dotool

dotool reads commands from stdin and simulates keyboard and mouse events. It works everywhere on Linux, including in X11, Wayland and TTYs.

It takes about half a second to register the virtual device, but it can be kept using the daemon.

Install From Source

With go (>=1.19) run:

sudo ./install.sh

dotool will require root permissions unless you are in group input. See:

dotool --help

This greets the world:

echo 'type Sup, Lads!' | dotool

This screams for three seconds:

{ echo keydown A; sleep 3; echo key H shift+1; } | dotool

This drags the mouse:

printf %s\\n 'buttondown left' 'mousemove 0 100' 'buttonup left' | dotool

The daemon and client, dotoold and dotoolc, can used to keep a persistent virtual device for a quicker initial response:

dotoold &
echo 'type super' | dotoolc
echo 'type speedy' | dotoolc

dotool was written for Numen Voice Control and you're very welcome to join the Matrix chat at #numen:matrix.org.

You can also send questions, thoughts or patches by composing an email to ~geb/public-inbox@lists.sr.ht.

GPLv3 only, see LICENSE.