How To Make Ubuntu Keyboard Work like OSX System Wide

In this article, we will discuss how to make your Ubuntu keyboard work like an OSX system-wide. This can be particularly useful for those who are transitioning from Mac to Ubuntu or those who use both systems and want to maintain consistency in their workflow.

Introduction

Ubuntu and OSX have different default keyboard shortcuts. For example, to copy text in Ubuntu, you would use Ctrl+C, while in OSX, you would use Cmd+C. If you’re a long-time Mac user who has recently switched to Ubuntu, these differences can be quite jarring and can slow down your productivity. Fortunately, it’s possible to remap the Ubuntu keyboard to work like OSX system-wide.

Solution 1: Using xautomation and xte

The first solution involves using the xautomation package, which includes the xte command for simulating key presses.

Step 1: Install xautomation

Open a terminal and run the following command to install xautomation:

sudo apt-get install xautomation

Step 2: Open Keyboard Shortcuts

Go to the Ubuntu settings and open the “Keyboard Shortcuts” section.

Step 3: Add Custom Commands

Here, you can add a custom command for each shortcut you want to modify.

Step 4: Use xte Command

The xte command allows you to simulate key presses. For example, if you want to change Super+C (where Super is the Windows or Command key on most keyboards) to work like Ctrl+C, you would use the following command:

xte "keyup Super_L" "keyup c" "keydown Control_L" "key c" "keyup Control_L"

This command simulates releasing the Super and c keys (keyup), pressing down the Ctrl key (keydown), pressing the c key (key), and then releasing the Ctrl key (keyup).

Step 5: Map Custom Commands to Shortcuts

Finally, you can map the custom command to the corresponding shortcut in the “Keyboard Shortcuts” settings.

Solution 2: Using AutoKey

The second solution involves using autokey-gtk, a desktop automation utility for Linux that allows you to manage collection of scripts and phrases, and assign abbreviations and hotkeys to these.

Step 1: Install autokey-gtk

Open a terminal and run the following command to install autokey-gtk:

sudo apt-get install autokey-gtk

Step 2: Open AutoKey

Next, open the AutoKey application from your applications menu.

Step 3: Create New Phrases

In AutoKey, create a new phrase for each shortcut you want to modify.

Step 4: Set Phrase Text

Set the phrase text to the desired key combination. For example, for Super+C, you would set the phrase text to <ctrl>+c.

Step 5: Set Paste Using Option

Set the “paste using” option to “Keyboard”.

Step 6: Assign Hotkey

Assign a hotkey to each phrase. This will be the shortcut you originally wanted to modify.

Step 7: Save Changes

Finally, save the changes and close AutoKey. The changes should take effect immediately.

Solution 3: Using GNOME Tweaks

The third solution involves using gnome-tweaks, a tool that allows you to change advanced settings in the GNOME desktop environment.

Step 1: Install gnome-tweaks

Open a terminal and run the following command to install gnome-tweaks:

sudo apt-get install gnome-tweaks

Step 2: Open GNOME Tweaks

Next, open the GNOME Tweaks application from your applications menu.

Step 3: Go to Keyboard & Mouse Section

In GNOME Tweaks, go to the “Keyboard & Mouse” section.

Step 4: Open Additional Layout Options

Open the “Additional Layout Options” tab.

Step 5: Change Alt/Win Key Behavior

Look for the “Alt/Win key behavior” option and select “Control is mapped to Win keys (and the usual Ctrl keys)”. This will make the Super key work like the Ctrl key.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed three solutions for making your Ubuntu keyboard work like OSX system-wide. These solutions involve using the xautomation, autokey-gtk, and gnome-tweaks packages to modify keyboard shortcuts. By following these steps, you can customize your Ubuntu system to better fit your workflow and increase your productivity.