# screenkey

> Show pressed key on Linux - useful for screen video recording

**Wikidata**: [Q126901758](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126901758)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/screenkey

## Summary
Screenkey is a software utility designed to display pressed keys on the Linux operating system. It is specifically useful for creating screen video recordings, allowing viewers to see keystrokes in real-time. The application is free and open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

## Key Facts
*   **Platform:** Linux operating system.
*   **Primary Function:** Displays pressed keys on the screen.
*   **Use Case:** Optimized for screen video recording and screencasts.
*   **License:** GNU General Public License, version 3.0 (GPLv3).
*   **Instance of:** Software.
*   **Source Code Repository:** Hosted on GitLab at `https://gitlab.com/screenkey/screenkey`.
*   **Official Website:** `https://www.thregr.org/wavexx/software/screenkey/`
*   **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Screenkey used for?
A: Screenkey is used to visualize keyboard input on a Linux desktop. It is primarily employed during screen video recording to help viewers understand which keys are being pressed by the presenter.

### Q: Is Screenkey free to use?
A: Yes, Screenkey is copyrighted but distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, which allows users to use, study, and modify the software.

### Q: Where can the source code for Screenkey be found?
A: The source code is publicly available in its GitLab repository located at `https://gitlab.com/screenkey/screenkey`.

## Why It Matters
Screenkey addresses a specific visibility gap in technical communication and education within the Linux ecosystem. When creating video tutorials, software demonstrations, or configuration walkthroughs, keystrokes are often obscured or difficult to see. By rendering these inputs directly onto the screen recording, Screenkey enhances the instructional value of content, making complex procedures easier to follow for viewers.

As an open-source tool licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, it provides a transparent and customizable solution for developers and content creators. Its presence on GitLab encourages community contribution and auditing. By solving the problem of invisible keyboard inputs during live demonstrations, Screenkey plays a vital role in improving the accessibility and clarity of open-source software documentation and training materials.

## Notable For
*   **Specialized Linux Utility:** Specifically targets the Linux operating system for keystroke visualization.
*   **Content Creation Focus:** Distinguished by its direct utility for screen video recording workflows.
*   **Open Source Transparency:** Notable for being hosted on GitLab under a standard open-source license (GPLv3), allowing for community-driven improvements.
*   **Simplicity:** Focused on a single, essential function: showing pressed keys.

## Body
### Software Functionality
Screenkey is classified as a non-tangible executable software component. Its core technical function is to capture keyboard events and render them visually on the display. The tool is explicitly designed for the Linux environment, serving as a visual aid for inputs that would otherwise be invisible to an audience.

### Development and Repository
The project is maintained on GitLab. The source code repository is accessible at `https://gitlab.com/screenkey/screenkey`. The software is identified within the repository with specific qualifiers linking it to the GitLab platform and the GPLv3 license.

### Licensing and Legal Status
Screenkey is classified as copyrighted software. However, it is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. This licensing structure grants users the legal right to run, study, share, and modify the software. The software is also listed on alternative software platforms with the identifier `screenkey`.

### Online Presence
The official website for the software is hosted at `https://www.thregr.org/wavexx/software/screenkey/`. The site serves as the primary distribution point and information hub for the English version of the tool.