:ms:xn:xo:\
48 :co#80:it#8:li#24:\ 88 :co#80:it#8:li#24:lm#0:\
49 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\ 89 :AL=\E[%dL:DC=\E[%dP:DL=\E[%dM:DO=\E[%dB:IC=\E[%d@:\
50 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\ 90 :K1=\EOw:K2=\EOu:K3=\EOy:K4=\EOq:K5=\EOs:LE=\E[%dD:\
51 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=^O:al=\E[L:\ 91 :RI=\E[%dC:SF=\E[%dS:SR=\E[%dT:UP=\E[%dA:ae=\E(B:al=\E[L:\
52 :as=^N:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:\ 92 :as=\E(0:bl=^G:cd=\E[J:ce=\E[K:cl=\E[H\E[2J:\
53 :cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:dl=\E[M:do=^J:\ 93 :cm=\E[%i%d;%dH:cr=^M:cs=\E[%i%d;%dr:ct=\E[3g:dc=\E[P:\
54 :ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:\ 94 :dl=\E[M:do=^J:ec=\E[%dX:ei=\E[4l:ho=\E[H:\
95 :i1=\E[?47l\E=\E[?1l:ic=\E[@:im=\E[4h:\
55 :im=\E[4h:is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\ 96 :is=\E[r\E[m\E[2J\E[H\E[?7h\E[?1;3;4;6l\E[4l:\
56 :k0=\E[21~:k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:\ 97 :k1=\E[11~:k2=\E[12~:k3=\E[13~:k4=\E[14~:k5=\E[15~:\
57 :k5=\E[15~:k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:\ 98 :k6=\E[17~:k7=\E[18~:k8=\E[19~:k9=\E[20~:kD=\E[3~:\
58 :kD=\E[3~:kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:\ 99 :kI=\E[2~:kN=\E[6~:kP=\E[5~:kb=\177:kd=\EOB:ke=\E[?1l\E>:\
59 :ke=\E[?1l\E>:kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:\ 100 :kh=\E[7~:kl=\EOD:kr=\EOC:ks=\E[?1h\E=:ku=\EOA:le=^H:\
60 :ku=\EOA:le=^H:mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:\ 101 :mb=\E[5m:md=\E[1m:me=\E[m\017:mr=\E[7m:nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:\
61 :nd=\E[C:rc=\E8:sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:\ 102 :sc=\E7:se=\E[27m:sf=^J:so=\E[7m:sr=\EM:st=\EH:ta=^I:\
62 :st=\EH:ta=^I:te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:\ 103 :te=\E[r\E[?1049l:ti=\E[?1049h:ue=\E[24m:up=\E[A:\
63 :up=\E[A:us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\ 104 :us=\E[4m:vb=\E[?5h\E[?5l:ve=\E[?25h:vi=\E[?25l:\
64 :vs=\E[?25h: 105 :vs=\E[?25h:
65 106
66 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output? 107 Why does "ls" no longer have coloured output?
67 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to 108 The "ls" in the GNU coreutils unfortunately doesn't use terminfo to
68 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration 109 decide wether a terminal has colour, but uses it's own configuration
87 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file, 128 furthermore fail to even install the "rxvt-unicode" terminfo file,
88 so you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I 129 so you will need to install it on your own (See the question When I
89 log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on 130 log-in to another system it tells me about missing terminfo data? on
90 how to do this). 131 how to do this).
91 132
133 My numerical keypad acts weird and generates differing output?
134 Some Debian GNUL/Linux users seem to have this problem, although no
135 specific details were reported so far. It is possible that this is
136 caused by the wrong "TERM" setting, although the details of wether
137 and how this can happen are unknown, as "TERM=rxvt" should offer a
138 compatible keymap. See the answer to the previous question, and
139 please report if that helped.
140
92 Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding? 141 Rxvt-unicode does not seem to understand the selected encoding?
93 Unicode does not seem to work? 142 Unicode does not seem to work?
94 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character 143 If you encounter strange problems like typing an accented character
95 but getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program 144 but getting two unrelated other characters or similar, or if program
96 output is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale 145 output is subtly garbled, then you should check your locale
97 settings. 146 settings.
98 147
99 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the 148 Rxvt-unicode must be started with the same "LC_CTYPE" setting as the
100 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the 149 programs. Often rxvt-unicode is started in the "C" locale, while the
101 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the 150 login script running within the rxvt-unicode window changes the
102 locale to sth. else, e.h. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this is 151 locale to something else, e.g. "en_GB.UTF-8". Needless to say, this
103 not going to work. 152 is not going to work.
104 153
105 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will 154 The best thing is to fix your startup environment, as you will
106 likely run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in 155 likely run into other problems. If nothing works you can try this in
107 your .profile. 156 your .profile.
