Map Custom Mouse Shortcuts in Kdenlive

Efficiently navigating your video editing timeline is crucial for a fast workflow. This article guides you through the process of mapping custom mouse buttons, such as side thumb buttons, to essential timeline actions in Kdenlive. Because Kdenlive primarily registers keyboard inputs for custom shortcuts, you will learn how to combine Kdenlive’s built-in shortcut settings with mouse mapping tools to achieve seamless mouse-driven editing.

Step 1: Assign Keyboard Shortcuts in Kdenlive

Since Kdenlive does not natively detect advanced mouse buttons (like Mouse 4 or Mouse 5) directly in its shortcut menu, the most reliable method is to first assign a unique keyboard shortcut to your desired timeline action.

1. Open Kdenlive.
2. Go to the top menu and select Settings > Configure Keyboard Shortcuts… (or press Ctrl + Alt + ,).
3. Use the search bar to find the timeline action you want to map (for example, “Split At Playhead”, “Razor Tool”, or “Delete Selected”).
4. Select the action, click Custom, and assign a unique keyboard combination that you do not use elsewhere (for example, Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S).
5. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 2: Map Your Mouse Buttons to the Keyboard Shortcuts

To bridge the gap between your mouse buttons and Kdenlive, you must configure your operating system or mouse software to translate mouse clicks into the keyboard shortcuts you just created.

On Windows

If you are using Windows, you can use your mouse manufacturer’s software or a free third-party utility.

• Using Manufacturer Software (Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE):
  1. Open your mouse configuration software.
  2. Create a new profile specifically for Kdenlive and link it to kdenlive.exe.
  3. Select the mouse button you wish to customize.
  4. Assign a “Macro” or “Keystroke” to that button, entering the exact keyboard shortcut you set in Kdenlive.
• Using X-Mouse Button Control (Universal Free Software):
  1. Download and open X-Mouse Button Control.
  2. Click Add to create a profile and select Kdenlive.
  3. Locate the dropdown menu for the mouse button you want to map (e.g., “Mouse Button 4”) and select Simulated Keys.
  4. Enter your keyboard shortcut (e.g., {CTRL}{ALT}{SHIFT}S) and click OK, then click Apply.

On Linux

If you are using Linux, the easiest way to map mouse buttons to keyboard shortcuts is by using utility tools.

• Using Input Remapper (Recommended for GUI):
  1. Install input-remapper via your distribution’s package manager.
  2. Open the application, select your mouse, and create a new preset.
  3. Click Add, press the physical mouse button you want to map, and set the target output to the keyboard shortcut configured in Kdenlive.
  4. Click Apply.
• Using xbindkeys and xdotool (Command Line):

  1. Install xbindkeys and xdotool through your terminal.

  2. Edit your ~/.xbindkeysrc file to bind the mouse button to the keyboard shortcut command. For example:

     "xdotool key ctrl+alt+shift+s"
     b:8

     (Where b:8 represents the thumb side button).

  3. Restart xbindkeys to apply the changes.

Once configured, pressing your designated mouse button will instantly trigger the keyboard shortcut, allowing you to cut, play, pause, or zoom on the Kdenlive timeline with your mouse.