WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
-
12 comments
## Hardware review
The full test of how the overlay surface feels, pressure sensitivity, tilt, as well as a scratch and pressure test can be found in the video below:
[youtube]ZkZ-sSz65rU[/youtube]
**Direct video links**:
- On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkZ-sSz65rU
- On Peertube: https://peertube.touhoppai.moe/w/7hiPUYqJVAnpAfSsS5oQzo
This article accompanies my video review of the Huion Inspiroy H610X, a medium-sized screenless pen tablet. The video provides my in-depth look at the device's hardware. This blog post, on the other hand, focuses on the information and technical aspects of installing and configuring the device on a GNU/Linux operating system.
**Official links**:
- Huion store: https://bit.ly/3F6Xa9O
## Out of the box situation
What features are available out of the box? Basically, **all primary functions are operational**. In the absence of a dedicated driver, the Huion H610X emulates two standard devices: a generic pen, similar to those used with laptop-tablet PCs, and a standard keyboard for key input.
Modern versions of GNOME and KDE, running under Wayland, can accurately detect the stylus coordinates and set the screen aspect ratio (with a bit of tweaking for Plasma, see screenshot later). Under X11, the xsetwacom command line utility can achieve similar results.
The limitation of this emulation is that most of the shortcuts for the stylus buttons and pad **buttons are hard-coded and cannot be changed** without a dedicated driver. The default key mapping is shown in the figure below (see image). While not ideal, the default shortcuts are still useful. However, you will need to get used to using a pen without a second top button (eg. to put a right-click on it), as an "eraser mode" is activated and hardcoded by holding down the button instead.
**Erratum:** the picture shows a Ctrl+Z on the last button, it's a Ctrl+Alt+Z by default (thanks to Erika in the comment section).
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-18_huion-h610x-review_01.jpg)
_Default buttons layout when connected to a GNU/Linux machine_
## The proprietary driver
I have not tested or used the Linux proprietary driver provided by Huion, for ethical reasons. However, I am aware that many users may find its existence beneficial and may choose to make an exception to use this binary blob, prioritizing convenience. I do not judge their choice.
Link: https://www.huion.com/download/
## The FLOSS driver (udev-hid-bpf)
### Still Work in Progress!
I reported the device here: https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/-/issues/61 , but due to a line-break issue in the export of Konsole, I'll have to redo it.
### Issue: Second Stylus Button Hardcoded Erase Mode
As a device compliant with [a Microsoft stylus standard](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/component-guidelines/windows-pen-designs), one of the two buttons of the stylus will switch to a eraser mode by default. On Linux, this behavior was implemented at a kernel level and no graphical or cli tool can customize this behavior. That's why the button might appear as customizable on the GUI of Plasma on Wayland, or GNOME on Wayland, or X11 xsetwacom CLI tools, but it will not be possible to change this hardcoded eraser mode into, let say a simple right-click.
When this new behavior appeared, every tablets started to receive a custom fix: remove the hardcoded eraser mode and replace them by a customizable button. But after too many devices reported, it was decided to handle the problem differently: [a merge request for libinput](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libinput/libinput/-/merge_requests/1158) with a code that would allow the user to make the hardcoded Erase Mode map-able as a button. Unfortunately, it might take a long time before reaching the end user: the merge request needs to be accepted on libinput and merged, then a libinput release needs to be made with the new code, then the distribution needs to package this new version of libinput on their update, then the desktop environment like GNOME or WAYLAND will probably need to adapt their System Settings GUI for the tablet to offer this new option.
In short, while it's probably a change that is brilliant on the long term, it will probably benefit the Fedora and Arch user first in a optimistic 6 month from now, and 2 years for Debian or Ubuntu-based users.
## Customization
### On Plasma Wayland
On Plasma Wayland, the tablet went totally undetected. Worst: the active area was detected as a square. While it was possible to manually resize this area, it was difficult to setup a "set proportion" to the display.
The device could still be used, but not in a professional way.
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-18_huion-h610x-review_03_plasma.png)
_screenshot of the tablet system settings of Plasma 6.3_
### On GNOME Wayland
I was surprised to see the device listed on the tablet settings (Fedora), but there was a problem: two devices were listed, and the "button 2" has no effect (that was predictible). The buttons of the pad were not listed for customization.
