Quick uncapture keyboard input key [Feature Request]

Forum / NoMachine for Linux / Quick uncapture keyboard input key [Feature Request]

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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  • #49627
    nomachine_beginner
    Participant

    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.

    #50149
    Britgirl
    Keymaster

    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”.

    #50214
    nomachine_beginner
    Participant

    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.

    #50219
    Britgirl
    Keymaster

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

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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