Remap Keys in Linux

Question

I'd like to switch my CTRL and ALT keys under Linux (to make it more Mac-like). How do I do this?

If it helps, I'm running Ubuntu 9.04.

Answer 1

First off, try looking in Preferences > Keyboard > Layouts > Layout Options under the Alt/Win key behavior if there is a suitable option there for you.

If that doesn't do it for you these commands would switch left Ctrl with left Alt (at least with my keyboard).

xmodmap -e 'keycode 37 = Alt_L  ISO_Prev_Group ISO_Prev_Group NoSymbol ISO_Prev_Group' 
xmodmap -e 'keycode 64 = Control_L' 

To get your keycode, you can run the program xev in a terminal window and press first Ctrl and note the keycode, then Alt to get the keycode.

Answer 2

xmodmap - utility for modifying keymaps and pointer button mappings in X

showkey - examine the codes sent by the keyboard

setkeycodes - load kernel scancode-to-keycode mapping table entries

Answer 3

The above answers did not work for me. Here is what I did:

1. Create a new file. Let's call it remap.txt.

2. Add the following text to the file:

   !
   ! Swap Alt_L and Control_L
   !
   remove mod1 = Alt_L
   remove Control = Control_L
   keysym Control_L = Alt_L
   keysym Alt_L = Control_L
   add mod1 = Alt_L
   add Control = Control_L
   

   The above is like a script for xmodmap. It will change the current key bindings.

3. Run the following commands to run the script:

   # xmodmap remap.txt
   

4. (optional) To load the same settings after reboot run:

   # sudo dumpkeys > ~/.Xmodmap
   

Answer 4

There's a solution posted on the Ubuntu forums. I used a similar one some time back to reconfigure Caps Lock.