The device could still be used, but not in a professional way.
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-18_huion-h610x-review_02_gnome.png)
_Huion Inspiroy H610X on GNOME Wayland._
### On X11
That's what I used for the review and for the demo videos and I could get a good enough comfort to start working with the device.
For this part, I'll directly redirect your to [the Inspiroy H610X review and technical blog post](https://raghukamath.com/huion-h610x-graphic-tablet-review-and-setup-on-linux/) made by Raghavendra Kamath AKA ‘raghukamath’ , a well known Krita contributor (and friend).
His post is a gold mine for setting up the Inspiroy H610X on Linux, X11. Just mind that since Raghukamath wrote it, there was some update with the recent kernel and the Microsoft specification for tablets (what I already detailed here before). So the second top button of the stylus will be a hardcoded "eraser mode".
## Conclusion: contribute?
That's all, this guide can be of course continued or updated! You can send me your tips via comments, or on various threads mentionned in this article or via email.
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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55 comments
[info]This post was an April Fools' Day prank! A big thanks to those who played along and to all the fun comments, and sorry (not sorry) for the Rick Roll.[/info]
I'm excited to announce the release of **Kiki Ultimate Digital Painting Companion**, a plugin for Krita that brings a personal assistant to your screen. Kiki watches your every move, offering remarks and occasional words of encouragement (but mostly sarcasm).
I developed it on the top of a new, free/libre, and open-source engine I named KUDOS (for Kiki's Ultimate Digital Oversight System) trained on my collection of many comments I read on the internet about the common issues and pain while learning to draw and paint. So, it's not based on AI or LLMs, but on a larger and limitless dataset: user frustration.
Kiki Ultimate Digital Painting Companion is still in beta, but I've already received great feedback from my beta-testers.
> "She's like having a permanent art critic on my screen, but without the constructive feedback." said one user.
Now, I know what you're thinking: **Is this plugin really useful?**
And to that I say... well, not really, but it might be? My plan right now is to get the plugin in the hands of as many users as possible, generate some buzz and hype, attract investors and then figure out how to monetize it later. After all, I'm just following the current way of making products in tech.
## Screenshot gallery
Once activated, Kiki will pop up right at the bottom of your screen and start commenting on what you are doing. Here are some examples:
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-01_april-fool_c_net.jpg)
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-01_april-fool_b_net.jpg)
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-01_april-fool_a_net.jpg)
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-01_april-fool_d_net.jpg)
## Upcoming features
- Kiki preventing you from painting on the wrong layer
- Kiki screaming at you to save your work
- Kiki sleeping on your screen if you paint too late
Your suggestions are welcome!
## Download
Ready to try Kiki Ultimate Digital Painting Companion Krita plugin?
→ [Click here to download the beta plugin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
Sources:
- [Git Repository of Kiki Ultimate Digital Painting Companion](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
- [Git Repository for the KUDOS engine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)
## License
[AFPL 1.0](https://github.com/colinodell/afpl/blob/main/LICENSE.md)
**Design:** Based on Kiki the Krita Mascot, made by Tyson Tan, and distributed under the Creative Commons BY-SA license.
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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16 comments
I'd like to share some context about this artwork ↑, which I started creating yesterday evening in Limoges during [the conference at the Library](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1067/conference-in-limoges-france-on-25-march). You can watch the full replay in French here ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXwg2rP8oU0 . I wanted to thank everyone who attended - it was a wonderful experience!
I couldn't resist putting the finishing touches on the artwork, so I spent some time refining it this afternoon during my train ride back home.
[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXwg2rP8oU0 )
_A screenshot of the video replay (click to play), video hosted on the Youtube account Bibliothèque francophone multimédia de Limoges._
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-25_enchanted-pages_art-in-train.jpg)
_A photo from my point of view in the train: a laptop (a Lenovo Yoga 370) connected to a tablet (a Xppen Deco 01V3) while finishing an artwork._
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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2 comments
I'm excited to announce that I'll be giving a conference mixed with a live digital painting performance in Limoges on March 25, 2025, and I'd love if you can join me. The event is titled "Pepper&Carrot, a comic made with Free/Libre and Open Source software," and it's going to be a unique opportunity for me to talk (in French) about some of the topics that are closest to my heart.
