Xterm Control Sequences
Edward Moy
University of California, Berkeley
Revised by
Stephen Gildea
X Consortium (1994)
Thomas Dickey
XFree86 Project (1996-2006)
invisible-island.net (2006-2010)
Definitions
c The literal character c.
C A single (required) character.
Ps A single (usually optional) numeric parameter, composed of one of
more digits.
Pm A multiple numeric parameter composed of any number of single
numeric parameters, separated by ; character(s). Individual val-
ues for the parameters are listed with Ps .
Pt A text parameter composed of printable characters.
C1 (8-Bit) Control Characters
The xterm program recognizes both 8-bit and 7-bit control characters.
It generates 7-bit controls (by default) or 8-bit if S8C1T is enabled.
The following pairs of 7-bit and 8-bit control characters are equiva-
lent:
ESC D
Index (IND is 0x84).
ESC E
Next Line (NEL is 0x85).
ESC H
Tab Set (HTS is 0x88).
ESC M
Reverse Index (RI is 0x8d).
ESC N
Single Shift Select of G2 Character Set (SS2 is 0x8e). This
affects next character only.
ESC O
Single Shift Select of G3 Character Set (SS3 is 0x8f). This
affects next character only.
ESC P
Device Control String (DCS is 0x90).
ESC V
Start of Guarded Area (SPA is 0x96).
ESC W
End of Guarded Area (EPA is 0x97).
ESC X
Start of String (SOS is 0x98).
ESC Z
Return Terminal ID (DECID is 0x9a). Obsolete form of CSI c (DA).
ESC [
Control Sequence Introducer (CSI is 0x9b).
ESC \
String Terminator (ST is 0x9c).
ESC ]
Operating System Command (OSC is 0x9d).
ESC ^
Privacy Message (PM is 0x9e).
ESC _
Application Program Command (APC is 0x9f).
These control characters are used in the vtXXX emulation.
VT100 Mode
Most of these control sequences are standard VT102 control sequences,
but there is support for later DEC VT terminals (i.e., VT220, VT320,
VT420), as well as ISO 6429 and aixterm color controls. The only VT102
feature not supported is auto-repeat, since the only way X provides for
this will affect all windows. There are additional control sequences to
provide xterm-dependent functions, such as the scrollbar or window size.
Where the function is specified by DEC or ISO 6429, the code assigned to
it is given in parentheses. The escape codes to designate and invoke
character sets are specified by ISO 2022; see that document for a dis-
cussion of character sets.
Single-character functions
BEL Bell (Ctrl-G).
BS Backspace (Ctrl-H).
CR Carriage Return (Ctrl-M).
ENQ Return Terminal Status (Ctrl-E). Default response is an empty
string, but may be overridden by a resource answerbackString.
FF Form Feed or New Page (NP). Ctrl-L is treated the same as LF.
LF Line Feed or New Line (NL). (LF is Ctrl-J).
SI Shift In (Ctrl-O) -> Switch to Standard Character Set. This
invokes the G0 character set (the default).
SO Shift Out (Ctrl-N) -> Switch to Alternate Character Set. This
invokes the G1 character set.
SP Space.
TAB Horizontal Tab (HT) (Ctrl-I).
VT Vertical Tab (Ctrl-K). This is treated the same as LF.
Controls beginning with ESC
This excludes controls where ESC is part of a 7-bit equivalent to 8-bit
C1 controls, ordered by the final character(s).
ESC SP F 7-bit controls (S7C1T).
ESC SP G 8-bit controls (S8C1T).
ESC SP L Set ANSI conformance level 1 (dpANS X3.134.1).
ESC SP M Set ANSI conformance level 2 (dpANS X3.134.1).
ESC SP N Set ANSI conformance level 3 (dpANS X3.134.1).
ESC # 3 DEC double-height line, top half (DECDHL).
ESC # 4 DEC double-height line, bottom half (DECDHL).
ESC # 5 DEC single-width line (DECSWL).
ESC # 6 DEC double-width line (DECDWL).
ESC # 8 DEC Screen Alignment Test (DECALN).
ESC % @ Select default character set. That is ISO 8859-1 (ISO 2022).
ESC % G Select UTF-8 character set (ISO 2022).
ESC ( C Designate G0 Character Set (ISO 2022, VT100).
Final character C for designating 94-character sets. In this
list, 0 , A and B apply to VT100 and up, the remainder to
VT220 and up:
C = 0 -> DEC Special Character and Line Drawing Set.
C = A -> United Kingdom (UK).
C = B -> United States (USASCII).
C = 4 -> Dutch.
C = C or 5 -> Finnish.
C = R -> French.
C = Q -> French Canadian.
C = K -> German.
C = Y -> Italian.
C = E or 6 -> Norwegian/Danish.
C = Z -> Spanish.
C = H or 7 -> Swedish.
C = = -> Swiss.
ESC ) C Designate G1 Character Set (ISO 2022, VT100).
The same character sets apply as for ESC ( C.
ESC * C Designate G2 Character Set (ISO 2022, VT220).
The same character sets apply as for ESC ( C.
ESC + C Designate G3 Character Set (ISO 2022, VT220).
The same character sets apply as for ESC ( C.
ESC - C Designate G1 Character Set (VT300).
The same character sets apply as for ESC ( C.
ESC . C Designate G2 Character Set (VT300).
The same character sets apply as for ESC ( C.
ESC / C Designate G3 Character Set (VT300).
These work for 96-character sets only.
C = A -> ISO Latin-1 Supplemental.
ESC 7 Save Cursor (DECSC).
ESC 8 Restore Cursor (DECRC).
ESC = Application Keypad (DECPAM).
ESC > Normal Keypad (DECPNM).
ESC F Cursor to lower left corner of screen. This is enabled by the
hpLowerleftBugCompat resource.
ESC c Full Reset (RIS).
ESC l Memory Lock (per HP terminals). Locks memory above the cur-
sor.
ESC m Memory Unlock (per HP terminals).
ESC n Invoke the G2 Character Set as GL (LS2).
ESC o Invoke the G3 Character Set as GL (LS3).
ESC | Invoke the G3 Character Set as GR (LS3R).
ESC } Invoke the G2 Character Set as GR (LS2R).
ESC ~ Invoke the G1 Character Set as GR (LS1R).
Application Program-Control functions
APC Pt ST None. xterm implements no APC functions; Pt is ignored. Pt
need not be printable characters.
Device-Control functions
DCS Ps; Ps| Pt ST
User-Defined Keys (DECUDK). The first parameter:
Ps = 0 -> Clear all UDK definitions before starting
(default).
Ps = 1 -> Erase Below (default).
The second parameter:
Ps = 0 <- Lock the keys (default).
Ps = 1 <- Do not lock.
The third parameter is a ';'-separated list of strings denot-
ing the key-code separated by a '/' from the hex-encoded key
value. The key codes correspond to the DEC function-key codes
(e.g., F6=17).
DCS $ q Pt ST
Request Status String (DECRQSS). The string following the "q"
is one of the following:
" q -> DECSCA
" p -> DECSCL
r -> DECSTBM
m -> SGR
xterm responds with DCS 1 $ r Pt ST for valid requests,
replacing the Pt with the corresponding CSI string, or DCS 0 $
r Pt ST for invalid requests.
DCS + p Pt ST
Set Termcap/Terminfo Data (xterm, experimental). The string
following the "p" is a name to use for retrieving data from
the terminal database. The data will be used for the "tcap"
keyboard configuration's function- and special-keys, as well
as by the Request Termcap/Terminfo String control.
DCS + q Pt ST
Request Termcap/Terminfo String (xterm, experimental). The
string following the "q" is a list of names encoded in hexa-
decimal (2 digits per character) separated by ; which corre-
spond to termcap or terminfo key names.
Two special features are also recognized, which are not key
names: Co for termcap colors (or colors for terminfo colors),
and TN for termcap name (or name for terminfo name).
xterm responds with DCS 1 + r Pt ST for valid requests, adding
to Pt an = , and the value of the corresponding string that
xterm would send, or DCS 0 + r Pt ST for invalid requests.
The strings are encoded in hexadecimal (2 digits per charac-
ter).
