XFCE How To Get Alt-key Mnemonics

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XFCE: How to Get Alt-key Mnemonics Back

XFCE is a popular, lightweight desktop environment for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. It is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and customizability. However, with the recent upgrade to XFCE 4.18, some users have reported a loss of functionality in the form of Alt-key mnemonics. In this article, we will explore the issue and provide a step-by-step guide on how to get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE.

What are Alt-key Mnemonics?

Alt-key mnemonics, also known as menu accelerators, are a feature in XFCE that allows users to navigate menus using the Alt key. For example, pressing Alt+F would open the "File" menu, and further key presses would navigate into the menu. This feature is particularly useful for users with mobility or dexterity impairments, as it provides an alternative way to interact with the desktop.

The Issue with XFCE 4.18

After upgrading from XFCE 4.12 to 4.18, some users have reported that the Alt-key mnemonics are no longer working. This is due to a change in the way that XFCE handles keyboard shortcuts. In XFCE 4.18, the default behavior is to use the "gtk_accel_path" setting to define keyboard shortcuts, rather than the "gtk-menus" setting used in previous versions.

Solving the Issue

To get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE 4.18, you will need to edit the XFCE settings to use the "gtk-menus" setting. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the XFCE Settings Manager

To start, you will need to open the XFCE Settings Manager. You can do this by clicking on the XFCE menu and selecting "Settings Manager" or by pressing the Windows key + S and typing "settings manager".

Step 2: Select the "Session and Startup" Tab

Once the Settings Manager is open, select the "Session and Startup" tab.

Step 3: Click on the "Application Autostart" Button

In the "Session and Startup" tab, click on the "Application Autostart" button.

Step 4: Add a New Application Autostart Entry

In the "Application Autostart" window, click on the "Add" button to add a new application autostart entry.

Step 5: Enter the Command to Use the "gtk-menus" Setting

In the "Command" field, enter the following command:

xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /startup/xfce4-menus -s gtk-menus

This command tells XFCE to use the "gtk-menus" setting to define keyboard shortcuts.

Step 6: Save the Changes

Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.

Alternative Solution: Using the "xfconf-query" Command

If you prefer not to use the XFCE Settings Manager, you can use the "xfconf-query" command to set the "gtk-menus" setting. Here's how:

Step 1: Open a Terminal

To start, you will need to open a terminal. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + T or by searching for "terminal" in the XFCE menu.

Step 2: Run the "xfconf-query" Command

In the terminal, run the following command:

xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /startup/xfce4-menus -s gtk-menus

This command tells XFCE to use the "gtk-menus" setting to define keyboard shortcuts.

Step 3: Save the Changes

To save the changes, run the following command:

xfconf-query -c xfce4-session -p /startup/xfce4-menus -s gtk-menus --save

This command saves the changes to the XFCE settings.

In this article, we have explored the issue of Alt-key mnemonics not working in XFCE 4.18 and provided a step-by-step guide on how to get them back. We have also provided an alternative solution using the "xfconf-query" command. By following these steps, you should be able to get Alt-key mnemonics working again in XFCE 4.18.

If you are still experiencing issues with Alt-key mnemonics after following the steps above, here are some troubleshooting tips to help you resolve the issue:

  • Make sure that you have the latest version of XFCE installed.
  • Check that the "gtk-menus" setting is enabled in the XFCE settings.
  • Try restarting the XFCE desktop to see if the issue is resolved.
  • If you are using a third-party theme or icon set, try disabling it to see if it is causing the issue.
  • Q: Why are Alt-key mnemonics not working in XFCE 4.18? A: Alt-key mnemonics are not working in XFCE 4.18 because the default behavior is to use the "gtk_accel_path" setting to define keyboard shortcuts, rather than the "gtk-menus" setting used in previous versions.
  • Q: How do I get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE 4.18? A: To get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE 4.18, you will need to edit the XFCE settings to use the "gtk-menus" setting. You can do this by following the steps outlined in this article.
  • Q: What is the "gtk-menus" setting? A: The "gtk-menus" setting is a configuration option in XFCE that defines how keyboard shortcuts are handled. In XFCE 4.18, the default behavior is to use the "gtk_accel_path" setting, but you can change this to use the "gtk-menus" setting by following the steps outlined in this article.
    XFCE: Alt-key Mnemonics Q&A =============================

Q: What are Alt-key mnemonics?