- My journey to using Free/Libre and Open Source software
- The challenges of being an artist in the era of AI Generation
- The financial aspects of working on a project like this
- How I became an illustrator for Framasoft
- The importance of Creative Commons Licenses
To make it even more engaging (and challenging) I'll also be doing a live digital painting performance using Krita on Linux, projected on a big screen during the talk. Also, I'll pick your questions on the fly, because this is a meeting, it will be interactive.
The event will take place at the Bibliothèque Francophone Multimedia in Limoges, March 25 2025, from 18h30 to 20h00, and it's completely free.
**→ [All information are here](https://bfm.limoges.fr/agenda/peppercarrot).**
If you can't make it, the event will be recorded (you can also check out [a previous conference of Bolchegeek, while playing a video game](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eXmIpd0iqE) to see the format)
I hope to see you there!
## Update:
The final artwork and replay is now available [in this post](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1070/enchanted-pages).
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-25_enchanted-pages.jpg)
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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11 comments
[youtube]trXxX3ZY5FM[/youtube]
**Video**:
- On Youtube: https://youtu.be/trXxX3ZY5FM
- On Peertube: https://peertube.touhoppai.moe/w/ceBuGLnUs8JBf9RgpzrGSa
This article accompanies my video review of the XpPen Deco 01v3, a medium-sized screenless pen tablet. The video provides my in-depth look at the device's hardware. This blog post, on the other hand, focuses on the information and technical aspects of installing and configuring the device on a GNU/Linux operating system.
**Official links**:
- [Official product page](https://www.xp-pen.com/product/deco-01-v3.html)
- [Buy on official store](https://www.storexppen.net/buy/deco-01-v3.html)
**Special Offer/Promo code**
20% OFF on the Deco 01 V3 tablet with code “DAVID20”, **valid in March 2025**, cannot be combined with other promotions.
- FR : https://bit.ly/41HXzZ2
- UK：https://bit.ly/3QJ1Xkc
- DE: https://bit.ly/4ihb6wk
- IE: https://bit.ly/4bpNdjC
- ES : https://bit.ly/4h40EqV
- PT : https://bit.ly/4hYIJ66
- US: https://bit.ly/3D4xbiI
- CA: https://bit.ly/41iLJD6
**Update/Erratums**:
- 2025-04-04: A BPF new patch for the second stylus button. This tablet has a full support now! 🎉
- 2025-04-03: New chapter: my main device when traveling, because I had a good experience with it in a conf and on the train.
- 2025-03-28: [Small Erratum] I write the ratio in the video is roughly ('~' symbol) 16/9. Correction: It's exactly 16/10.
- 2025-03-26: [Libwacom 2.15.0 released](https://github.com/linuxwacom/libwacom/releases/tag/libwacom-2.15.0), with the Deco 01V3 support
- 2025-03-24: Updated 'Second Stylus Button Hardcoded Erase Mode' chapter, as it might be a serious short term issue for this device.
- 2025-03-24: The code was [merged](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/-/merge_requests/185) in udev-hid-bpf.
- 2025-03-07: Update GNOME .tablet files and .svg files and screenshots.
## My main device when traveling
I took this one with me for a [filmed digital painting demo at a library](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1070/enchanted-pages) and could finish my artwork with it back on the 3h of trains. My laptop, a [Lenovo Yoga 370 I reviewed here](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article976/lenovo-yoga-370-on-gnu-linux-technical-companion-article) already has a built-in compatibility with active stylus, the Wacom Bamboo stylus with batteries. But it also has a glass like overlay surface, and a bad access to keyboard shortcuts and also some problems with palm rejection (still on X11). Connecting an external display less tablet on it like the Deco 01V3 suddently made painting on the go twice easier: the access to the keyboard shortcuts, the position, the non reflection of the ceiling or windows of the train because the display is vertical... Well, for sure I'll put this one now by default on my backpack.