108 157
109 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE" 158 printf '\e]701;%s\007' "$LC_CTYPE"
110 159
111 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification 160 If this doesn't work, then maybe you use a "LC_CTYPE" specification
112 not supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command 161 not supported on your systems. Some systems have a "locale" command
113 which displays this. If it displays sth. like: 162 which displays this (also, "perl -e0" can be used to check locale
163 settings, as it will complain loudly if it cannot set the locale).
164 If it displays something like:
114 165
115 locale: Cannot set LC_CTYPE to default locale: ... 166 locale: Cannot set LC_CTYPE to default locale: ...
116 167
117 Then the locale you specified is not supported on your system. 168 Then the locale you specified is not supported on your system.
118 169
126 Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of 177 Chances are that the font you (or the admin/package maintainer of
127 your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you 178 your system/os) have specified does not cover all the characters you
128 want to display. 179 want to display.
129 180
130 rxvt-unicode makes a best-effort try at finding a replacement font. 181 rxvt-unicode makes a best-effort try at finding a replacement font.
131 Often the result is fine, but sometimes the chosen font looks bad. 182 Often the result is fine, but sometimes the chosen font looks
132 Many fonts have totally strange characters that don't resemble the 183 bad/ugly/wrong. Some fonts have totally strange characters that
133 correct glyph at all, and rxvt-unicode lacks the artificial 184 don't resemble the correct glyph at all, and rxvt-unicode lacks the
134 intelligence to detect that a specific glyph is wrong: it has to 185 artificial intelligence to detect that a specific glyph is wrong: it
135 believe the font that the characters it contains indeed look 186 has to believe the font that the characters it claims to contain
136 correct. 187 indeed look correct.
137 188
138 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font 189 In that case, select a font of your taste and add it to the font
139 list, e.g.: 190 list, e.g.:
140 191
141 rxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3... 192 rxvt -fn basefont,font2,font3...
144 font. If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to 195 font. If the base font does not contain the character, it will go to
145 the next font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed 196 the next font, and so on. Specifying your own fonts will also speed
146 up this search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the 197 up this search and use less resources within rxvt-unicode and the
147 X-server. 198 X-server.
148 199
149 The only limitation is that all the fonts must not be larger than 200 The only limitation is that none of the fonts may be larger than the
150 the base font, as the base font defines the principal cell size, 201 base font, as the base font defines the terminal character cell
151 which must be the same due to the way terminals work. 202 size, which must be the same due to the way terminals work.
152 203
153 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others? 204 Why do some chinese characters look so different than others?
154 This is because there is a difference between script and language -- 205 This is because there is a difference between script and language --
155 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output 206 rxvt-unicode does not know which language the text that is output
156 is, as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode 207 is, as it only knows the unicode character codes. If rxvt-unicode
157 first sees a japanese character, it might choose a japanese font for 208 first sees a japanese/chinese character, it might choose a japanese
158 it. Subsequent japanese characters will take that font. Now, many 209 font for display. Subsequent japanese characters will use that font.
159 chinese characters aren't represented in japanese fonts, so when the 210 Now, many chinese characters aren't represented in japanese fonts,
160 first non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will look for a 211 so when the first non-japanese character comes up, rxvt-unicode will
161 chinese font -- unfortunately at this point, it will still use the 212 look for a chinese font -- unfortunately at this point, it will
162 japanese font for japanese characters that are also chinese. 213 still use the japanese font for chinese characters that are also in
214 the japanese font.
163 215
164 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your 216 The workaround is easy: just tag a chinese font at the end of your
165 font list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font 217 font list (see the previous question). The key is to view the font
166 list as a preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a 218 list as a preference list: If you expect more japanese, list a
167 japanese font first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font 219 japanese font first. If you expect more chinese, put a chinese font
168 first. 220 first.
169 221
170 In the future it might be possible to switch preferences at runtime 222 In the future it might be possible to switch language preferences at
171 (the internal data structure has no problem with using different 223 runtime (the internal data structure has no problem with using
172 fonts for the same character at the same time, but no interface for 224 different fonts for the same character at the same time, but no
173 this has been designed yet). 225 interface for this has been designed yet).
226
227 Until then, you might get away with switching fonts at runtime (see
228 "Can I switch the fonts at runtime?" later in this document).
174 229
175 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings? 230 Why does rxvt-unicode sometimes leave pixel droppings?
176 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that 231 Most fonts were not designed for terminal use, which means that
177 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for 232 character size varies a lot. A font that is otherwise fine for
178 terminal use might contain some characters that are simply too wide. 233 terminal use might contain some characters that are simply too wide.
212 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for 267 advantage, typing <Ctrl-Shift-0> to get a ASCII NUL. This works for
213 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default 268 other codes, too, such as "Ctrl-Shift-1-d" to type the default
214 telnet escape character and so on. 269 telnet escape character and so on.
215 270
216 How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much? 271 How can I keep rxvt-unicode from using reverse video so much?
