xsetwacom
Configure Wacom tablets and associated devices
TLDR
List all the available Wacom devices. The device name is in the first column
Set Wacom area to specific screen. Get name of the screen with xrandr
Set mode to relative (like a mouse) or absolute (like a pen) mode
Rotate the input (useful for tablet-PC when rotating screen) by 0|90|180|270 degrees from "natural" rotation
Set button to only work when the tip of the pen is touching the tablet
SYNOPSIS
xsetwacom [OPTION...] [DEVICE PROPERTY [VALUE]]
PARAMETERS
-h, --help
Show help message and exit
-v, --version
Print version info and exit
-V, --verbose
Enable verbose output
-q, --quiet
Suppress non-error messages
-d display, --display=display
X display to connect to
-u, --usb
List only USB Wacom devices
-s, --serial
List only serial Wacom devices
-l [proplist], --list[=proplist]
List devices and optional properties
--listparams
List parameters for specified DEVICE
-g prop, --get=prop
Get value of PROPERTY for DEVICE
-S prop value, --set=prop=value
Set PROPERTY to VALUE for DEVICE
-a label, --assign=label
Assign button/label to DEVICE
DESCRIPTION
xsetwacom is a command-line utility for querying and setting properties of Wacom graphics tablets and input devices under the X Window System (X11). It works with the xf86-input-wacom X server driver, allowing fine-tuned control over stylus pressure, touch sensitivity, button mappings, device mapping to screens, and more.
Users first list devices with xsetwacom --list, which shows names like Wacom Intuos5 touch S Pad, stylus, or eraser. Properties are device-specific; for example, set pad buttons with --set "device" Button 1 "key ctrl", adjust stylus area, or toggle touchpad relative mode. It's essential for artists, designers, and tablet users needing custom configurations, multi-monitor setups, or orientation fixes.
Run without arguments for basic usage info. Changes apply immediately but are not persistent across sessions—use Xorg.conf or udev rules for permanence. Primarily for X11; Wayland/libinput users should migrate to xinput or GUI tools like wacom-gui.
Supports USB/serial devices, with options to filter lists. Verbose mode aids debugging.
CAVEATS
X11-only; deprecated for libinput-enabled systems (use xinput). Changes non-persistent. Some properties unsupported on newer tablets or drivers. Requires xf86-input-wacom package.
COMMON PROPERTIES
Button (mappings), Mode (Relative/Absolute), Area (coordinates), PressureCurve (sensitivity), Rotate (orientation), TPCButton (touchpad). Use --listparams "device" for full list.
Examples: Button 1 "key alt l", Mode Relative
PERSISTENCE
For permanent settings, use /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/ files or xsetwacom in ~/.xinitrc. Avoid for systemd-logind sessions.
HISTORY
Developed as part of linuxwacom project (pre-2009), integrated into xf86-input-wacom driver for Xorg. Peaked in usage ~2010s for tablet support; maintenance declined post-libinput era (~2015+). Still available in most distros for legacy X11 setups.
SEE ALSO
xinput(1), xinput_calibrator(1), wacom(4)
