# Welcome to I38 - Accessible i3 Window Manager > **Note:** This help guide has been tailored to your specific configuration. You've chosen **BROWSER** as your web browser, **MODKEY** as your mod key, and you're using the **SCREENREADER** screen reader. ## Introduction to I38 I38 is a configuration for the i3 window manager that makes it more accessible for blind people. It features audio feedback, screen reader integration, and keyboard shortcuts designed for non-visual navigation. Unlike traditional desktop environments like GNOME or MATE, i3 is a tiling window manager, which means windows are arranged in a non-overlapping layout. This can be more efficient to navigate by keyboard, as windows are organized in a predictable structure. ### Coming from GNOME or MATE? If you're transitioning from GNOME or MATE, here are some key differences to understand: - **Window Management**: In GNOME/MATE, windows can overlap freely and are typically manipulated with a mouse. In i3/I38, windows tile automatically and are primarily controlled with keyboard shortcuts. - **Panels and Indicators**: Instead of persistent panels with menus and indicators, I38 uses keyboard shortcuts to access functionality. - **Workspace Navigation**: While GNOME/MATE have workspaces that you can switch between, I38's workspaces are more central to the workflow and are accessed via dedicated keyboard shortcuts. - **Application Launching**: Rather than using a start menu or activities overview, I38 provides keyboard shortcuts for launching applications. I38 has been configured to make this transition easier by providing a tabbed layout (similar to browser tabs) and shortcuts that may feel somewhat familiar. ## Basic Concepts ### Workspaces Workspaces act like virtual desktops, allowing you to organize applications. You have 10 workspaces available. - Switch to workspace: `Control` + `F1` through `F10` - Move window to workspace: `Control` + `Shift` + `F1` through `F10` *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Similar to workspaces in GNOME/MATE, but with dedicated keyboard shortcuts rather than overview modes or workspace switchers. ### Window Management Windows in I38 are arranged in a tabbed layout by default, which means windows take up the entire screen and you can switch between them like browser tabs. - Switch between windows: `Alt` + `Tab` (next) or `Alt` + `Shift` + `Tab` (previous) - Launch terminal: `MODKEY` + `Return` - Close window: `MODKEY` + `F4` - Toggle fullscreen: `MODKEY` + `BackSpace` - List windows in current workspace: `RATPOISONKEY` then `'` (apostrophe) *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Alt+Tab works similarly to GNOME/MATE, but window placement is automatic rather than manual. ## Modes in I38 ### Default Mode This is the standard mode for working with applications. Most commands start with your mod key (`MODKEY`). ### Ratpoison Mode Ratpoison mode allows quick access to common actions using shorter key combinations. To enter Ratpoison mode, press `RATPOISONKEY`. After pressing this key, you can execute commands with single keystrokes. Common Ratpoison mode commands: | Key | Action | |-----|--------| | `c` | Launch a terminal | | `e` | Open text editor (TEXTEDITOR) | | `w` | Launch web browser (BROWSER) | | `k` | Kill (close) the current window | | `?` | Show I38 help | | `Escape` or `Control` + `g` | Exit Ratpoison mode without taking action | | `Shift` + `c` | Restart Cthulhu screen reader | | `Shift` + `o` | Restart Orca screen reader | | `Shift` + `t` | Toggle screen reader | | `Control` + `;` | Reload I38 configuration | | `Control` + `q` | Exit i3 (log out) | | `!` | Open run dialog | | `Alt` + `b` | Check battery status | | `g` | Check game controller status | *GNOME/MATE comparison:* This mode has no direct equivalent in GNOME/MATE. Think of it as a command palette or quick launcher activated by a single key. ### Bypass Mode Bypass mode passes all keys directly to the application, which is useful for applications that need many keyboard shortcuts. To enter bypass mode, press `MODKEY` + `Shift` + `BackSpace`. Use the same key combination to exit bypass mode. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* In GNOME/MATE, applications always receive keyboard input directly. Bypass mode simulates this behavior within i3. ## Accessibility Features ### Screen Reader I38 is configured to work with your screen reader (SCREENREADER). The screen reader will provide spoken feedback about what's happening on screen so long as there is a window. If you don't have a window open and need to change something SCREENREADER related, press Control+Alt+d to bring up the desktop, then screen reader keys should work. - Toggle screen reader: `RATPOISONKEY` then `Shift` + `t` - Restart screen reader: `RATPOISONKEY` then `Shift` + `o` (for Orca) or `Shift` + `c` (for Cthulhu) - Interrupt speech: `MODKEY` + `Shift` + `F5` *GNOME/MATE comparison:* GNOME uses Orca by default with its own keyboard shortcuts. I38 integrates screen readers more deeply with the window manager. ### Braille Display Support If you've enabled braille display support during setup, I38 will start XBrlAPI automatically to provide braille output from your screen reader. ### OCR (Optical Character Recognition) If installed, you can use OCR to read text from images or inaccessible applications: - `MODKEY` + `F5`: Perform OCR on the entire screen and speak the content - In Ratpoison mode: `Print` or `MODKEY` + `r`: Perform OCR and save to clipboard *GNOME/MATE comparison:* OCR features are typically not integrated into GNOME/MATE by default. ### Sound Effects I38 provides audio feedback for many actions: - Window open/close: Ascending/descending tones - Mode changes: Distinctive sounds for each mode - Workspace changes: Subtle audio cues - Fullscreen toggle: Special sound effect This audio feedback provides non-visual confirmation of actions and state changes. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* GNOME/MATE typically have fewer sound effects for window management actions. ## Application Menu and Running Programs Access applications in multiple ways: - Applications menu: `MODKEY` + `F1` - Run dialog (enter a command): `MODKEY` + `F2` or in Ratpoison mode, `!` (exclamation mark) - Common applications have dedicated shortcuts in Ratpoison mode (see table above) The applications menu is organized by categories similar to traditional desktop environments. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Instead of clicking on application icons or using a start menu, I38 provides keyboard shortcuts to access applications. ## Reminders and Notifications I38 includes integration with the `remind` program for managing reminders: - Access the reminder tool: `RATPOISONKEY` then `r` - Create various types of reminders (one-time, daily, weekly, monthly) - Get notification alerts for your reminders The reminder tool provides the following features: - **One-time Reminders**: Set for a specific date and time - **Daily Reminders**: Occur every day at the specified time - **Weekly Reminders**: Occur on specific days of the week - **Monthly Reminders**: Occur on a specific day each month or the last day of each month - **Custom Reminders**: Create complex reminder patterns *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Similar to calendar applications in GNOME/MATE but with a simplified interface optimized for keyboard navigation. ## Volume and Media Controls ### System Volume - Increase volume: `MODKEY` + `XF86AudioRaiseVolume` - Decrease volume: `MODKEY` + `XF86AudioLowerVolume` - Mute/unmute: `MODKEY` + `XF86AudioMute` ### Media Player Controls - Play/Pause: `XF86AudioPlay` - Next track: `XF86AudioNext` - Previous track: `XF86AudioPrev` - Stop: `XF86AudioStop` - Media info: `MODKEY` + `XF86AudioPlay` In Ratpoison mode, these are also available with Alt+Shift combinations: - Increase volume: `Alt` + `Shift` + `=` - Decrease volume: `Alt` + `Shift` + `-` - Previous track: `Alt` + `Shift` + `z` - Pause: `Alt` + `Shift` + `c` - Play: `Alt` + `Shift` + `x` - Stop: `Alt` + `Shift` + `v` - Next track: `Alt` + `Shift` + `b` - Media info: `Alt` + `Shift` + `u` *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Media controls are similar to those in GNOME/MATE, with the addition of audio feedback. ## File Management I38 uses FILEBROWSER for file management. Launch it in Ratpoison mode with the `f` key. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Similar functionality to Nautilus (GNOME) or Caja (MATE), but launched via keyboard shortcut rather than from a desktop icon or menu. ## System Operations - Reload I38 configuration: In Ratpoison mode, `Control` + `;` (semicolon) - Exit i3 (log out): In Ratpoison mode, `Control` + `q` - Check battery status: In Ratpoison mode, `Alt` + `b` - Check game controller status: In Ratpoison mode, `g` - Adjust screen brightness (if xrandr is available): In Ratpoison mode, `Alt` + `s` *GNOME/MATE comparison:* These functions are typically available through system menus or indicators in GNOME/MATE. ## Keyboard Layouts Switch between layouts: `Super` + `Space` This is only available if you chose multiple keyboard layouts during setup. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Similar to keyboard layout switching in GNOME/MATE, but with a different default shortcut. ## Desktop and Window Decorations Unlike GNOME or MATE, i3 uses minimal window decorations. Windows don't have title bars with minimize/maximize buttons. Instead, windows fill their available space automatically, and interactions are performed through keyboard shortcuts. - Show desktop icons: `MODKEY` + `Control` + `d` ## Clipboard Management I38 includes clipboard management features: - Access clipboard history: `MODKEY` + `Control` + `c` ## Bookmark Management - Access bookmarks: `MODKEY` + `Control` + `b` *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Bookmarks are typically managed within applications in GNOME/MATE. I38 provides a system-wide bookmark manager. ## Tips for New Users - **Start with Ratpoison mode**: Learn the single-key commands first, as they're easier to remember. - **Use the window list**: When you're lost, use `RATPOISONKEY` then `'` to show all windows in the current workspace. - **Bookmark important websites**: Use `MODKEY` + `Control` + `b` to access bookmarks. - **Remember the help shortcut**: `MODKEY` + `Shift` + `F1` is your friend when you need guidance. - **Let the sound effects guide you**: Pay attention to the audio cues to understand what's happening. - **Take advantage of OCR**: If an application isn't accessible, try the OCR function. ### Transitioning from GNOME/MATE - Start by learning the basic navigation shortcuts before exploring advanced features - The tabbed layout should feel somewhat familiar if you're used to browser tabs - Alt+Tab works similarly to GNOME/MATE for switching between windows - Focus on keyboard commands rather than looking for visual elements like panels or docks ## Customization You can customize I38 by editing the file `~/.config/i3/customizations`. This file will not be overwritten when you update I38. Example customizations: ``` # Change background color exec_always --no-startup-id xsetroot -solid "#2E3440" # Add custom keybinding bindsym $mod+F12 exec --no-startup-id pactl set-sink-volume @DEFAULT_SINK@ 100% ``` To reconfigure I38 completely, run the `i38.sh` script again. *GNOME/MATE comparison:* Much more text-based configuration compared to the graphical settings dialogs in GNOME/MATE. ## Getting Help If you need assistance with I38, you can: - Press `MODKEY` + `Shift` + `F1` to view the help documentation - Visit the Stormux website at [stormux.org](https://stormux.org) - Check the i3 documentation at [i3wm.org/docs/userguide.html](https://i3wm.org/docs/userguide.html) --- *I38 - Making i3 accessible. A Stormux project. License: GPL v3*