217 First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminfo 272 First of all, make sure you are running with the right terminal
218 ("urxvt"), which will get rid of most of these effects. Then make 273 settings ("TERM=rxvt-unicode"), which will get rid of most of these
219 sure you have specified colours for italic and bold, as otherwise 274 effects. Then make sure you have specified colours for italic and
220 rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate the effect: 275 bold, as otherwise rxvt-unicode might use reverse video to simulate
276 the effect:
221 277
222 URxvt*colorBD: white 278 URxvt.colorBD: white
223 URxvt*colorIT: green 279 URxvt.colorIT: green
224 280
225 Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how 281 Some programs assume totally weird colours (red instead of blue), how
226 can I fix that? 282 can I fix that?
227 For some unexplainable reason, some programs (i.e. irssi) assume a 283 For some unexplainable reason, some rare programs assume a very
228 very weird colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more 284 weird colour palette when confronted with a terminal with more than
229 than the standard 8 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right 285 the standard 8 colours (rxvt-unicode supports 88). The right fix is,
230 fix is, of course, to fix these programs not to assume non-ISO 286 of course, to fix these programs not to assume non-ISO colours
231 colours without very good reasons. 287 without very good reasons.
232 288
233 In the meantime, you can either edit your "urxvt" terminfo 289 In the meantime, you can either edit your "rxvt-unicode" terminfo
234 definition to only claim 8 colour support or use "TERM=rxvt", which 290 definition to only claim 8 colour support or use "TERM=rxvt", which
235 will fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode 291 will fix colours but keep you from using other rxvt-unicode
236 features. 292 features.
237 293
238 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all. 294 I am on FreeBSD and rxvt-unicode does not seem to work at all.
241 it, wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__" 297 it, wether it defines the symbol or not. "__STDC_ISO_10646__"
242 requires that wchar_t is represented as unicode. 298 requires that wchar_t is represented as unicode.
243 299
244 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl 300 As you might have guessed, FreeBSD does neither define this symobl
245 nor does it support it. Instead, it uses it's own internal 301 nor does it support it. Instead, it uses it's own internal
246 representation of wchar_t. This is, of course, completely legal. 302 representation of wchar_t. This is, of course, completely fine with
303 respect to standards.
247 304
248 However, "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support 305 However, "__STDC_ISO_10646__" is the only sane way to support
249 multi-language apps in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and 306 multi-language apps in an OS, as using a locale-dependent (and
250 non-standardized) representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to 307 non-standardized) representation of wchar_t makes it impossible to
251 convert between wchar_t (as used by X11 and your applications) and 308 convert between wchar_t (as used by X11 and your applications) and
260 OS implements encodings slightly different than the terminal 317 OS implements encodings slightly different than the terminal
261 emulator). 318 emulator).
262 319
263 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in 320 The rxvt-unicode author insists that the right way to fix this is in
264 the system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app 321 the system libraries once and for all, instead of forcing every app
265 to carry complete replacements. 322 to carry complete replacements for them :)
266 323
267 How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use? 324 How does rxvt-unicode determine the encoding to use?
268 Is there an option to switch encodings? 325 Is there an option to switch encodings?
269 Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch, 326 Unlike some other terminals, rxvt-unicode has no encoding switch,
270 and no specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't 327 and no specific "utf-8" mode, such as xterm. In fact, it doesn't
273 330
274 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for 331 The reasons is that there exists a perfectly fine mechanism for
275 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating 332 selecting the encoding, doing I/O and (most important) communicating
276 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties 333 this to all applications so everybody agrees on character properties
277 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*. 334 such as width and code number. This mechanism is the *locale*.
335 Applications not using that info will have problems (for example,
336 "xterm" gets the width of characters wrong as it uses it's own,
337 locale-independent table under all locales).
278 338
279 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding. 339 Rxvt-unicode uses the "LC_CTYPE" locale category to select encoding.
280 All programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree 340 All programs doing the same (that is, most) will automatically agree
281 in the interpretation of characters. 341 in the interpretation of characters.
282 342
290 "language_country.encoding", but other forms (i.e. "de" or "german") 350 "language_country.encoding", but other forms (i.e. "de" or "german")
291 are also common. 351 are also common.
292 352
293 Rxvt-unicode ignores all other locale categories, and except for the 353 Rxvt-unicode ignores all other locale categories, and except for the
294 encoding, ignores country or language-specific settings, i.e. 354 encoding, ignores country or language-specific settings, i.e.
295 "de_DE.UTF-8" and "ja_JP.UTF-8" are the same for rxvt-unicode. 355 "de_DE.UTF-8" and "ja_JP.UTF-8" are the normally same to
356 rxvt-unicode.