Functions using CSI , ordered by the final character(s)
CSI Ps @ Insert Ps (Blank) Character(s) (default = 1) (ICH).
CSI Ps A Cursor Up Ps Times (default = 1) (CUU).
CSI Ps B Cursor Down Ps Times (default = 1) (CUD).
CSI Ps C Cursor Forward Ps Times (default = 1) (CUF).
CSI Ps D Cursor Backward Ps Times (default = 1) (CUB).
CSI Ps E Cursor Next Line Ps Times (default = 1) (CNL).
CSI Ps F Cursor Preceding Line Ps Times (default = 1) (CPL).
CSI Ps G Cursor Character Absolute [column] (default = [row,1]) (CHA).
CSI Ps ; Ps H
Cursor Position [row;column] (default = [1,1]) (CUP).
CSI Ps I Cursor Forward Tabulation Ps tab stops (default = 1) (CHT).
CSI Ps J Erase in Display (ED).
Ps = 0 -> Erase Below (default).
Ps = 1 -> Erase Above.
Ps = 2 -> Erase All.
Ps = 3 -> Erase Saved Lines (xterm).
CSI ? Ps J
Erase in Display (DECSED).
Ps = 0 -> Selective Erase Below (default).
Ps = 1 -> Selective Erase Above.
Ps = 2 -> Selective Erase All.
CSI Ps K Erase in Line (EL).
Ps = 0 -> Erase to Right (default).
Ps = 1 -> Erase to Left.
Ps = 2 -> Erase All.
CSI ? Ps K
Erase in Line (DECSEL).
Ps = 0 -> Selective Erase to Right (default).
Ps = 1 -> Selective Erase to Left.
Ps = 2 -> Selective Erase All.
CSI Ps L Insert Ps Line(s) (default = 1) (IL).
CSI Ps M Delete Ps Line(s) (default = 1) (DL).
CSI Ps P Delete Ps Character(s) (default = 1) (DCH).
CSI Ps S Scroll up Ps lines (default = 1) (SU).
CSI Ps T Scroll down Ps lines (default = 1) (SD).
CSI Ps ; Ps ; Ps ; Ps ; Ps T
Initiate highlight mouse tracking. Parameters are
[func;startx;starty;firstrow;lastrow]. See the section Mouse
Tracking.
CSI > Ps; Ps T
Reset one or more features of the title modes to the default
value. Normally, "reset" disables the feature. It is possi-
ble to disable the ability to reset features by compiling a
different default for the title modes into xterm.
Ps = 0 -> Do not set window/icon labels using hexadecimal.
Ps = 1 -> Do not query window/icon labels using hexadeci-
mal.
Ps = 2 -> Do not set window/icon labels using UTF-8.
Ps = 3 -> Do not query window/icon labels using UTF-8.
(See discussion of "Title Modes").
CSI Ps X Erase Ps Character(s) (default = 1) (ECH).
CSI Ps Z Cursor Backward Tabulation Ps tab stops (default = 1) (CBT).
CSI Pm ` Character Position Absolute [column] (default = [row,1])
(HPA).
CSI Ps b Repeat the preceding graphic character Ps times (REP).
CSI Ps c Send Device Attributes (Primary DA).
Ps = 0 or omitted -> request attributes from terminal. The
response depends on the decTerminalID resource setting.
-> CSI ? 1 ; 2 c (``VT100 with Advanced Video Option'')
-> CSI ? 1 ; 0 c (``VT101 with No Options'')
-> CSI ? 6 c (``VT102'')
-> CSI ? 6 0 ; 1 ; 2 ; 6 ; 8 ; 9 ; 1 5 ; c (``VT220'')
The VT100-style response parameters do not mean anything by
themselves. VT220 parameters do, telling the host what fea-
tures the terminal supports:
Ps = 1 -> 132-columns.
Ps = 2 -> Printer.
Ps = 6 -> Selective erase.
Ps = 8 -> User-defined keys.
Ps = 9 -> National replacement character sets.
Ps = 1 5 -> Technical characters.
Ps = 2 2 -> ANSI color, e.g., VT525.
Ps = 2 9 -> ANSI text locator (i.e., DEC Locator mode).
CSI > Ps c
Send Device Attributes (Secondary DA).
Ps = 0 or omitted -> request the terminal's identification
code. The response depends on the decTerminalID resource set-
ting. It should apply only to VT220 and up, but xterm extends
this to VT100.
-> CSI > Pp ; Pv ; Pc c
where Pp denotes the terminal type
Pp = 0 -> ``VT100''.
Pp = 1 -> ``VT220''.
and Pv is the firmware version (for xterm, this was originally
the XFree86 patch number, starting with 95). In a DEC termi-
nal, Pc indicates the ROM cartridge registration number and is
always zero.
CSI Pm d Line Position Absolute [row] (default = [1,column]) (VPA).
CSI Ps ; Ps f
Horizontal and Vertical Position [row;column] (default =
[1,1]) (HVP).
CSI Ps g Tab Clear (TBC).
Ps = 0 -> Clear Current Column (default).
Ps = 3 -> Clear All.
CSI Pm h Set Mode (SM).
Ps = 2 -> Keyboard Action Mode (AM).
Ps = 4 -> Insert Mode (IRM).
Ps = 1 2 -> Send/receive (SRM).
Ps = 2 0 -> Automatic Newline (LNM).
CSI ? Pm h
DEC Private Mode Set (DECSET).
Ps = 1 -> Application Cursor Keys (DECCKM).
Ps = 2 -> Designate USASCII for character sets G0-G3
(DECANM), and set VT100 mode.
Ps = 3 -> 132 Column Mode (DECCOLM).
Ps = 4 -> Smooth (Slow) Scroll (DECSCLM).
Ps = 5 -> Reverse Video (DECSCNM).
Ps = 6 -> Origin Mode (DECOM).
Ps = 7 -> Wraparound Mode (DECAWM).
Ps = 8 -> Auto-repeat Keys (DECARM).
Ps = 9 -> Send Mouse X & Y on button press. See the sec-
tion Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 -> Show toolbar (rxvt).
Ps = 1 2 -> Start Blinking Cursor (att610).
Ps = 1 8 -> Print form feed (DECPFF).
Ps = 1 9 -> Set print extent to full screen (DECPEX).
Ps = 2 5 -> Show Cursor (DECTCEM).
Ps = 3 0 -> Show scrollbar (rxvt).
Ps = 3 5 -> Enable font-shifting functions (rxvt).
Ps = 3 8 -> Enter Tektronix Mode (DECTEK).
Ps = 4 0 -> Allow 80 -> 132 Mode.
Ps = 4 1 -> more(1) fix (see curses resource).
Ps = 4 2 -> Enable Nation Replacement Character sets (DECN-
RCM).
Ps = 4 4 -> Turn On Margin Bell.
Ps = 4 5 -> Reverse-wraparound Mode.
Ps = 4 6 -> Start Logging. This is normally disabled by a
compile-time option.
Ps = 4 7 -> Use Alternate Screen Buffer. (This may be dis-
abled by the titeInhibit resource).
Ps = 6 6 -> Application keypad (DECNKM).
Ps = 6 7 -> Backarrow key sends backspace (DECBKM).
Ps = 1 0 0 0 -> Send Mouse X & Y on button press and
release. See the section Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 1 -> Use Hilite Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 2 -> Use Cell Motion Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 3 -> Use All Motion Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 4 -> Send FocusIn/FocusOut events.
Ps = 1 0 0 5 -> Enable Extended Mouse Mode.
Ps = 1 0 1 0 -> Scroll to bottom on tty output (rxvt).
Ps = 1 0 1 1 -> Scroll to bottom on key press (rxvt).
Ps = 1 0 3 4 -> Interpret "meta" key, sets eighth bit.
(enables the eightBitInput resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 5 -> Enable special modifiers for Alt and Num-
Lock keys. (This enables the numLock resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 6 -> Send ESC when Meta modifies a key. (This
enables the metaSendsEscape resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 7 -> Send DEL from the editing-keypad Delete
key.
Ps = 1 0 3 9 -> Send ESC when Alt modifies a key. (This
enables the altSendsEscape resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 0 -> Keep selection even if not highlighted.
