xmodmap ☆

« Back to VersTracker

Description:
Modify keymaps and pointer button mappings in X

Type: Formula | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: System utilities

Tags: x11 keyboard remapping xorg linux utility

Install: brew install xmodmap

About:
Xmodmap is a command-line utility used to modify keymaps and pointer button mappings in the X Window System. It allows users to remap keys, change modifier assignments, and customize keyboard layouts without altering system-wide configurations. This tool is essential for users needing specific keyboard configurations for development workflows or accessibility requirements.

Key Features:

Dynamic key remapping without reboot
Modifier key reassignment (Ctrl, Alt, Shift)
Pointer button mapping customization
X11 resource database query and modification
Scriptable configuration via resource files

Use Cases:

Remapping Caps Lock to Escape for Vim users
Swapping Ctrl and Caps Lock for ergonomic keyboard setups
Configuring keyboard layouts for international users
Customizing mouse button assignments for accessibility

Alternatives:

setxkbmap – Better for system-wide layout changes; Xmodmap is more granular for session-specific tweaks
xkbcomp – Compiles keyboard layouts; Xmodmap provides simpler runtime modifications

Version History

Detected	Version	Rev	Change	Commit
Nov 20, 2024 12:23am		0	VERSION_BUMP	794a7277