296 357
297 If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you 358 If you want to use a specific encoding you have to make sure you
298 start rxvt-unicode with the correct "LC_CTYPE" category. 359 start rxvt-unicode with the correct "LC_CTYPE" category.
299 360
300 Can I switch locales at runtime? 361 Can I switch locales at runtime?
301 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try sth. like this, which sets 362 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which sets
302 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE". 363 rxvt-unicode's idea of "LC_CTYPE".
303 364
304 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 365 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
305 366
306 See also the previous question. 367 See also the previous answer.
307 368
308 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in 369 Sometimes this capability is rather handy when you want to work in
309 one locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support 370 one locale (e.g. "de_DE.UTF-8") but some programs don't support it
310 UTF-8. For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which first 371 (e.g. UTF-8). For example, I use this script to start "xjdic", which
311 switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later: 372 first switches to a locale supported by xjdic and back later:
312 373
313 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS 374 printf '\e]701;%s\007' ja_JP.SJIS
314 xjdic -js 375 xjdic -js
315 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8 376 printf '\e]701;%s\007' de_DE.UTF-8
316 377
378 You can also use xterm's "luit" program, which usually works fine,
379 except for some locales where character width differs between
380 program- and rxvt-unicode-locales.
381
317 Can I switch the fonts at runtime? 382 Can I switch the fonts at runtime?
318 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try sth. like this, which has the 383 Yes, using an escape sequence. Try something like this, which has
319 same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect immediately: 384 the same effect as using the "-fn" switch, and takes effect
385 immediately:
320 386
321 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic" 387 printf '\e]50;%s\007' "9x15bold,xft:Kochi Gothic"
322 388
323 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer 389 This is useful if you e.g. work primarily with japanese (and prefer
324 a japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily, 390 a japanese font), but you have to switch to chinese temporarily,
327 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching. 393 You can think of this as a kind of manual ISO-2022 switching.
328 394
329 Why do italic characters look as if clipped? 395 Why do italic characters look as if clipped?
330 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For 396 Many fonts have difficulties with italic characters and hinting. For
331 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera 397 example, the otherwise very nicely hinted font "xft:Bitstream Vera
332 Sans Mono" completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround is to 398 Sans Mono" completely fails in it's italic face. A workaround might
333 enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this: 399 be to enable freetype autohinting, i.e. like this:
334 400
335 URxvt*italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true 401 URxvt.italicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:italic:autohint=true
336 URxvt*boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true 402 URxvt.boldItalicFont: xft:Bitstream Vera Sans Mono:bold:italic:autohint=true
337 403
338 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do? 404 My input method wants <some encoding> but I want UTF-8, what can I do?
339 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest 405 You can specify separate locales for the input method and the rest
340 of the terminal, using the resource "imlocale": 406 of the terminal, using the resource "imlocale":
341 407
344 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and 410 Now you can start your terminal with "LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.UTF-8" and
345 still use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not 411 still use your input method. Please note, however, that you will not
346 be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP" in a normal way then, 412 be able to input characters outside "EUC-JP" in a normal way then,
347 as your input method limits you. 413 as your input method limits you.
348 414
415 Rxvt-unicode crashes when the X Input Method changes or exits.
416 Unfortunately, this is unavoidable, as the XIM protocol is racy by
417 design. Applications can avoid some crashes at the expense of memory
418 leaks, and Input Methods can avoid some crashes by careful ordering
419 at exit time. kinput2 (and derived input methods) generally
420 succeeds, while SCIM (or similar input methods) fails. In the end,
421 however, crashes cannot be completely avoided even if both sides
422 cooperate.
423
424 So the only workaround is not to kill your Input Method Servers.
425
349 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that? 426 Rxvt-unicode uses gobs of memory, how can I reduce that?
350 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for sth. you 427 Rxvt-unicode tries to obey the rule of not charging you for
351 don't use. One thing you should try is to configure out all settings 428 something you don't use. One thing you should try is to configure
352 that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a resource hog by 429 out all settings that you don't need, for example, Xft support is a
353 design, when used. Compiling it out ensures that no Xft font will be 430 resource hog by design, when used. Compiling it out ensures that no
354 loaded accidentally when rxvt-unicode tries to find a font for your 431 Xft font will be loaded accidentally when rxvt-unicode tries to find
355 characters. 432 a font for your characters.
356 433
357 Also, many people (me included) like large windows and even larger 434 Also, many people (me included) like large windows and even larger
358 scrollback buffers: Without "--enable-unicode3", rxvt-unicode will 435 scrollback buffers: Without "--enable-unicode3", rxvt-unicode will
359 use 6 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to 436 use 6 bytes per screen cell. For a 160x?? window this amounts to
360 almost a kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will 437 almost a kilobyte per line. A scrollback buffer of 10000 lines will
404 resources (or as long-options). 481 resources (or as long-options).
