cymian/mouseless v1.0.0-preview.5

on GitHub

This release adds Flatpak for Linux, allows overlay to show above all system elements on Windows, adds some alternate workflow features (Hold for free mode, Free mode after move), and other significant features and fixes.

Feedback always appreciated! (Mac Windows Linux)

Mac users:

• Most of the enhancements are already present in preview.4. Check Enhancements - all platforms and Fixes > Mac for new info.

Windows users:

• This release enables Mouseless to now show above all privileged system elements (e.g. Start menu, task manager) -- see Usage notes for context on installation requirements.
• I recently renewed the code signing certificate. You may see a SmartScreen warning (should still display Sonuscape as the verified publisher) while the ecosystem ingests the new cert. Click More Info > Run Anyway to proceed with the install.

Linux users:

• This release now has a Flatpak distribution that should fix issues across many distros, as well as enable it to work on distros which it previously didn't. See Usage notes at bottom for install instructions.
  • Upgrading to the flatpak is highly recommended. I've kept the four most used AppImages, but they may be fully phased out soon. If your distro AppImage has been removed, and the flatpak isn't working for you, please let me know in the feedback thread or via the support email.
• I've updated the Wayland configuration guide with an improved process and system rules. See usage notes for more info.
• Performance on the cairo-backed overlay (default on NVIDIA) has been greatly improved. If you experienced lag, it is likely fixed.

Enhancements - all platforms

• Added Free mode after move setting -- when on, and a mouse move action is executed with overlay, free mode is immediately entered
  • See Alternate workflow usage notes at bottom for more info
• Added Default action setting: click, move or drag
  • Sets the action that execute mouse action performs
• Added explicit left click command for overlay

Enhancements - Windows and Linux (already present on Mac)

Display

• Toast opacity, allows you to prevent toast from overly-obscuring underlying screen content. Default: 0.5
• Added Char anchor setting, to control whether characters are spaced edge-to-edge or center-to-center

Mouse

• Added Hold for free mode command
• Linux: Wheel easing implemented (X11 and Wayland)
• Added Mouse value cycle behavior, affects cycle button/action/count commands
  • once - value returns to default action after executing an action (default)
  • persist - value remains after executing an action, until cycled again
• Added modifier clicks for free mode back and forward buttons, and all global mouse buttons

System / debug

• Added --print-hid-events-verbose / -P cli flag (prints mouse move, wheel events, and key repeats)
• Expanded the scope of clear keyboard state and added extra diagnostics

Fixes

Mac

• Fixed issue where simultaneous keypresses can cause hotkeys to stop working (due to internal modifier state de-syncing from OS) #532

Windows and Linux

• Fixed conflicts when multiple free mode commands mapped to same key, one with modifier and one without
• Fixed tap commands in free mode leaking to underlying app
• Fixed modifiers in keybinding affecting certain mouse action commands (resulting in unintended modifier+click)

Windows

• The overlay now shows above all system elements, but has specific installation requirements. See usage notes below.
• Fixed overlay resize / reposition when screen changes detected
• Fixed overlay triggering the 'do not disturb' icon in system tray, which shifted click targets

Linux

• Flatpak distribution now available -- should enable Mouseless to function (or function better) on many distros -- see usage notes below.
• Performance of the cairo-backed overlay is greatly improved, should fix lag on systems that experienced it
• Wayland: Overlays now automatically update size / position when monitor changes
• Wayland: Mouseless should now detect new keyboards when plugged in / switched to by KVM
• Fixed overlay making top bar disappear in Gnome/Mutter
• Fixed issue where Mouseless overwrote customizations in .desktop file when the app starts
• Fixed issue where consecutive clicks in same location, with physical mouse movement in between, don't move cursor to correct location #474

Usage notes

Alternate workflow: Quick select + free mode

There is a built-in quick select + free mode preset in the Behavior > Mouse actions section. It allows you to quickly choose screen location coarsely with overlay, then use free mode for finer movement before clicking or dragging. It has these settings

• Grid action level: 2
• Default action: move
• Free mode after move: true

There's an accompanying standard preset (subgrid, click, false).

A forthcoming release will allow you to switch between presets with a command/hotkey (including grid and style presets) for quick switching between different setups/workflows.

Windows overlay / installation notes

For Mouseless to show the overlay above Start Menu, task manager, etc., you must:

• choose to install for 'all users'
• install to a privileged location like Program Files (default)

This requires admin privileges during the installation process only, not when actually running Mouseless.

The installer provides an option to uninstall other/prior installations at different locations, checked by default. Your user data is not affected by the uninstallation.

Linux Flatpak distribution

Flatpak allows Mouseless' dependencies to be fully self-contained, for greater compatibility across distros and a more robust, stable application. It also allow for easy updates with flatpak update or through software management apps (GNOME Software, Discover, etc).

Quick start (recommended method):

# Add GPG-signed repo
flatpak remote-add --user --if-not-exists sonuscape \
  https://dl.sonuscape.net/flatpak/sonuscape.flatpakrepo

# Install mouseless
flatpak install net.sonuscape.mouseless//preview

# Run
flatpak run net.sonuscape.mouseless

See updated docs for full context and alternate install methods (including standalone bundle).

Linux: Improved Wayland configuration

The Wayland configuration guide has been updated. Method 1 may now work for some whom it didn't before (ensures uinput module always loaded), and now avoids assigning devices to non-system groups/users (which is deprecated and may stop working in future).