(This enables the keepSelection resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 1 -> Use the CLIPBOARD selection. (This enables
the selectToClipboard resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 2 -> Enable Urgency window manager hint when
Control-G is received. (This enables the bellIsUrgent
resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 3 -> Enable raising of the window when Control-G
is received. (enables the popOnBell resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 7 -> Use Alternate Screen Buffer. (This may be
disabled by the titeInhibit resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 8 -> Save cursor as in DECSC. (This may be dis-
abled by the titeInhibit resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 9 -> Save cursor as in DECSC and use Alternate
Screen Buffer, clearing it first. (This may be disabled by
the titeInhibit resource). This combines the effects of the 1
0 4 7 and 1 0 4 8 modes. Use this with terminfo-based
applications rather than the 4 7 mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 0 -> Set terminfo/termcap function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 1 -> Set Sun function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 2 -> Set HP function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 3 -> Set SCO function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 6 0 -> Set legacy keyboard emulation (X11R6).
Ps = 1 0 6 1 -> Set VT220 keyboard emulation.
Ps = 2 0 0 4 -> Set bracketed paste mode.
CSI Pm i Media Copy (MC).
Ps = 0 -> Print screen (default).
Ps = 4 -> Turn off printer controller mode.
Ps = 5 -> Turn on printer controller mode.
CSI ? Pm i
Media Copy (MC, DEC-specific).
Ps = 1 -> Print line containing cursor.
Ps = 4 -> Turn off autoprint mode.
Ps = 5 -> Turn on autoprint mode.
Ps = 1 0 -> Print composed display, ignores DECPEX.
Ps = 1 1 -> Print all pages.
CSI Pm l Reset Mode (RM).
Ps = 2 -> Keyboard Action Mode (AM).
Ps = 4 -> Replace Mode (IRM).
Ps = 1 2 -> Send/receive (SRM).
Ps = 2 0 -> Normal Linefeed (LNM).
CSI ? Pm l
DEC Private Mode Reset (DECRST).
Ps = 1 -> Normal Cursor Keys (DECCKM).
Ps = 2 -> Designate VT52 mode (DECANM).
Ps = 3 -> 80 Column Mode (DECCOLM).
Ps = 4 -> Jump (Fast) Scroll (DECSCLM).
Ps = 5 -> Normal Video (DECSCNM).
Ps = 6 -> Normal Cursor Mode (DECOM).
Ps = 7 -> No Wraparound Mode (DECAWM).
Ps = 8 -> No Auto-repeat Keys (DECARM).
Ps = 9 -> Don't send Mouse X & Y on button press.
Ps = 1 0 -> Hide toolbar (rxvt).
Ps = 1 2 -> Stop Blinking Cursor (att610).
Ps = 1 8 -> Don't print form feed (DECPFF).
Ps = 1 9 -> Limit print to scrolling region (DECPEX).
Ps = 2 5 -> Hide Cursor (DECTCEM).
Ps = 3 0 -> Don't show scrollbar (rxvt).
Ps = 3 5 -> Disable font-shifting functions (rxvt).
Ps = 4 0 -> Disallow 80 -> 132 Mode.
Ps = 4 1 -> No more(1) fix (see curses resource).
Ps = 4 2 -> Disable Nation Replacement Character sets (DEC-
NRCM).
Ps = 4 4 -> Turn Off Margin Bell.
Ps = 4 5 -> No Reverse-wraparound Mode.
Ps = 4 6 -> Stop Logging. (This is normally disabled by a
compile-time option).
Ps = 4 7 -> Use Normal Screen Buffer.
Ps = 6 6 -> Numeric keypad (DECNKM).
Ps = 6 7 -> Backarrow key sends delete (DECBKM).
Ps = 1 0 0 0 -> Don't send Mouse X & Y on button press and
release. See the section Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 1 -> Don't use Hilite Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 2 -> Don't use Cell Motion Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 3 -> Don't use All Motion Mouse Tracking.
Ps = 1 0 0 4 -> Don't send FocusIn/FocusOut events.
Ps = 1 0 0 5 -> Disable Extended Mouse Mode.
Ps = 1 0 1 0 -> Don't scroll to bottom on tty output
(rxvt).
Ps = 1 0 1 1 -> Don't scroll to bottom on key press (rxvt).
Ps = 1 0 3 4 -> Don't interpret "meta" key. (This disables
the eightBitInput resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 5 -> Disable special modifiers for Alt and Num-
Lock keys. (This disables the numLock resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 6 -> Don't send ESC when Meta modifies a key.
(This disables the metaSendsEscape resource).
Ps = 1 0 3 7 -> Send VT220 Remove from the editing-keypad
Delete key.
Ps = 1 0 3 9 -> Don't send ESC when Alt modifies a key.
(This disables the altSendsEscape resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 0 -> Do not keep selection when not highlighted.
(This disables the keepSelection resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 1 -> Use the PRIMARY selection. (This disables
the selectToClipboard resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 2 -> Disable Urgency window manager hint when
Control-G is received. (This disables the bellIsUrgent
resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 3 -> Disable raising of the window when Control-
G is received. (This disables the popOnBell resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 7 -> Use Normal Screen Buffer, clearing screen
first if in the Alternate Screen. (This may be disabled by
the titeInhibit resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 8 -> Restore cursor as in DECRC. (This may be
disabled by the titeInhibit resource).
Ps = 1 0 4 9 -> Use Normal Screen Buffer and restore cursor
as in DECRC. (This may be disabled by the titeInhibit
resource). This combines the effects of the 1 0 4 7 and 1 0
4 8 modes. Use this with terminfo-based applications rather
than the 4 7 mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 0 -> Reset terminfo/termcap function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 1 -> Reset Sun function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 2 -> Reset HP function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 5 3 -> Reset SCO function-key mode.
Ps = 1 0 6 0 -> Reset legacy keyboard emulation (X11R6).
Ps = 1 0 6 1 -> Reset keyboard emulation to Sun/PC style.
Ps = 2 0 0 4 -> Reset bracketed paste mode.
CSI Pm m Character Attributes (SGR).
Ps = 0 -> Normal (default).
Ps = 1 -> Bold.
Ps = 4 -> Underlined.
Ps = 5 -> Blink (appears as Bold).
Ps = 7 -> Inverse.
Ps = 8 -> Invisible, i.e., hidden (VT300).
Ps = 2 2 -> Normal (neither bold nor faint).
Ps = 2 4 -> Not underlined.
Ps = 2 5 -> Steady (not blinking).
Ps = 2 7 -> Positive (not inverse).
Ps = 2 8 -> Visible, i.e., not hidden (VT300).
Ps = 3 0 -> Set foreground color to Black.
Ps = 3 1 -> Set foreground color to Red.
Ps = 3 2 -> Set foreground color to Green.
Ps = 3 3 -> Set foreground color to Yellow.
Ps = 3 4 -> Set foreground color to Blue.
Ps = 3 5 -> Set foreground color to Magenta.
Ps = 3 6 -> Set foreground color to Cyan.
Ps = 3 7 -> Set foreground color to White.
Ps = 3 9 -> Set foreground color to default (original).
Ps = 4 0 -> Set background color to Black.
Ps = 4 1 -> Set background color to Red.
Ps = 4 2 -> Set background color to Green.
Ps = 4 3 -> Set background color to Yellow.
Ps = 4 4 -> Set background color to Blue.
Ps = 4 5 -> Set background color to Magenta.
Ps = 4 6 -> Set background color to Cyan.
Ps = 4 7 -> Set background color to White.
Ps = 4 9 -> Set background color to default (original).
If 16-color support is compiled, the following apply. Assume
that xterm's resources are set so that the ISO color codes are
the first 8 of a set of 16. Then the aixterm colors are the
bright versions of the ISO colors:
Ps = 9 0 -> Set foreground color to Black.
Ps = 9 1 -> Set foreground color to Red.
Ps = 9 2 -> Set foreground color to Green.
Ps = 9 3 -> Set foreground color to Yellow.
Ps = 9 4 -> Set foreground color to Blue.
Ps = 9 5 -> Set foreground color to Magenta.
Ps = 9 6 -> Set foreground color to Cyan.
Ps = 9 7 -> Set foreground color to White.
Ps = 1 0 0 -> Set background color to Black.