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-25_enchanted-pages_art-in-train.jpg)
_Finishing an artwork with the Deco in the train._
## Out of the box situation
What features are available out of the box? Basically, **all primary functions are operational**. In the absence of a dedicated driver, the XpPen Deco 01v3 emulates two standard devices: a generic pen, similar to those used with laptop-tablet PCs, and a standard keyboard for key input.
Modern versions of GNOME and KDE, running under Wayland, can accurately detect the stylus coordinates and set the screen aspect ratio. Under X11, the xsetwacom command line utility can achieve similar results.
The limitation of this emulation is that most of the shortcuts for the stylus buttons and pad **buttons are hard-coded and cannot be changed** without a dedicated driver. The default key mapping is shown in the figure below (see image). While not ideal, the default shortcuts are still useful. However, you will need to get used to using a pen without a right-click button, as an "eraser mode" is activated by holding down the button instead.
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-04_device-default.jpg)
_Default buttons layout when connected to a GNU/Linux machine_
## The proprietary driver
I have not tested or used the Linux proprietary driver provided by XP-Pen, for ethical reasons. However, I am aware that many users may find its existence beneficial and may choose to make an exception to use this binary blob, prioritizing convenience. I do not judge their choice.
Link: https://www.xp-pen.com/download
## The FLOSS driver (udev-hid-bpf)
On GNU/Linux, all drivers are built into the Linux kernel, but forcing users to wait for the next kernel to get their hardware working would be madness. To address this issue, projects such as [udev-hid-bpf](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/) provides a solution by allowing users to load Human Interface Device (HID) drivers in the kernel. Presently, this is where the development of new tablet drivers is taking place.
So I reported the device specifications to [Peter Hutterer (whot)](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/whot) and [Benjamin Tissoires (bentiss)](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/bentiss) who manage the project. I opened a new [thread with all the Deco 01V3 specifications](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/-/issues/54). Peter then wrote [the merge request 185](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/-/merge_requests/185) with the code to support the tablet. And waiting the code to join the main release of udev-hid-bpf (and maybe later the Linux kernel), you can install the code of the merge request using [the tutorial provided by the documentation of udev-hid-bpf](https://libevdev.pages.freedesktop.org/udev-hid-bpf/installing-from-ci.html).
### Issue: Second Stylus Button Hardcoded Erase Mode
As a device compliant with [a Microsoft stylus standard](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/component-guidelines/windows-pen-designs), one of the two buttons of the stylus will switch to a eraser mode by default. On Linux, this behavior was implemented at a kernel level and no graphical or cli tool can customize this behavior. That's why the button might appear as customizable on the GUI of Plasma on Wayland, or GNOME on Wayland, or X11 xsetwacom CLI tools, but it will not be possible to change this hardcoded eraser mode into, let say a simple right-click.
When this new behavior appeared, every tablets started to receive a custom fix: remove the hardcoded eraser mode and replace them by a customizable button. But after too many devices reported, it was decided to handle the problem differently: [a merge request for libinput](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libinput/libinput/-/merge_requests/1158) with a code that would allow the user to make the hardcoded Erase Mode map-able as a button. Unfortunately, it might take a long time before reaching the end user: the merge request needs to be accepted on libinput and merged, then a libinput release needs to be made with the new code, then the distribution needs to package this new version of libinput on their update, then the desktop environment like GNOME or WAYLAND will probably need to adapt their System Settings GUI for the tablet to offer this new option.
In short, while it's probably a change that is brilliant on the long term, it will probably benefit the Fedora and Arch user first in a optimistic 6 month from now, and 2 years for Debian or Ubuntu-based users.
### Temporary workaround for the second button
The developer Nicholas Lapointe patched the BPF rules to turn the second button of the stylus into a right-click by default. To apply the patch manually:
1. Get a packaged version of [the latest udev-hid-bpf](https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/libevdev/udev-hid-bpf/-/releases) (eg. udev-hid-bpf_2.1.0-20240704.tar.xz )
2. Unpack it (don't execute yet the `./install.sh`).
3. [Download the patch of Nicholas as a tar.gz](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-04_XPPen_Deco01V3_BPF_second-stylus-button-rightclick_by_Nicholas-Lapointe.tar.gz), extract the files. You'll get two BPF files to paste or overwrite in udev-hid-bpf (target subdirectory lib/firmware/hid/bpf).