405 482
406 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen, 483 Here are values that are supposed to resemble a VGA screen,
407 including the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow: 484 including the murky brown that passes for low-intensity yellow:
408 485
409 URxvt*color0: #000000 486 URxvt.color0: #000000
410 URxvt*color1: #A80000 487 URxvt.color1: #A80000
411 URxvt*color2: #00A800 488 URxvt.color2: #00A800
412 URxvt*color3: #A8A800 489 URxvt.color3: #A8A800
413 URxvt*color4: #0000A8 490 URxvt.color4: #0000A8
414 URxvt*color5: #A800A8 491 URxvt.color5: #A800A8
415 URxvt*color6: #00A8A8 492 URxvt.color6: #00A8A8
416 URxvt*color7: #A8A8A8 493 URxvt.color7: #A8A8A8
417 494
418 URxvt*color8: #000054 495 URxvt.color8: #000054
419 URxvt*color9: #FF0054 496 URxvt.color9: #FF0054
420 URxvt*color10: #00FF54 497 URxvt.color10: #00FF54
421 URxvt*color11: #FFFF54 498 URxvt.color11: #FFFF54
422 URxvt*color12: #0000FF 499 URxvt.color12: #0000FF
423 URxvt*color13: #FF00FF 500 URxvt.color13: #FF00FF
424 URxvt*color14: #00FFFF 501 URxvt.color14: #00FFFF
425 URxvt*color15: #FFFFFF 502 URxvt.color15: #FFFFFF
426 503
427 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described as 504 And here is a more complete set of non-standard colors described
428 "pretty girly": 505 (not by me) as "pretty girly".
429 506
430 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1 507 URxvt.cursorColor: #dc74d1
431 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1 508 URxvt.pointerColor: #dc74d1
432 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e 509 URxvt.background: #0e0e0e
433 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1 510 URxvt.foreground: #4ad5e1
444 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff 521 URxvt.color6: #73f7ff
445 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff 522 URxvt.color14: #73f7ff
446 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd 523 URxvt.color7: #e1dddd
447 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd 524 URxvt.color15: #e1dddd
448 525
526 How can I start rxvtd in a race-free way?
527 Despite it's name, rxvtd is not a real daemon, but more like a
528 server that answers rxvtc's requests, so it doesn't background
529 itself.
530
531 To ensure rxvtd is listening on it's socket, you can use the
532 following method to wait for the startup message before continuing:
533
534 { rxvtd & } | read
535
449 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour? 536 What's with the strange Backspace/Delete key behaviour?
450 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the 537 Assuming that the physical Backspace key corresponds to the
451 BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following 538 BackSpace keysym (not likely for Linux ... see the following
452 question) there are two standard values that can be used for 539 question) there are two standard values that can be used for
453 Backspace: "^H" and "^?". 540 Backspace: "^H" and "^?".
471 558
472 # use Backspace = ^? 559 # use Backspace = ^?
473 $ stty erase ^? 560 $ stty erase ^?
474 $ rxvt 561 $ rxvt
475 562
476 Toggle with "ESC[36h" / "ESC[36l" as documented in rxvt(7). 563 Toggle with "ESC [ 36 h" / "ESC [ 36 l" as documented in rxvt(7).
477 564
478 For an existing rxvt-unicode: 565 For an existing rxvt-unicode:
479 566
480 # use Backspace = ^H 567 # use Backspace = ^H
481 $ stty erase ^H 568 $ stty erase ^H
490 value properly reflects that. 577 value properly reflects that.
491 578
492 The Delete key is a another casualty of the ill-defined Backspace 579 The Delete key is a another casualty of the ill-defined Backspace
493 problem. To avoid confusion between the Backspace and Delete keys, 580 problem. To avoid confusion between the Backspace and Delete keys,
494 the Delete key has been assigned an escape sequence to match the 581 the Delete key has been assigned an escape sequence to match the
495 vt100 for Execute (ESC[3~) and is in the supplied termcap/terminfo. 582 vt100 for Execute ("ESC [ 3 ~") and is in the supplied
583 termcap/terminfo.
496 584
497 Some other Backspace problems: 585 Some other Backspace problems:
498 586
499 some editors use termcap/terminfo, some editors (vim I'm told) 587 some editors use termcap/terminfo, some editors (vim I'm told)
500 expect Backspace = ^H, GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for 588 expect Backspace = ^H, GNU Emacs (and Emacs-like editors) use ^H for
506 There are some compile-time selections available via configure. 594 There are some compile-time selections available via configure.
507 Unless you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources" 595 Unless you have run "configure" with the "--disable-resources"
508 option you can use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings 596 option you can use the `keysym' resource to alter the keystrings
509 associated with keysyms. 597 associated with keysyms.