Ps = 1 0 1 -> Set background color to Red.
Ps = 1 0 2 -> Set background color to Green.
Ps = 1 0 3 -> Set background color to Yellow.
Ps = 1 0 4 -> Set background color to Blue.
Ps = 1 0 5 -> Set background color to Magenta.
Ps = 1 0 6 -> Set background color to Cyan.
Ps = 1 0 7 -> Set background color to White.
If xterm is compiled with the 16-color support disabled, it
supports the following, from rxvt:
Ps = 1 0 0 -> Set foreground and background color to
default.
If 88- or 256-color support is compiled, the following apply.
Ps = 3 8 ; 5 ; Ps -> Set foreground color to the second
Ps.
Ps = 4 8 ; 5 ; Ps -> Set background color to the second
Ps.
CSI > Ps; Ps m
Set or reset resource-values used by xterm to decide whether
to construct escape sequences holding information about the
modifiers pressed with a given key. The first parameter iden-
tifies the resource to set/reset. The second parameter is the
value to assign to the resource. If the second parameter is
omitted, the resource is reset to its initial value.
Ps = 1 -> modifyCursorKeys.
Ps = 2 -> modifyFunctionKeys.
Ps = 4 -> modifyOtherKeys.
If no parameters are given, all resources are reset to their
initial values.
CSI Ps n Device Status Report (DSR).
Ps = 5 -> Status Report. Result (``OK'') is
CSI 0 n
Ps = 6 -> Report Cursor Position (CPR) [row;column].
Result is
CSI r ; c R
CSI > Ps n
Disable modifiers which may be enabled via the CSI > Ps; Ps m
sequence. This corresponds to a resource value of "-1", which
cannot be set with the other sequence. The parameter identi-
fies the resource to be disabled:
Ps = 1 -> modifyCursorKeys.
Ps = 2 -> modifyFunctionKeys.
Ps = 4 -> modifyOtherKeys.
If the parameter is omitted, modifyFunctionKeys is disabled.
When modifyFunctionKeys is disabled, xterm uses the modifier
keys to make an extended sequence of functions rather than
adding a parameter to each function key to denote the modi-
fiers.
CSI ? Ps n
Device Status Report (DSR, DEC-specific).
Ps = 6 -> Report Cursor Position (CPR) [row;column] as CSI
? r ; c R (assumes page is zero).
Ps = 1 5 -> Report Printer status as CSI ? 1 0 n (ready).
or CSI ? 1 1 n (not ready).
Ps = 2 5 -> Report UDK status as CSI ? 2 0 n (unlocked)
or CSI ? 2 1 n (locked).
Ps = 2 6 -> Report Keyboard status as
CSI ? 2 7 ; 1 ; 0 ; 0 n (North American).
The last two parameters apply to VT400 & up, and denote key-
board ready and LK01 respectively.
Ps = 5 3 -> Report Locator status as
CSI ? 5 3 n Locator available, if compiled-in, or
CSI ? 5 0 n No Locator, if not.
CSI > Ps p
Set resource value pointerMode. This is used by xterm to
decide whether to hide the pointer cursor as the user types.
Valid values for the parameter:
Ps = 0 -> never hide the pointer.
Ps = 1 -> hide if the mouse tracking mode is not enabled.
Ps = 2 -> always hide the pointer. If no parameter is
given, xterm uses the default, which is 1 .
CSI ! p Soft terminal reset (DECSTR).
CSI Ps$ p
Request ANSI mode (DECRQM). For VT300 and up, reply is
CSI Ps; Pm$ y
where Ps is the mode number as in RM, and Pm is the mode
value:
0 - not recognized
1 - set
2 - reset
3 - permanently set
4 - permanently reset
CSI ? Ps$ p
Request DEC private mode (DECRQM). For VT300 and up, reply is
CSI ? Ps; Pm$ p
where Ps is the mode number as in DECSET, Pm is the mode value
as in the ANSI DECRQM.
CSI Ps ; Ps " p
Set conformance level (DECSCL). Valid values for the first
parameter:
Ps = 6 1 -> VT100.
Ps = 6 2 -> VT200.
Ps = 6 3 -> VT300.
Valid values for the second parameter:
Ps = 0 -> 8-bit controls.
Ps = 1 -> 7-bit controls (always set for VT100).
Ps = 2 -> 8-bit controls.
CSI Ps q Load LEDs (DECLL).
Ps = 0 -> Clear all LEDS (default).
Ps = 1 -> Light Num Lock.
Ps = 2 -> Light Caps Lock.
Ps = 3 -> Light Scroll Lock.
Ps = 2 1 -> Extinguish Num Lock.
Ps = 2 2 -> Extinguish Caps Lock.
Ps = 2 3 -> Extinguish Scroll Lock.
CSI Ps SP q
Set cursor style (DECSCUSR, VT520).
Ps = 0 -> blinking block.
Ps = 1 -> blinking block (default).
Ps = 2 -> steady block.
Ps = 3 -> blinking underline.
Ps = 4 -> steady underline.
CSI Ps " q
Select character protection attribute (DECSCA). Valid values
for the parameter:
Ps = 0 -> DECSED and DECSEL can erase (default).
Ps = 1 -> DECSED and DECSEL cannot erase.
Ps = 2 -> DECSED and DECSEL can erase.
CSI Ps ; Ps r
Set Scrolling Region [top;bottom] (default = full size of win-
dow) (DECSTBM).
CSI ? Pm r
Restore DEC Private Mode Values. The value of Ps previously
saved is restored. Ps values are the same as for DECSET.
CSI Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr; Ps$ r
Change Attributes in Rectangular Area (DECCARA), VT400 and up.
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
Ps denotes the SGR attributes to change: 0, 1, 4, 5, 7.
CSI s Save cursor (ANSI.SYS).
CSI ? Pm s
Save DEC Private Mode Values. Ps values are the same as for
DECSET.
CSI Ps ; Ps ; Ps t
Window manipulation (from dtterm, as well as extensions).
These controls may be disabled using the allowWindowOps
resource. Valid values for the first (and any additional
parameters) are:
Ps = 1 -> De-iconify window.
Ps = 2 -> Iconify window.
Ps = 3 ; x ; y -> Move window to [x, y].
Ps = 4 ; height ; width -> Resize the xterm window to
height and width in pixels.
Ps = 5 -> Raise the xterm window to the front of the stack-
ing order.
Ps = 6 -> Lower the xterm window to the bottom of the
stacking order.
Ps = 7 -> Refresh the xterm window.
Ps = 8 ; height ; width -> Resize the text area to
[height;width] in characters.
Ps = 9 ; 0 -> Restore maximized window.
Ps = 9 ; 1 -> Maximize window (i.e., resize to screen
size).
Ps = 1 0 ; 0 -> Undo full-screen mode.
Ps = 1 0 ; 1 -> Change to full-screen.
Ps = 1 1 -> Report xterm window state. If the xterm window
is open (non-iconified), it returns CSI 1 t . If the xterm
window is iconified, it returns CSI 2 t .
Ps = 1 3 -> Report xterm window position. Result is CSI 3
; x ; y t
Ps = 1 4 -> Report xterm window in pixels. Result is CSI
4 ; height ; width t
Ps = 1 8 -> Report the size of the text area in characters.
Result is CSI 8 ; height ; width t
Ps = 1 9 -> Report the size of the screen in characters.
Result is CSI 9 ; height ; width t
Ps = 2 0 -> Report xterm window's icon label. Result is
OSC L label ST
Ps = 2 1 -> Report xterm window's title. Result is OSC l
label ST
Ps = 2 2 ; 0 -> Save xterm icon and window title on
stack.
Ps = 2 2 ; 1 -> Save xterm icon title on stack.
Ps = 2 2 ; 2 -> Save xterm window title on stack.
Ps = 2 3 ; 0 -> Restore xterm icon and window title from
stack.
Ps = 2 3 ; 1 -> Restore xterm icon title from stack.
Ps = 2 3 ; 2 -> Restore xterm window title from stack.
Ps >= 2 4 -> Resize to Ps lines (DECSLPP).
CSI Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr; Ps$ t
Reverse Attributes in Rectangular Area (DECRARA), VT400 and
up.