A: Alt-key mnemonics, also known as menu accelerators, are a feature in XFCE that allows users to navigate menus using the Alt key. For example, pressing Alt+F would open the "File" menu, and further key presses would navigate into the menu.

Q: Why are Alt-key mnemonics not working in XFCE 4.18?

A: Alt-key mnemonics are not working in XFCE 4.18 because the default behavior is to use the "gtk_accel_path" setting to define keyboard shortcuts, rather than the "gtk-menus" setting used in previous versions.

Q: How do I get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE 4.18?

A: To get Alt-key mnemonics back in XFCE 4.18, you will need to edit the XFCE settings to use the "gtk-menus" setting. You can do this by following the steps outlined in our previous article, "XFCE: How to Get Alt-key Mnemonics Back".

Q: What is the "gtk-menus" setting?

A: The "gtk-menus" setting is a configuration option in XFCE that defines how keyboard shortcuts are handled. In XFCE 4.18, the default behavior is to use the "gtk_accel_path" setting, but you can change this to use the "gtk-menus" setting by following the steps outlined in our previous article.

Q: How do I know if I have the "gtk-menus" setting enabled?

A: To check if you have the "gtk-menus" setting enabled, you can follow these steps:

  • Open the XFCE Settings Manager
  • Select the "Session and Startup" tab
  • Click on the "Application Autostart" button
  • Look for the "gtk-menus" setting in the list of application autostart entries

Q: What if I'm still having trouble with Alt-key mnemonics?

A: If you're still having trouble with Alt-key mnemonics after following the steps outlined in our previous article, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure that you have the latest version of XFCE installed
  • Check that the "gtk-menus" setting is enabled in the XFCE settings
  • Try restarting the XFCE desktop to see if the issue is resolved
  • If you are using a third-party theme or icon set, try disabling it to see if it is causing the issue

Q: Can I customize the Alt-key mnemonics in XFCE?

A: Yes, you can customize the Alt-key mnemonics in XFCE by editing the "gtk-menus" setting. You can do this by following the steps outlined in our previous article.

Q: Are there any other ways to navigate menus in XFCE?

A: Yes, there are other ways to navigate menus in XFCE. You can use the mouse to click on menu items, or you can use the arrow keys to navigate the menu.

Q: Can I use Alt-key mnemonics with other keyboard shortcuts in XFCE?

A: Yes, you can use Alt-key mnemonics with other keyboard shortcuts in XFCE. For example, you can use Alt+F to open the "File" menu, and then use the arrow keys to navigate the menu.

Q: Are there any known issues with Alt-key mnemonics in XFCE?

A: Yes, there are some known issues with Alt-key mnemonics in XFCE. For example, some users have reported that the Alt-key mnemonics do not work correctly with certain keyboard layouts. If you are experiencing issues with Alt-key mnemonics, you may want to try using a different keyboard layout or seeking help from the XFCE community.

Q: Where can I find more information about XFCE and Alt-key mnemonics?

A: You can find more information about XFCE and Alt-key mnemonics on the XFCE website, as well as on various online forums and communities. Some recommended resources include:

Q: Can I contribute to the development of XFCE and Alt-key mnemonics?

A: Yes, you can contribute to the development of XFCE and Alt-key mnemonics by reporting bugs, suggesting new features, and helping to translate the XFCE interface into different languages. You can find more information about contributing to XFCE on the XFCE website.