Adjusting Lubuntu keyboard shortcuts

Question

I read in another answer there is a config file for all keyboard shortcuts in:

~/.config/openbox/lubuntu-rc.xml

I'm able to find it but I'd like an easier way to create/read/update/disable my keyboard shortcuts.

For example, I'd like to disable the keyboard shortcut for Alt-Space because I want to use it as the Albert hotkey.

Is there an out-of-the-box solution? If not, what about a package you can recommend?

Solution

For a GUI approach I can only hint at Obkey. It seems to be abandoned, so it may not work. I haven't used it myself.

But if that doesn't work, fret not! I'll show you how to do it manually.

Lubuntu-rc is an XML file, it uses tags to define its structure. Each element has an opening and closing tag like this <tag></tag> or like this <tag />.

The Alt+Space combo is normally assigned to a ShowMenu action. To reassign the key combo, navigate to ~/.config/openbox and edit the lubuntu-rc.xml config file using your editor of choice.

Search for the following element:

<keybind key="A-space">
  <action name="ShowMenu">
    <menu>client-menu</menu>
  </action>
</keybind>

Replace with:

  <keybind key="A-Space">
    <action name="Execute">
      <command>
      /path/to/albert_bin/
      </command>
    </action>
  </keybind>

Yu must change /path/to/albert_bin/ to whatever is appropiate.

Finally save your changes and reload Lubuntu/Openbox.

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Another neat feature is openbox chrooting, which allow to create simple mnemonic application launchers like this:

<keybind key="W-a" chroot="true">
  <keybind key="Escape C-c BackSpace">
    <action name="BreakChroot"/>
  </keybind>

  (add your key bindings here)

</keybind>

Pressing Windows/Meta+a ("a" for applications), one gets into the chroot, then it would be possible to launch apps by pressing single keys, for example, t for terminal. You need to add suitable key bindings for terminal and other apps.

To exit the chroot, press Escape, Backspace or Ctrl+c.

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Check this out for more info on OB bindings and chroots.