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
Ps denotes the attributes to reverse, i.e., 1, 4, 5, 7.
CSI > Ps; Ps t
Set one or more features of the title modes. Each parameter
enables a single feature.
Ps = 0 -> Set window/icon labels using hexadecimal.
Ps = 1 -> Query window/icon labels using hexadecimal.
Ps = 2 -> Set window/icon labels using UTF-8.
Ps = 3 -> Query window/icon labels using UTF-8. (See dis-
cussion of "Title Modes")
CSI Ps SP t
Set warning-bell volume (DECSWBV, VT520).
Ps = 0 or 1 -> off.
Ps = 2 , 3 or 4 -> low.
Ps = 5 , 6 , 7 , or 8 -> high.
CSI u Restore cursor (ANSI.SYS).
CSI Ps SP u
Set margin-bell volume (DECSMBV, VT520).
Ps = 1 -> off.
Ps = 2 , 3 or 4 -> low.
Ps = 0 , 5 , 6 , 7 , or 8 -> high.
CSI Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr; Pp; Pt; Pl; Pp$ v
Copy Rectangular Area (DECCRA, VT400 and up).
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
Pp denotes the source page.
Pt; Pl denotes the target location.
Pp denotes the target page.
CSI Pt ; Pl ; Pb ; Pr ' w
Enable Filter Rectangle (DECEFR), VT420 and up.
Parameters are [top;left;bottom;right].
Defines the coordinates of a filter rectangle and activates
it. Anytime the locator is detected outside of the filter
rectangle, an outside rectangle event is generated and the
rectangle is disabled. Filter rectangles are always treated
as "one-shot" events. Any parameters that are omitted default
to the current locator position. If all parameters are omit-
ted, any locator motion will be reported. DECELR always can-
cels any prevous rectangle definition.
CSI Ps x Request Terminal Parameters (DECREQTPARM).
if Ps is a "0" (default) or "1", and xterm is emulating VT100,
the control sequence elicits a response of the same form whose
parameters describe the terminal:
Ps -> the given Ps incremented by 2.
Pn = 1 <- no parity.
Pn = 1 <- eight bits.
Pn = 1 <- 2 8 transmit 38.4k baud.
Pn = 1 <- 2 8 receive 38.4k baud.
Pn = 1 <- clock multiplier.
Pn = 0 <- STP flags.
CSI Ps x Select Attribute Change Extent (DECSACE).
Ps = 0 -> from start to end position, wrapped.
Ps = 1 -> from start to end position, wrapped.
Ps = 2 -> rectangle (exact).
CSI Pc; Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr$ x
Fill Rectangular Area (DECFRA), VT420 and up.
Pc is the character to use.
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
CSI Ps ; Pu ' z
Enable Locator Reporting (DECELR).
Valid values for the first parameter:
Ps = 0 -> Locator disabled (default).
Ps = 1 -> Locator enabled.
Ps = 2 -> Locator enabled for one report, then disabled.
The second parameter specifies the coordinate unit for locator
reports.
Valid values for the second parameter:
Pu = 0 <- or omitted -> default to character cells.
Pu = 1 <- device physical pixels.
Pu = 2 <- character cells.
CSI Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr$ z
Erase Rectangular Area (DECERA), VT400 and up.
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
CSI Pm ' {
Select Locator Events (DECSLE).
Valid values for the first (and any additional parameters)
are:
Ps = 0 -> only respond to explicit host requests (DECRQLP).
(This is default). It also cancels any filter
rectangle.
Ps = 1 -> report button down transitions.
Ps = 2 -> do not report button down transitions.
Ps = 3 -> report button up transitions.
Ps = 4 -> do not report button up transitions.
CSI Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr$ {
Selective Erase Rectangular Area (DECSERA), VT400 and up.
Pt; Pl; Pb; Pr denotes the rectangle.
CSI Ps ' |
Request Locator Position (DECRQLP).
Valid values for the parameter are:
Ps = 0 , 1 or omitted -> transmit a single DECLRP locator
report.
If Locator Reporting has been enabled by a DECELR, xterm will
respond with a DECLRP Locator Report. This report is also
generated on button up and down events if they have been
enabled with a DECSLE, or when the locator is detected outside
of a filter rectangle, if filter rectangles have been enabled
with a DECEFR.
-> CSI Pe ; Pb ; Pr ; Pc ; Pp & w
Parameters are [event;button;row;column;page].
Valid values for the event:
Pe = 0 -> locator unavailable - no other parameters sent.
Pe = 1 -> request - xterm received a DECRQLP.
Pe = 2 -> left button down.
Pe = 3 -> left button up.
Pe = 4 -> middle button down.
Pe = 5 -> middle button up.
Pe = 6 -> right button down.
Pe = 7 -> right button up.
Pe = 8 -> M4 button down.
Pe = 9 -> M4 button up.
Pe = 1 0 -> locator outside filter rectangle.
``button'' parameter is a bitmask indicating which buttons are
pressed:
Pb = 0 <- no buttons down.
Pb & 1 <- right button down.
Pb & 2 <- middle button down.
Pb & 4 <- left button down.
Pb & 8 <- M4 button down.
``row'' and ``column'' parameters are the coordinates of the
locator position in the xterm window, encoded as ASCII deci-
mal.
The ``page'' parameter is not used by xterm, and will be omit-
ted.
Operating System Controls
OSC Ps ; Pt ST
OSC Ps ; Pt BEL
Set Text Parameters. For colors and font, if Pt is a "?", the
control sequence elicits a response which consists of the con-
trol sequence which would set the corresponding value. The
dtterm control sequences allow you to determine the icon name
and window title.
Ps = 0 -> Change Icon Name and Window Title to Pt.
Ps = 1 -> Change Icon Name to Pt.
Ps = 2 -> Change Window Title to Pt.
Ps = 3 -> Set X property on top-level window. Pt should be
in the form "prop=value", or just "prop" to delete the prop-
erty
Ps = 4 ; c ; spec -> Change Color Number c to the color
specified by spec. This can be a name or RGB specification as
per XParseColor. Any number of c name pairs may be given.
The color numbers correspond to the ANSI colors 0-7, their
bright versions 8-15, and if supported, the remainder of the
88-color or 256-color table.
If a "?" is given rather than a name or RGB specification,
xterm replies with a control sequence of the same form which
can be used to set the corresponding color. Because more than
one pair of color number and specification can be given in one
control sequence, xterm can make more than one reply.
Ps = 5 ; c ; spec -> Change Special Color Number c to the
color specified by spec. This can be a name or RGB specifica-
tion as per XParseColor. Any number of c name pairs may be
given. The special colors can also be set by adding the maxi-
mum number of colors to these codes in an OSC 4 control:
Pc = 0 <- resource colorBD (BOLD).
Pc = 1 <- resource colorUL (UNDERLINE).
Pc = 2 <- resource colorBL (BLINK).
Pc = 3 <- resource colorRV (REVERSE).
The 8 colors (below) which may be set or queried using 1 0
through 1 7 are denoted dynamic colors, since the correspond-
ing control sequences were the first means for setting xterm's
colors dynamically, i.e., after it was started. They are not
the same as the ANSI colors. These controls may be disabled
using the allowColorOps resource. At least one parameter is
expected for Pt. Each successive parameter changes the next
color in the list. The value of Ps tells the starting point
in the list. The colors are specified by name or RGB specifi-
cation as per XParseColor.
If a "?" is given rather than a name or RGB specification,
xterm replies with a control sequence of the same form which
can be used to set the corresponding dynamic color. Because
more than one pair of color number and specification can be
given in one control sequence, xterm can make more than one
reply.
Ps = 1 0 -> Change VT100 text foreground color to Pt.
Ps = 1 1 -> Change VT100 text background color to Pt.
Ps = 1 2 -> Change text cursor color to Pt.
Ps = 1 3 -> Change mouse foreground color to Pt.
Ps = 1 4 -> Change mouse background color to Pt.
Ps = 1 5 -> Change Tektronix foreground color to Pt.
Ps = 1 6 -> Change Tektronix background color to Pt.
Ps = 1 7 -> Change highlight background color to Pt.
Ps = 1 8 -> Change Tektronix cursor color to Pt.
