Caps Lock as FVWM Key

• Caps Lock as FVWM Key
  • Changing Xmodmap
    • Binding Keys

Many people think of Caps Lock as a very annoying key at an annoying position. Lots of us also know Windows, Amiga, or Macintosh keys, which are special for keybindings used in these environments. But what about a FVWM key, which all keybindings are bound to, so that other applications can make use of all other modifiers like CTRL, Alt and Shift? Here we go …

Changing Xmodmap

First of all we need to remove the original function of Caps Lock, then we can make it a new modifier to be used in FVWM keybindings. We need to edit ~/.xmodmap if this is read automatically at startup of your X Session. If not, change it, or edit a similar xmodmap file, that is read. You need the following lines:

remove Lock = Caps_Lock
add mod4 = Caps_Lock

After changing this you need to run:

xmodmap ~/.xmodmap

Now Caps Lock acts as a fourth modifier key.

An other way is to place

Option "XkbOptions" "ctrl:nocaps"

in your XF86Config[-4]

Binding Keys

Now we are going to make use of our new defined modifier. That is quite as easy as step one. In the modifier column of your keybinding-defining line just use 4 instead of C, M or S:

Key Left        A 4     Scroll -100 +0
Key Up          A 4     Scroll +0 -100
Key Right       A 4     Scroll +100 +0
Key Down        A 4     Scroll +0 +100

This lets you change your desktop pages using Caps+Arrow Keys