4. When everything is patched, launch at root of the udev-hid-bpf the script `sudo ./install.sh`
5. deconnect the USB-C of your tablet, then reconnect: the second button should be now a right-click by default and you'll be able to customize it (as well as the button of the pad on the tablet).
**Source code of the patch**: The patch here are already compiled files, if you want to build udev-hid-bpf yourself or study the code, you can also download [the source of the patch](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-06_0010-xppen__deco01v3bpfc_eraser-as-2nd-barrel-btntar.gz).
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-04-04_screenshot_patching-the-deco01v3-bpf.jpg)
_The two files extracted on the archive (bottom right) ready to be drag and drop on the executable (windows of top-left)._
## Customization
### On Plasma Wayland
Once the udev-hid-bpf rules are correctly installed, the Plasma 6.3 system preference on Wayland will detect all buttons. Below is a screenshot of the three panels (click to enlarge).
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-04_kde-6-3-gui-all.jpg)
_screenshot of the tablet system settings of Plasma 6.3_
### On GNOME Wayland
Once the udev-hid-bpf rules are correctly installed, GNOME will still need more info: a .tablet file and a .svg layout from https://github.com/linuxwacom/libwacom/tree/master/data because the graphical user interface requires such files. Future release of libwacom will get those files by default, but waiting for the future release, you can install them manually. Because without it, the tablet in the system settings will [look like that](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-04_gnome_ui.jpg) and it's not useful.
- Download [the .tablet file here](https://github.com/linuxwacom/libwacom/blob/450748bb1c37b34823644fa781ee4264c7f86334/data/xp-pen-deco01-v3.tablet)
- Download [the layout .svg here](https://github.com/linuxwacom/libwacom/blob/450748bb1c37b34823644fa781ee4264c7f86334/data/layouts/xp-pen-deco01-v2.svg)
Then copy the .tablet file in `/usr/share/libwacom/` and the layout in `/usr/share/libwacom/layout/` , after a reboot you'll get the control for your tablet.
**Notes:**
- It works for the **Wayland session only** and on GNOME superior to 47.4
- The GNOME user inteface for tablet configuration is basic: no possibilities to assign a Ctrl, Alt or Shift modifier to the stylus button and there is no pressure curves.
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-07_gnome-ui_update1_net.jpg)
_The GUI overlay to edit button, the SVG layout is required for this._
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-07_gnome-ui_update2.jpg)
_Assigning a keystroke to a stylus button_
[](data/images/blog/2025/2025-03-07_gnome-ui_update3.jpg)
_screenshot of the tablet system settings of GNOME 47.4 Wayland (Fedora)_
### On X11
That's the method I used for the demo video on [My Debian KDE Plasma 12](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1030/debian-12-kde-plasma-2024-install-guide), and what I would recommend. But it's not user friendly with the command line and the creation of the script, and X11 is in end of life so I understand if newcomers to GNU/Linux don't feel motivated to learn a practice that might become totally obsolete in the next two years from now.
Once the udev-hid-bpf rules are correctly installed, you'll be able to control the basic features of the tablet by command lines using xsetwacom utility. First, find the ID of your device:
```
$ lsusb
Bus 001 Device 008: ID 28bd:0947 XP-Pen Deco 01 V3
```
Then create (or edit) the file `/usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/60-xppen.conf` and put inside this paragraph, with the `MatchUSBID` identifier you found previously.
```
Section "InputClass"
Identifier "XP-Pen Deco 01 V3"
MatchIsTablet "on"
Driver "wacom"
MatchUSBID "28bd:0947"
MatchDevicePath "/dev/input/event*"
EndSection
```
Then reboot.
At this point, you should see your XPPen tablet stylus and pad listed if you write in a terminal:
```
$ xsetwacom --list
```
Bravo! Xsetwacom utility is now in charge of your tablet.