Ps = 1 9 -> Change highlight foreground color to Pt.
Ps = 4 6 -> Change Log File to Pt. (This is normally dis-
abled by a compile-time option).
Ps = 5 0 -> Set Font to Pt. These controls may be disabled
using the allowFontOps resource. If Pt begins with a "#",
index in the font menu, relative (if the next character is a
plus or minus sign) or absolute. A number is expected but not
required after the sign (the default is the current entry for
relative, zero for absolute indexing).
The same rule (plus or minus sign, optional number) is used
when querying the font. The remainder of Pt is ignored.
A font can be specified after a "#" index expression, by
adding a space and then the font specifier.
If the "TrueType Fonts" menu entry is set (the renderFont
resource), then this control sets/queries the faceName
resource.
Ps = 5 1 (reserved for Emacs shell).
Ps = 5 2 -> Manipulate Selection Data. These controls may
be disabled using the allowWindowOps resource. The parameter
Pt is parsed as
Pc; Pd
The first, Pc, may contain any character from the set c p s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 . It is used to construct a list of
selection parameters for clipboard, primary, select, or cut
buffers 0 through 8 respectively, in the order given. If the
parameter is empty, xterm uses s 0 , to specify the config-
urable primary/clipboard selection and cut buffer 0.
The second parameter, Pd, gives the selection data. Normally
this is a string encoded in base64. The data becomes the new
selection, which is then available for pasting by other appli-
cations.
If the second parameter is a ? , xterm replies to the host
with the selection data encoded using the same protocol.
Ps = 1 0 4 ; c -> Reset Color Number c. It is reset to the
color specified by the corresponding X resource. Any number
of c parameters may be given. These parameters correspond to
the ANSI colors 0-7, their bright versions 8-15, and if sup-
ported, the remainder of the 88-color or 256-color table. If
no parameters are given, the entire table will be reset.
Ps = 1 0 5 ; c -> Reset Special Color Number c. It is
reset to the color specified by the corresponding X resource.
Any number of c parameters may be given. These parameters
correspond to the special colors which can be set using an OSC
5 control (or by adding the maximum number of colors using an
OSC 4 control).
The dynamic colors can also be reset to their default
(resource) values:
Ps = 1 1 0 -> Reset VT100 text foreground color.
Ps = 1 1 1 -> Reset VT100 text background color.
Ps = 1 1 2 -> Reset text cursor color.
Ps = 1 1 3 -> Reset mouse foreground color.
Ps = 1 1 4 -> Reset mouse background color.
Ps = 1 1 5 -> Reset Tektronix foreground color.
Ps = 1 1 6 -> Reset Tektronix background color.
Ps = 1 1 7 -> Reset highlight color.
Ps = 1 1 8 -> Reset Tektronix cursor color.
Privacy Message
PM Pt ST xterm implements no PM functions; Pt is ignored. Pt need not
be printable characters.
Alt and Meta Keys
Many keyboards have keys labeled "Alt". Few have keys labeled "Meta".
However, xterm's default translations use the Meta modifier. Common
keyboard configurations assign the Meta modifier to an "Alt" key. By
using xmodmap one may have the modifier assigned to a different key, and
have "real" alt and meta keys. Here is an example:
! put meta on mod3 to distinguish it from alt
keycode 64 = Alt_L
clear mod1
add mod1 = Alt_L
keycode 115 = Meta_L
clear mod3
add mod3 = Meta_L
The metaSendsEscape resource (and altSendsEscape if altIsNotMeta is set)
can be used to control the way the Meta modifier applies to ordinary
keys unless the modifyOtherKeys resource is set:
- prefix a key with the ESC character.
- shift the key from codes 0-127 to 128-255 by adding 128.
The table shows the result for a given character "x" with modifiers
according to the default translations with the resources set on or off.
This assumes altIsNotMeta is set:
-----------------------------------------------------------
key altSendsEscape metaSendsEscape result
-----------------------------------------------------------
x off off x
Meta-x off off shift
Alt-x off off shift
Alt+Meta-x off off shift
x ON off x
Meta-x ON off shift
Alt-x ON off ESC x
Alt+Meta-x ON off ESC shift
x off ON x
Meta-x off ON ESC x
Alt-x off ON shift
Alt+Meta-x off ON ESC shift
x ON ON x
Meta-x ON ON ESC x
Alt-x ON ON ESC x
Alt+Meta-x ON ON ESC x
-----------------------------------------------------------
PC-Style Function Keys
If xterm does minimal translation of the function keys, it usually does
this with a PC-style keyboard, so PC-style function keys result. Sun
keyboards are similar to PC keyboards. Both have cursor and scrolling
operations printed on the keypad, which duplicate the smaller cursor and
scrolling keypads.
X does not predefine NumLock (used for VT220 keyboards) or Alt (used as
an extension for the Sun/PC keyboards) as modifiers. These keys are
recognized as modifiers when enabled by the numLock resource, or by the
"DECSET 1 0 3 5 " control sequence.
The cursor keys transmit the following escape sequences depending on the
mode specified via the DECCKM escape sequence.
Key Normal Application
--------------------------------------
Cursor Up CSI A SS3 A
Cursor Down CSI B SS3 B
Cursor Right CSI C SS3 C
Cursor Left CSI D SS3 D
--------------------------------------
The home- and end-keys (unlike PageUp and other keys also on the 6-key
editing keypad) are considered "cursor keys" by xterm. Their mode is
also controlled by the DECCKM escape sequence:
Key Normal Application
----------------------------------
Home CSI H SS3 H
End CSI F SS3 F
----------------------------------
The application keypad transmits the following escape sequences depend-
ing on the mode specified via the DECPNM and DECPAM escape sequences.
Use the NumLock key to override the application mode.
Not all keys are present on the Sun/PC keypad (e.g., PF1, Tab), but are
supported by the program.
Key Numeric Application Terminfo Termcap
--------------------------------------------------------------
Space SP SS3 SP - -
Tab TAB SS3 I - -
Enter CR SS3 M kent @8
PF1 SS3 P SS3 P kf1 k1
PF2 SS3 Q SS3 Q kf2 k2
PF3 SS3 R SS3 R kf3 k3
PF4 SS3 S SS3 S kf4 k4
* (multiply) * SS3 j - -
+ (add) + SS3 k - -
, (comma) , SS3 l - -
- (minus) - SS3 m - -
. (Delete) . CSI 3 ~ - -
/ (divide) / SS3 o - -
0 (Insert) 0 CSI 2 ~ - -
1 (End) 1 SS3 F kc1 K4
2 (DownArrow) 2 CSI B - -
3 (PageDown) 3 CSI 6 ~ kc3 K5
4 (LeftArrow) 4 CSI D - -
5 (Begin) 5 CSI E kb2 K2
6 (RightArrow) 6 CSI C - -
7 (Home) 7 SS3 H ka1 K1
8 (UpArrow) 8 CSI A - -
9 (PageUp) 9 CSI 5 ~ ka3 K3
= (equal) = SS3 X - -
--------------------------------------------------------------
They also provide 12 function keys, as well as a few other special-pur-
pose keys:
Key Escape Sequence
---------------------------
F1 SS3 P
F2 SS3 Q
F3 SS3 R
F4 SS3 S
F5 CSI 1 5 ~
F6 CSI 1 7 ~
F7 CSI 1 8 ~
F8 CSI 1 9 ~
F9 CSI 2 0 ~
F10 CSI 2 1 ~
F11 CSI 2 3 ~
F12 CSI 2 4 ~
---------------------------
Older versions of xterm implement different escape sequences for F1
through F4. These can be activated by setting the oldXtermFKeys
resource. However, since they do not correspond to any hardware termi-
nal, they have been deprecated. (The DEC VT220 reserves F1 through F5
for local functions such as Setup).
Key Escape Sequence
---------------------------
F1 CSI 1 1 ~
F2 CSI 1 2 ~
F3 CSI 1 3 ~
F4 CSI 1 4 ~
---------------------------
In normal mode, i.e., a Sun/PC keyboard when the sunKeyboard resource is
false, xterm recognizes function key modifiers which are parameters
appended before the final character of the control sequence.