510 598
511 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using `rxvt -name 599 Here's an example for a URxvt session started using "rxvt -name
512 URxvt' 600 URxvt"
513 601
514 URxvt*keysym.Home: \e[1~ 602 URxvt.keysym.Home: \033[1~
515 URxvt*keysym.End: \e[4~ 603 URxvt.keysym.End: \033[4~
516 URxvt*keysym.C-apostrophe: \e<C-'> 604 URxvt.keysym.C-apostrophe: \033<C-'>
517 URxvt*keysym.C-slash: \e<C-/> 605 URxvt.keysym.C-slash: \033<C-/>
518 URxvt*keysym.C-semicolon: \e<C-;> 606 URxvt.keysym.C-semicolon: \033<C-;>
519 URxvt*keysym.C-grave: \e<C-`> 607 URxvt.keysym.C-grave: \033<C-`>
520 URxvt*keysym.C-comma: \e<C-,> 608 URxvt.keysym.C-comma: \033<C-,>
521 URxvt*keysym.C-period: \e<C-.> 609 URxvt.keysym.C-period: \033<C-.>
522 URxvt*keysym.C-0x60: \e<C-`> 610 URxvt.keysym.C-0x60: \033<C-`>
523 URxvt*keysym.C-Tab: \e<C-Tab> 611 URxvt.keysym.C-Tab: \033<C-Tab>
524 URxvt*keysym.C-Return: \e<C-Return> 612 URxvt.keysym.C-Return: \033<C-Return>
525 URxvt*keysym.S-Return: \e<S-Return> 613 URxvt.keysym.S-Return: \033<S-Return>
526 URxvt*keysym.S-space: \e<S-Space> 614 URxvt.keysym.S-space: \033<S-Space>
527 URxvt*keysym.M-Up: \e<M-Up> 615 URxvt.keysym.M-Up: \033<M-Up>
528 URxvt*keysym.M-Down: \e<M-Down> 616 URxvt.keysym.M-Down: \033<M-Down>
529 URxvt*keysym.M-Left: \e<M-Left> 617 URxvt.keysym.M-Left: \033<M-Left>
530 URxvt*keysym.M-Right: \e<M-Right> 618 URxvt.keysym.M-Right: \033<M-Right>
531 URxvt*keysym.M-C-0: list.0123456789.\e<M-C-.> 619 URxvt.keysym.M-C-0: list \033<M-C- 0123456789 >
532 URxvt*keysym.M-C-a: list.abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz.\033<M-C-.> 620 URxvt.keysym.M-C-a: list \033<M-C- abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz >
533 URxvt*keysym.F12: proto:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007 621 URxvt.keysym.F12: command:\033]701;zh_CN.GBK\007
622
623 See some more examples in the documentation for the keysym resource.
534 624
535 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How 625 I'm using keyboard model XXX that has extra Prior/Next/Insert keys. How
536 do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the 626 do I make use of them? For example, the Sun Keyboard type 4 has the
537 following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize. 627 following mappings that rxvt-unicode doesn't recognize.
538 KP_Insert == Insert 628 KP_Insert == Insert
544 634
545 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various 635 Rather than have rxvt-unicode try to accommodate all the various
546 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap 636 possible keyboard mappings, it is better to use `xmodmap' to remap
547 the keys as required for your particular machine. 637 the keys as required for your particular machine.
548 638
549 How do I distinguish if I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm? I 639 How do I distinguish wether I'm running rxvt-unicode or a regular xterm?
550 need this to decide about setting colors etc. 640 I need this to decide about setting colors etc.
551 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you 641 rxvt and rxvt-unicode always export the variable "COLORTERM", so you
552 can check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED, 642 can check and see if that is set. Note that several programs, JED,
553 slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide 643 slrn, Midnight Commander automatically check this variable to decide
554 whether or not to use color. 644 whether or not to use color.
555 645
586 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net", 676 Before sending me mail, you could go to IRC: "irc.freenode.net",
587 channel "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might 677 channel "#rxvt-unicode" has some rxvt-unicode enthusiasts that might
588 be interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not 678 be interested in learning about new and exciting problems (but not
589 FAQs :). 679 FAQs :).
590 680
591SYNOPSIS 681RXVT TECHNICAL REFERENCE
592 # set a new font set
593 printf '\33]50;%s\007' 9x15,xft:Kochi" Mincho"
594
595 # change the locale and tell rxvt-unicode about it
596 export LC_CTYPE=ja_JP.EUC-JP; printf "\33]701;$LC_CTYPE\007"
597
598 # set window title
599 printf '\33]2;%s\007' "new window title"
600
601DESCRIPTION 682DESCRIPTION
602 The rest of this document describes various technical aspects of 683 The rest of this document describes various technical aspects of
603 rxvt-unicode. First the description of supported command sequences, 684 rxvt-unicode. First the description of supported command sequences,
604 followed by menu and pixmap support and last by a description of all 685 followed by menu and pixmap support and last by a description of all
605 features selectable at "configure" time. 686 features selectable at "configure" time.
