xbindkeys as a Linux alternative to PowerToys
Updated
Our verdict
xbindkeys is a solid, lightweight tool for binding keys and mouse buttons to commands, making it a good replacement for PowerToys’ keyboard‑remapping features. It is ideal for users who only need custom shortcuts and simple scripts. However, it does not cover window snapping, screenshot tools, clipboard history, text expansion, or file‑manager previews, so it is not a full PowerToys substitute.
Feature parity
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.8.7
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both allow custom key bindings
- Both are free and open‑source
- Both run on Linux (xbindkeys) and Windows (PowerToys)
- Both can trigger scripts or other programs
- Both support modifier keys like Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Super
What is different
- xbindkeys lacks built‑in window snapping/tiling
- No screenshot or annotation tools in xbindkeys
- Clipboard history management is absent
- No text expansion or macro engine
- No file‑preview integration in file managers
Opening your PowerToys files
PowerToys stores its settings in JSON files under %APPDATA%/Microsoft/PowerToys. xbindkeys reads a plain text configuration file (~/.xbindkeysrc). There is no direct import/export mechanism; users must manually translate desired bindings into the xbindkeysrc syntax.
Switching from PowerToys to xbindkeys, step by step
- 1. Install xbindkeys from your distro’s package manager.
- 2. Open or create ~/.xbindkeysrc and add key‑binding entries using the syntax "<key>" "command".
- 3. Reload xbindkeys with "xbindkeys -p" or restart your session.
- 4. Test each shortcut to ensure it triggers the intended command.
- 5. For complex scripts, place them in ~/bin and reference them in the config.
- 6. Disable or uninstall PowerToys on Windows if no longer needed.
- faq
Key features of xbindkeys
- Bind any key or mouse button to a shell command
- Simulate key sequences and key presses
- Supports modifiers like Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and Super
- Configurable via a simple text file
- Works with X11 display servers
- Low resource consumption
- Can trigger scripts or applications instantly
How to install xbindkeys on Linux
Ubuntu / Mint
sudo apt install xbindkeysDebian
sudo apt install xbindkeysFedora
sudo dnf install xbindkeysArch / Manjaro
sudo pacman -S xbindkeysopenSUSE
sudo zypper install xbindkeys2 other alternatives to PowerToys
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