Code Modifiers
---------------------------------
2 Shift
3 Alt
4 Shift + Alt
5 Control
6 Shift + Control
7 Alt + Control
8 Shift + Alt + Control
---------------------------------
For example, shift-F5 would be sent as CSI 1 5 ; 2 ~
If the alwaysUseMods resource is set, the Meta modifier also is recog-
nized, making parameters 9 through 16.
VT220-Style Function Keys
However, xterm is most useful as a DEC VT102 or VT220 emulator. Set the
sunKeyboard resource to true to force a Sun/PC keyboard to act like a
VT220 keyboard.
The VT102/VT220 application keypad transmits unique escape sequences in
application mode, which are distinct from the cursor and scrolling key-
pad:
Key Numeric Application
--------------------------------------
Space SP SS3 SP
Tab TAB SS3 I
Enter CR SS3 M
PF1 SS3 P SS3 P
PF2 SS3 Q SS3 Q
PF3 SS3 R SS3 R
PF4 SS3 S SS3 S
* (multiply) * SS3 j
+ (add) + SS3 k
, (comma) , SS3 l
- (minus) - SS3 m
. (period) . SS3 n
/ (divide) / SS3 o
0 0 SS3 p
1 1 SS3 q
2 2 SS3 r
3 3 SS3 s
4 4 SS3 t
5 5 SS3 u
6 6 SS3 v
7 7 SS3 w
8 8 SS3 x
9 9 SS3 y
= (equal) = SS3 X
--------------------------------------
The VT220 provides a 6-key editing keypad, which is analogous to that on
the PC keyboard. It is not affected by DECCKM or DECPNM/DECPAM:
Key Normal Application
----------------------------------
Insert CSI 2 ~ CSI 2 ~
Delete CSI 3 ~ CSI 3 ~
Home CSI 1 ~ CSI 1 ~
End CSI 4 ~ CSI 4 ~
PageUp CSI 5 ~ CSI 5 ~
PageDown CSI 6 ~ CSI 6 ~
----------------------------------
The VT220 provides 8 additional function keys. With a Sun/PC keyboard,
access these keys by Control/F1 for F13, etc.
Key Escape Sequence
---------------------------
F13 CSI 2 5 ~
F14 CSI 2 6 ~
F15 CSI 2 8 ~
F16 CSI 2 9 ~
F17 CSI 3 1 ~
F18 CSI 3 2 ~
F19 CSI 3 3 ~
F20 CSI 3 4 ~
---------------------------
VT52-Style Function Keys
A VT52 does not have function keys, but it does have a numeric keypad
and cursor keys. They differ from the other emulations by the prefix.
Also, the cursor keys do not change:
Key Normal/Application
----------------------------------
Cursor Up ESC A
Cursor Down ESC B
Cursor Right ESC C
Cursor Left ESC D
----------------------------------
The keypad is similar:
Key Numeric Application
--------------------------------------
Space SP ESC ? SP
Tab TAB ESC ? I
Enter CR ESC ? M
PF1 ESC P ESC P
PF2 ESC Q ESC Q
PF3 ESC R ESC R
PF4 ESC S ESC S
* (multiply) * ESC ? j
+ (add) + ESC ? k
, (comma) , ESC ? l
- (minus) - ESC ? m
. (period) . ESC ? n
/ (divide) / ESC ? o
0 0 ESC ? p
1 1 ESC ? q
2 2 ESC ? r
3 3 ESC ? s
4 4 ESC ? t
5 5 ESC ? u
6 6 ESC ? v
7 7 ESC ? w
8 8 ESC ? x
9 9 ESC ? y
= (equal) = ESC ? X
--------------------------------------
Sun-Style Function Keys
The xterm program provides support for Sun keyboards more directly, by a
menu toggle that causes it to send Sun-style function key codes rather
than VT220. Note, however, that the sun and VT100 emulations are not
really compatible. For example, their wrap-margin behavior differs.
Only function keys are altered; keypad and cursor keys are the same.
The emulation responds identically. See the xterm-sun terminfo entry
for details.
HP-Style Function Keys
Similarly, xterm can be compiled to support HP keyboards. See the
xterm-hp terminfo entry for details.
The Alternate Screen Buffer
Xterm maintains two screen buffers. The normal screen buffer allows you
to scroll back to view saved lines of output up to the maximum set by
the saveLines resource. The alternate screen buffer is exactly as large
as the display, contains no additional saved lines. When the alternate
screen buffer is active, you cannot scroll back to view saved lines.
Xterm provides control sequences and menu entries for switching between
the two.
Most full-screen applications use terminfo or termcap to obtain strings
used to start/stop full-screen mode, i.e., smcup and rmcup for terminfo,
or the corresponding ti and te for termcap. The titeInhibit resource
removes the ti and te strings from the TERMCAP string which is set in
the environment for some platforms. That is not done when xterm is
built with terminfo libraries because terminfo does not provide the
whole text of the termcap data in one piece. It would not work for ter-
minfo anyway, since terminfo data is not passed in environment vari-
ables; setting an environment variable in this manner would have no
effect on the application's ability to switch between normal and alter-
nate screen buffers. Instead, the newer private mode controls (such as
1 0 4 9 ) for switching between normal and alternate screen buffers sim-
ply disable the switching. They add other features such as clearing the
display for the same reason: to make the details of switching indepen-
dent of the application that requests the switch.
Bracketed Paste Mode
When bracketed paste mode is set, pasted text is bracketed with control
sequences so that the program can differentiate pasted text from typed-
in text. When bracketed paste mode is set, the program will receive:
ESC [ 200 ~,
followed by the pasted text, followed by
ESC [ 201 ~.
Title Modes
The window- and icon-labels can be set or queried using control
sequences. As a VT220-emulator, xterm "should" limit the character
encoding for the corresponding strings to ISO-8859-1. Indeed, it used
to be the case (and was documented) that window titles had to be
ISO-8859-1. This is no longer the case. However, there are many appli-
cations which still assume that titles are set using ISO-8859-1. So
that is the default behavior.
If xterm is running with UTF-8 encoding, it is possible to use window-
and icon-labels encoded using UTF-8. That is because the underlying X
libraries (and many, but not all) window managers support this feature.
The utf8Title X resource setting tells xterm to disable a reconversion
of the title string back to ISO-8859-1, allowing the title strings to be
interpreted as UTF-8. The same feature can be enabled using the title
mode control sequence described in this summary.
Separate from the ability to set the titles, xterm provides the ability
to query the titles, returning them either in ISO-8859-1 or UTF-8. This
choice is available only while xterm is using UTF-8 encoding.
Finally, the characters sent to, or returned by a title control are less
constrained than the rest of the control sequences. To make them more
manageable (and constrained), for use in shell scripts, xterm has an
optional feature which decodes the string from hexadecimal (for setting
titles) or for encoding the title into hexadecimal when querying the
value.
Mouse Tracking
The VT widget can be set to send the mouse position and other informa-
tion on button presses. These modes are typically used by editors and
other full-screen applications that want to make use of the mouse.
There are six mutually exclusive modes. One is DEC Locator mode,
enabled by the DECELR CSI Ps ; Ps ' z control sequence, and is not
described here (control sequences are summarized above). The remaining
five modes are each enabled (or disabled) by a different parameter in
the "DECSET CSI ? Pm h " or "DECRST CSI ? Pm l " control sequence.
Manifest constants for the parameter values are defined in xcharmouse.h
as follows:
#define SET_X10_MOUSE 9
#define SET_VT200_MOUSE 1000
#define SET_VT200_HIGHLIGHT_MOUSE 1001
#define SET_BTN_EVENT_MOUSE 1002
#define SET_ANY_EVENT_MOUSE 1003
#define SET_FOCUS_EVENT_MOUSE 1004
#define SET_EXT_MODE_MOUSE 1005
The motion reporting modes are strictly xterm extensions, and are not
part of any standard, though they are analogous to the DEC VT200 DECELR
locator reports.
Parameters (such as pointer position and button number) for all mouse
tracking escape sequences generated by xterm encode numeric parameters
in a single character as value+32. For example, ! specifies the value
1. The upper left character position on the terminal is denoted as 1,1.
X10 compatibility mode sends an escape sequence only on button press,
encoding the location and the mouse button pressed. It is enabled by
specifying parameter 9 to DECSET. On button press, xterm sends CSI M
CbCxCy (6 characters).
o Cb is button-1.
o Cx and Cy are the x and y coordinates of the mouse when the button
was pressed.
