Reassign keyboard keys to something custom

[CoolJavelin]

Hello,

I’d like to reassign some rarely used keys to be my own strings (Alt F12, or Pause/Break for example.) Specifically, I’d like one of them to be my Ubuntu password.

I have been setting up a new Ubuntu, and I have had to enter my password hundreds of times so far, and I see no end in sight. I am only partway through setting up my machine.

Is there an extension that can send a custom keystroke sequence to whatever window I have open, including terminal?

I tried using settings-> shortcuts but that seems geared toward launching apps rather then sending keystrokes.

Thanks, Mark.

[vanadium]

One way to automatically type a relatively short string can be achieved with compose keys. This linux feature is designed to facilitate entering foreign characters. However, you can also define your own sequences and have a compose key produce a short string. See https://askubuntu.com/a/47528/558158

Another way is to work with a keyboard automation tool. ydotool can be installed using apt-get. I personally prefer dotool, which however can only be installed by compiling - the process is very easy, though.

Finally, you could try full-fledged text expansion software: Espanso. Unfortunately, Espanso may still be struggling with supporting Wayland.

[CoolJavelin]

Thank you vanadium. I tried your suggestions, and thought there might be a better way, so I spent money.

I purchased one of those “3 Key Mini Keypad Customize Programmable…” keyboards from Amazon and it works great.

I found the software (that needed to be downloaded) does not work on Linux, and while they say it works on Win7, it does not.

I went through the exercise of installing VirtualBox and Win10 (I wanted to do that anyway) and all is good.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to me,

Mark.

[dragonfly41]

Too late to suggest tools … but I would have suggested tools such as Input Remapper, AutoHotKey, Actiona, …