In the world of Linux, GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments. It’s known for its simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility. One of the features that add to its efficiency is the ability to use keyboard shortcuts. But where exactly are these shortcuts stored? Let’s delve into the details.
The location of GNOME keyboard shortcuts or keybindings depends on the version of Ubuntu or other Linux distribution you are using. In newer versions, they are stored in the dconf database, while in older versions, they are stored in the ~/.gconf/desktop/gnome/keybindings directory.
GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts: An Overview
GNOME keyboard shortcuts are a set of keys or key combinations that trigger specific actions in the GNOME desktop environment. These shortcuts can be customized to suit your preferences, making your work faster and more efficient.
Where Are GNOME Keyboard Shortcuts Stored?
The storage location for GNOME keyboard shortcuts varies depending on the version of Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution you are using.
In older versions such as Ubuntu 11.10, the keyboard shortcuts, also known as keybindings, are stored in the directory ~/.gconf/desktop/gnome/keybindings.
However, in newer versions like Ubuntu 15.10 and later, the keybindings are stored in the dconf database.
Backing Up and Restoring Keybindings
Using dconf
In newer versions of Ubuntu, you can use the dconf command to backup and restore your keybindings.
To backup your keybindings, you can use the following command:
dconf dump / > ~/.config/dconf/user.confIn this command, dconf dump / is used to dump all the current settings. The > operator is used to redirect the output to a file. In this case, the output is redirected to ~/.config/dconf/user.conf.
To restore your keybindings from the backup file, you can use the following command:
dconf load / < ~/.config/dconf/user.confIn this command, dconf load / is used to restore the settings. The < operator is used to take the input from a file. In this case, the input is taken from ~/.config/dconf/user.conf.
Using gconftool-2
If you are using an older version of Ubuntu, you can use the gconftool-2 command to backup and restore your keybindings.
To backup your keybindings, you can use the following command:
gconftool-2 --dump /apps/metacity > backup.xmlIn this command, gconftool-2 --dump /apps/metacity is used to dump all the current settings. The > operator is used to redirect the output to a file. In this case, the output is redirected to backup.xml.
To restore your keybindings from the backup file, you can use the following command:
gconftool-2 --load backup.xmlIn this command, gconftool-2 --load is used to restore the settings. The input file is backup.xml.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the location of GNOME keyboard shortcuts or keybindings depends on the version of Ubuntu or other Linux distribution you are using. In newer versions, they are stored in the dconf database, while in older versions, they are stored in the ~/.gconf/desktop/gnome/keybindings directory. You can use the dconf or gconftool-2 commands to backup and restore the keybindings. Remember, it’s always a good idea to backup your keybindings before making any major changes to your system.
To customize GNOME keyboard shortcuts, you can go to the "Settings" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts." From there, you can add, modify, or delete shortcuts according to your preferences.
Yes, you can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to specific applications in GNOME. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" settings, click on the "+" button to add a new shortcut. In the "Command" field, enter the command of the application you want to run, and assign the desired key combination to trigger it.
To view the existing GNOME keyboard shortcuts, you can go to the "Settings" menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts." The list of current shortcuts will be displayed, categorized by different actions and applications.
Yes, you can reset the GNOME keyboard shortcuts to their default settings. In the "Keyboard Shortcuts" settings, click on the three-dot menu icon and select "Reset." This will revert all the shortcuts to their original defaults.
To create a backup of your GNOME keyboard shortcuts, you can use the dconf or gconftool-2 commands mentioned earlier. These commands allow you to save your keybindings to a file, which you can later use to restore them if needed.
Yes, you can share your custom keyboard shortcuts with others. You can export your keybindings to a file using the dconf or gconftool-2 commands, and then share that file with others. They can then import the file using the same commands to use your custom shortcuts.
Yes, GNOME comes with a set of default keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts include actions like launching the terminal, switching between workspaces, maximizing and minimizing windows, and more. You can view and modify these default shortcuts in the "Keyboard Shortcuts" settings.