Normal tracking mode sends an escape sequence on both button press and
release. Modifier key (shift, ctrl, meta) information is also sent. It
is enabled by specifying parameter 1000 to DECSET. On button press or
release, xterm sends CSI M CbCxCy.
o The low two bits of Cb encode button information: 0=MB1 pressed,
1=MB2 pressed, 2=MB3 pressed, 3=release.
o The next three bits encode the modifiers which were down when the
button was pressed and are added together: 4=Shift, 8=Meta, 16=Con-
trol. Note however that the shift and control bits are normally
unavailable because xterm uses the control modifier with mouse for
popup menus, and the shift modifier is used in the default transla-
tions for button events. The Meta modifier recognized by xterm is
the mod1 mask, and is not necessarily the "Meta" key (see xmodmap).
o Cx and Cy are the x and y coordinates of the mouse event, encoded as
in X10 mode.
Wheel mice may return buttons 4 and 5. Those buttons are represented by
the same event codes as buttons 1 and 2 respectively, except that 64 is
added to the event code. Release events for the wheel buttons are not
reported.
Mouse highlight tracking notifies a program of a button press, receives
a range of lines from the program, highlights the region covered by the
mouse within that range until button release, and then sends the program
the release coordinates. It is enabled by specifying parameter 1001 to
DECSET. Highlighting is performed only for button 1, though other but-
ton events can be received.
Warning: use of this mode requires a cooperating program or it will hang
xterm.
On button press, the same information as for normal tracking is gener-
ated; xterm then waits for the program to send mouse tracking informa-
tion. All X events are ignored until the proper escape sequence is
received from the pty: CSI Ps ; Ps ; Ps ; Ps ; Ps T . The parameters
are func, startx, starty, firstrow, and lastrow. func is non-zero to
initiate highlight tracking and zero to abort. startx and starty give
the starting x and y location for the highlighted region. The ending
location tracks the mouse, but will never be above row firstrow and will
always be above row lastrow. (The top of the screen is row 1.) When
the button is released, xterm reports the ending position one of two
ways:
o if the start and end coordinates are the same locations:
CSI t CxCy.
o otherwise:
CSI T CxCyCxCyCxCy.
The parameters are startx, starty, endx, endy, mousex, and mousey.
- startx, starty, endx, and endy give the starting and ending
character positions of the region.
- mousex and mousey give the location of the mouse at button up,
which may not be over a character.
Button-event tracking is essentially the same as normal tracking, but
xterm also reports button-motion events. Motion events are reported
only if the mouse pointer has moved to a different character cell. It
is enabled by specifying parameter 1002 to DECSET. On button press or
release, xterm sends the same codes used by normal tracking mode.
o On button-motion events, xterm adds 32 to the event code (the third
character, Cb).
o The other bits of the event code specify button and modifier keys as
in normal mode. For example, motion into cell x,y with button 1
down is reported as CSI M @ CxCy. ( @ = 32 + 0 (button 1) + 32
(motion indicator) ). Similarly, motion with button 3 down is
reported as CSI M B CxCy. ( B = 32 + 2 (button 3) + 32 (motion
indicator) ).
Any-event mode is the same as button-event mode, except that all motion
events are reported, even if no mouse button is down. It is enabled by
specifying 1003 to DECSET.
FocusIn/FocusOut can be combined with any of the mouse events since it
uses a different protocol. When set, it causes xterm to send CSI I
when the terminal gains focus, and CSI O when it loses focus.
Extended mouse mode enables UTF-8 encoding for Cx and Cy under all
tracking modes, expanding the maximum encodable position from 223 to
2015. For positions less than 95, the resulting output is identical
under both modes. Under extended mouse mode, positions greater than 95
generate "extra" bytes which will confuse applications which do not
treat their input as a UTF-8 stream. Likewise, Cb will be UTF-8
encoded, to reduce confusion with wheel mouse events.
NOTE: Under normal mouse mode, positions outside (160,94) result in byte
pairs which can be interpreted as a single UTF-8 character; applications
which do treat their input as UTF-8 will almost certainly be confused
unless extended mouse mode is active.
Tektronix 4014 Mode
Most of these sequences are standard Tektronix 4014 control sequences.
Graph mode supports the 12-bit addressing of the Tektronix 4014. The
major features missing are the write-through and defocused modes. This
document does not describe the commands used in the various Tektronix
plotting modes but does describe the commands to switch modes.
BEL Bell (Ctrl-G).
BS Backspace (Ctrl-H).
TAB Horizontal Tab (Ctrl-I).
LF Line Feed or New Line (Ctrl-J).
VT Cursor up (Ctrl-K).
FF Form Feed or New Page (Ctrl-L).
CR Carriage Return (Ctrl-M).
ESC ETX Switch to VT100 Mode (ESC Ctrl-C).
ESC ENQ Return Terminal Status (ESC Ctrl-E).
ESC FF PAGE (Clear Screen) (ESC Ctrl-L).
ESC SO Begin 4015 APL mode (ESC Ctrl-N). (This is ignored by xterm).
ESC SI End 4015 APL mode (ESC Ctrl-O). (This is ignored by xterm).
ESC ETB COPY (Save Tektronix Codes to file COPYyyyy-mm-dd.hh:mm:ss).
ETB (end transmission block) is the same as Ctrl-W.
ESC CAN Bypass Condition (ESC Ctrl-X).
ESC SUB GIN mode (ESC Ctrl-Z).
ESC FS Special Point Plot Mode (ESC Ctrl-\).
ESC 8 Select Large Character Set.
ESC 9 Select #2 Character Set.
ESC : Select #3 Character Set.
ESC ; Select Small Character Set.
OSC Ps ; Pt BEL
Set Text Parameters of VT window.
Ps = 0 -> Change Icon Name and Window Title to Pt.
Ps = 1 -> Change Icon Name to Pt.
Ps = 2 -> Change Window Title to Pt.
Ps = 4 6 -> Change Log File to Pt. (This is normally dis-
abled by a compile-time option).
ESC ` Normal Z Axis and Normal (solid) Vectors.
ESC a Normal Z Axis and Dotted Line Vectors.
ESC b Normal Z Axis and Dot-Dashed Vectors.
ESC c Normal Z Axis and Short-Dashed Vectors.
ESC d Normal Z Axis and Long-Dashed Vectors.
ESC h Defocused Z Axis and Normal (solid) Vectors.
ESC i Defocused Z Axis and Dotted Line Vectors.
ESC j Defocused Z Axis and Dot-Dashed Vectors.
ESC k Defocused Z Axis and Short-Dashed Vectors.
ESC l Defocused Z Axis and Long-Dashed Vectors.
ESC p Write-Thru Mode and Normal (solid) Vectors.
ESC q Write-Thru Mode and Dotted Line Vectors.
ESC r Write-Thru Mode and Dot-Dashed Vectors.
ESC s Write-Thru Mode and Short-Dashed Vectors.
ESC t Write-Thru Mode and Long-Dashed Vectors.
FS Point Plot Mode (Ctrl-\).
GS Graph Mode (Ctrl-]).
RS Incremental Plot Mode (Ctrl-^).
US Alpha Mode (Ctrl-_).
VT52 Mode
Parameters for cursor movement are at the end of the ESC Y escape
sequence. Each ordinate is encoded in a single character as value+32.
For example, ! is 1. The screen coordinate system is 0-based.
ESC A Cursor up.
ESC B Cursor down.
ESC C Cursor right.
ESC D Cursor left.
ESC F Enter graphics mode.
ESC G Exit graphics mode.
ESC H Move the cursor to the home position.
ESC I Reverse line feed.
ESC J Erase from the cursor to the end of the screen.
ESC K Erase from the cursor to the end of the line.
ESC Y Ps Ps
Move the cursor to given row and column.
ESC Z Identify.
-> ESC / Z (``I am a VT52.'').
ESC = Enter alternate keypad mode.
ESC > Exit alternate keypad mode.
ESC < Exit VT52 mode (Enter VT100 mode).