606 687
607RXVT TECHNICAL REFERENCE
608Definitions 688Definitions
609 "c" The literal character c. 689 "c" The literal character c.
610 690
611 "C" A single (required) character. 691 "C" A single (required) character.
612 692
697 "ESC O" 777 "ESC O"
698 Single Shift Select of G3 Character Set (SS3): affects next 778 Single Shift Select of G3 Character Set (SS3): affects next
699 character only *unimplemented* 779 character only *unimplemented*
700 780
701 "ESC Z" 781 "ESC Z"
702 Obsolete form of returns: "ESC[?1;2C" *rxvt-unicode compile-time 782 Obsolete form of returns: "ESC [ ? 1 ; 2 C" *rxvt-unicode
703 option* 783 compile-time option*
704 784
705 "ESC c" 785 "ESC c"
706 Full reset (RIS) 786 Full reset (RIS)
707 787
708 "ESC n" 788 "ESC n"
709 Invoke the G2 Character Set (LS2) 789 Invoke the G2 Character Set (LS2)
710 790
711 "ESC o" 791 "ESC o"
712 Invoke the G3 Character Set (LS3) 792 Invoke the G3 Character Set (LS3)
713 793
714 "ESC" ( C> 794 "ESC ( C"
715 Designate G0 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C". 795 Designate G0 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C".
716 796
717 "ESC" ) C> 797 "ESC ) C"
718 Designate G1 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C". 798 Designate G1 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C".
719 799
720 "ESC * C" 800 "ESC * C"
721 Designate G2 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C". 801 Designate G2 Character Set (ISO 2022), see below for values of "C".
722 802
815 "ESC [ Ps a" 895 "ESC [ Ps a"
816 See "ESC [ Ps C" 896 See "ESC [ Ps C"
817 897
818 "ESC [ Ps c" 898 "ESC [ Ps c"
819 Send Device Attributes (DA) "Ps = 0" (or omitted): request 899 Send Device Attributes (DA) "Ps = 0" (or omitted): request
820 attributes from terminal returns: "ESC[?1;2c" (``I am a VT100 with 900 attributes from terminal returns: "ESC [ ? 1 ; 2 c" (``I am a VT100
821 Advanced Video Option'') 901 with Advanced Video Option'')
822 902
823 "ESC [ Ps d" 903 "ESC [ Ps d"
824 Cursor to Line "Ps" (VPA) 904 Cursor to Line "Ps" (VPA)
825 905
826 "ESC [ Ps e" 906 "ESC [ Ps e"
900 (CSR) 980 (CSR)
901 981
902 "ESC [ s" 982 "ESC [ s"
903 Save Cursor (SC) 983 Save Cursor (SC)
904 984
985 "ESC [ Ps;Pt t"
986 Window Operations
987
988 Ps = 1 Deiconify (map) window
989 Ps = 2 Iconify window
990 Ps = 3 ESC [ 3 ; X ; Y t Move window to (X|Y)
991 Ps = 4 ESC [ 4 ; H ; W t Resize to WxH pixels
992 Ps = 5 Raise window
993 Ps = 6 Lower window
994 Ps = 7 Refresh screen once
995 Ps = 8 ESC [ 8 ; R ; C t Resize to R rows and C columns
996 Ps = 11 Report window state (responds with Ps = 1 or Ps = 2)
997 Ps = 13 Report window position (responds with Ps = 3)
998 Ps = 14 Report window pixel size (responds with Ps = 4)
999 Ps = 18 Report window text size (responds with Ps = 7)
1000 Ps = 19 Currently the same as Ps = 18, but responds with Ps = 9
1001 Ps = 20 Reports icon label (ESC ] L NAME \234)
1002 Ps = 21 Reports window title (ESC ] l NAME \234)
1003 Ps = 24.. Set window height to Ps rows
1004
1005 "ESC [ u"
1006 Restore Cursor
1007
905 "ESC [ Ps x" 1008 "ESC [ Ps x"
906 Request Terminal Parameters (DECREQTPARM) 1009 Request Terminal Parameters (DECREQTPARM)
907
908 "ESC [ u"
909 Restore Cursor
910 1010
911 1011
912 1012
913DEC Private Modes 1013DEC Private Modes
914 "ESC [ ? Pm h" 1014 "ESC [ ? Pm h"
1115 [menu] 1215 [menu]
1116 access the current menuBar for alteration 1216 access the current menuBar for alteration
1117 1217
1118 [title:+*string*] 1218 [title:+*string*]
1119 set the current menuBar's title to *string*, which may contain the 1219 set the current menuBar's title to *string*, which may contain the
1120 following format specifiers: %% : literal % character %n : rxvt name 1220 following format specifiers:
1121 (as per the -name command-line option) %v : rxvt version 1221
1222 B<%n> rxvt name (as per the B<-name> command-line option)
1223 B<%v> rxvt version
1224 B<%%> literal B<%> character
1122 1225
1123 [done] 1226 [done]
1124 set menuBar access as readonly. End-of-file tag for [read:+*file*] 1227 set menuBar access as readonly. End-of-file tag for [read:+*file*]
1125 operations. 1228 operations.
