Quick uncapture keyboard input key [Feature Request]

[nomachine_beginner]

Hi,
I’ve just started using NoMachine. I’m using Ubuntu, Xorg. Previously I used VirtualBox with a host key configured to be the Right Alt.

VirtualBox captured all keys in its VM window, but when I pressed Right Alt, I could then use shortcuts that would be sent to the host, instead of the VM.

So I would keep the VM on the first Ubuntu workspace, then press Right Alt, switch to other workspaces in Ubuntu to work on some stuff in the host environment. Specifically I had Super+V for example to switch to the 4th Ubuntu workspace. Super+Z would switch me to the first workspace where I kept the VM and it would immediately start capturing keys and send them inside the VM once I switched to that workspace (because the VM got the focus I assume).

I’d like the same workflow in NoMachine. Currently I only have these options:

1. Press the right top corner to open NoMachine settings, then I’m able to switch to another Ubuntu workspace on the host computer.
When I switch back to the first workspace I have to additionally press Esc to close NoMachine settings window.

2. Ctrl+Alt+M to minimize the NoMachine session window. It still requires more clicks, and I’ve found that it doesn’t immediately restore full keyboard capturing for some reason.

3. Ctrl+Alt+K to toggle keyboard capturing. This still requires multiple presses and more keys to press at once, which makes it less convenient.

So I would like to ask if there is already a way to do what I want, i.e. pressing Right Alt uncaptures keyboard temporarily (until I make any click inside NoMachine window or until I trigger its focus like when navigating to another workspace and back in Ubuntu). This is how it works in VirtualBox and it’s the most convenient option, as personally I rarely use Right Alt. But of course a different key can be configured too, like F1, depending on which one the user rarely uses otherwise.

[Britgirl]

You can change the shortcuts how you want using the panel here. There must be at least 2 keys for each shortcut.

See this guide, https://kb.nomachine.com/DT07S00236#2.1, and scroll to “Use keyboard shortcuts for quick actions”.

[nomachine_beginner]

Thanks!

I changed the settings shortcut to Alt-F and it’s working well so far.

A minor suggestion would be to add an option to auto-hide the settings when the NoMachine window gets focused.

I.e. my current workflow:

– Do something inside the remote session.
– Press Alt-F (it opens the settings and uncaptures the keyboard from the remote session).
– Press Super+X to switch to another Ubuntu workspace on the current machine (one I’m remoting from).
– Do some work there.
– Press Super+Z to switch to the workspace where NoMachine is running (which focuses the NoMachine window).
– Press Esc to close the settings in the NoMachine window.

An option to auto-hide the settings when the NoMachine window is refocused could slightly simplify the switching (last step).

This is a minor tweak though and it’s already working well, but still something to consider.

[Britgirl]

Thanks for your input. We will evaluate whether offering a shortcut for activating/releasing keyboard grab is feasible.

[Author]

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