1126 1229
1230 1333
1231 As a convenience for the many Emacs-type editors, *action* may start 1334 As a convenience for the many Emacs-type editors, *action* may start
1232 with M- (eg, M-$ is equivalent to \E$) and a CR will be appended if 1335 with M- (eg, M-$ is equivalent to \E$) and a CR will be appended if
1233 missed from M-x commands. 1336 missed from M-x commands.
1234 1337
1235 As a convenience for issuing XTerm ESC] sequences from a menubar (or 1338 As a convenience for issuing XTerm ESC ] sequences from a menubar (or
1236 quick arrow), a BEL (^G) will be appended if needed. 1339 quick arrow), a BEL (^G) will be appended if needed.
1237 1340
1238 For example, 1341 For example,
1239 M-xapropos is equivalent to \Exapropos\r 1342 M-xapropos is equivalent to \Exapropos\r
1240 1343
1602 accents are encoded as seperate unicode characters. This is done by 1705 accents are encoded as seperate unicode characters. This is done by
1603 using precomposited characters when available or creating new 1706 using precomposited characters when available or creating new
1604 pseudo-characters when no precomposed form exists. 1707 pseudo-characters when no precomposed form exists.
1605 1708
1606 Without --enable-unicode3, the number of additional precomposed 1709 Without --enable-unicode3, the number of additional precomposed
1607 characters is rather limited (2048, if this is full, rxvt will use 1710 characters is rather limited (2048, if this is full, rxvt-unicode
1608 the private use area, extending the number of combinations to 8448). 1711 will use the private use area, extending the number of combinations
1609 With --enable-unicode3, no practical limit exists. This will also 1712 to 8448). With --enable-unicode3, no practical limit exists.
1610 enable storage of characters >65535. 1713
1714 This option will also enable storage (but not display) of characters
1715 beyond plane 0 (>65535) when --enable-unicode3 was not specified.
1611 1716
1612 The combining table also contains entries for arabic presentation 1717 The combining table also contains entries for arabic presentation
1613 forms, but these are not currently used. Bug me if you want these to 1718 forms, but these are not currently used. Bug me if you want these to
1614 be used. 1719 be used (and tell me how these are to be used...).
1615 1720
1616 --enable-fallback(=CLASS) 1721 --enable-fallback(=CLASS)
1617 When reading resource settings, also read settings for class CLASS 1722 When reading resource settings, also read settings for class CLASS
1618 (default: Rxvt). To disable resource fallback use 1723 (default: Rxvt). To disable resource fallback use
1619 --disable-fallback. 1724 --disable-fallback.
1693 1798
1694 --enable-xgetdefault 1799 --enable-xgetdefault
1695 Make resources checking via XGetDefault() instead of our small 1800 Make resources checking via XGetDefault() instead of our small
1696 version which only checks ~/.Xdefaults, or if that doesn't exist 1801 version which only checks ~/.Xdefaults, or if that doesn't exist
1697 then ~/.Xresources. 1802 then ~/.Xresources.
1803
1804 Please note that nowadays, things like XIM will automatically pull
1805 in and use the full X resource manager, so the overhead of using it
1806 might be very small, if nonexistant.
1698 1807
1699 --enable-strings 1808 --enable-strings
1700 Add support for our possibly faster memset() function and other 1809 Add support for our possibly faster memset() function and other
1701 various routines, overriding your system's versions which may have 1810 various routines, overriding your system's versions which may have
1702 been hand-crafted in assembly or may require extra libraries to link 1811 been hand-crafted in assembly or may require extra libraries to link
1722 iso-14755-2 and -3, and visual feedback 1831 iso-14755-2 and -3, and visual feedback
1723 backindex and forwardindex escape sequence 1832 backindex and forwardindex escape sequence
1724 window op and locale change escape sequences 1833 window op and locale change escape sequences
1725 tripleclickwords 1834 tripleclickwords
1726 settable insecure mode 1835 settable insecure mode
1836 keysym remapping support
1727 1837
1728 --enable-iso14755 1838 --enable-iso14755
1729 Enable extended ISO 14755 support (see rxvt(1), or doc/rxvt.1.txt). 1839 Enable extended ISO 14755 support (see rxvt(1), or doc/rxvt.1.txt).
1730 Basic support (section 5.1) is enabled by "--enable-frills", while 1840 Basic support (section 5.1) is enabled by "--enable-frills", while
1731 support for 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 is enabled with this switch. 1841 support for 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4 is enabled with this switch.

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