### Create an Xsetwacom script
Open a non-rich text editor (eg. Micro, Kate, Geany, Gnome text also called Gedit, etc...) and copy/paste/adjust the script under:
```
#! /bin/bash
# ----------------
# XP-Pen Deco 01v3
# ----------------
# License: CC-0/Public-Domain license
# author: deevad
# Tablet definition
# Identifier obtained using the 'xsetwacom --list' command line
# The tablet appears after creating a special rule for Xorg.
# See blog post on https://www.davidrevoy.com/index.php?tag/hardware for it.
tabletstylus="UGTABLET Deco 01 V3 Pen stylus"
tableteraser="UGTABLET Deco 01 V3 Pen eraser"
tabletpad="UGTABLET Deco 01 V3 pad"
# Constrain the stylus to use it's own monitor
# Monitor name here "HDMI-A-0" was obtained
# using the 'xrandr' command-line. Your monitor's name might be different (eg. "HDMI-1", "DisplayPort-3", etc...).
# Note: you might need to make some math here if the ratio is not the same than your monitor
output="HDMI-A-0"
xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" MapToOutput $output
xsetwacom --set "$tableteraser" MapToOutput $output
# Pressure sensitivity calibration
# You can use this widget online here to create your curve
# https://linuxwacom.github.io/bezier.html
# The number are set like this: "X1" "Y1" "X2" "Y2"
# default: PressureCurve 0 0 100 100
xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" PressureCurve 50 45 20 100
# Styluse's buttons:
# First button on the stylus
# I like to get the Control key to pick color on this one.
# default: button 2 2
xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" button 2 key Ctrl
# Second button on the stylus
# I leave the default right-click (not: it doesn't work right now, it will be an eraser mode)
#xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" button 3 3
# Data trimming and suppression
# Better to not filter or delete any data of this device for increasing its precision
# data pt.s filtered (0-100)
# default is 2
xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" Suppress 0
# data pt.s trimmed (1-20)
# default is 4
xsetwacom --set "$tabletstylus" RawSample 1
# Buttons from top to bottom:
# +-----+
# | 1 |
# +-----+
# | 2 |
# +-----+
# | 3 |
# +-----+
# | 8 |
# +-----+
#
# +-----+
# | 9 |
# +-----+
# | 10 |
# +-----+
# | 11 |
# +-----+
# | 12 |
# +-----+
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 1 "key Control_L" # Ctrl = color picker
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 2 "key KP_Divide" # / = Switch to previous used brush preset
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 3 "key Shift_L" # Shift = Resize brush
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 8 "key v" # v = line
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 9 "key m" # m = mirror
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 10 "key e" # e = eraser
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 11 "key r" # r = pick layer
xsetwacom set "$tabletpad" button 12 "key Ctrl z" # Ctrl+z = undo
```
Save your script under the name of your choice, I saved mine as xppen_Deco-01-v3.sh (using the extension .sh at the end of the file will ease identifying the file as a Bash script later). To run it, after saving the file you need to give this text file execution permission. You can do so with many desktop environment by right clicking on the file, go to the property of the files, and in a permission tab add the "execute" checkbox. Another way to do it is via command line in the same directory:
```
chmod +x xppen_Deco-01-v3.sh
```
Now, if you run:
```
./xppen_Deco-01-v3.sh
```
The script should run and apply your preference. If your desktop environment is modern enough; you should have a way to add a script at autostart (usually in Settings > Autostart). This way, the preferences will be applied each time you start your computer. You can of course change options, and execute the script as many time you want to test and adjust.
You might also create a shortcut on your main menu to execute quickly the script.
## Conclusion: contribute?
That's all, this guide can be of course continued or updated! You can send me your tips via comments, or on various threads mentionned in this article or via email.
**Idea of contribution:**
- A better .svg file for libwacom project: the current one is basic, and a drawing of the device and rounded button could look so much better.
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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137 comments
After using their browser for over 20 years, it's painful to admit, but I've grown tired of Mozilla. The recent debacle around their [TOS update](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/02/firefox-deletes-promise-to-never-sell-personal-data-asks-users-not-to-panic/), their [departure from the Fediverse](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/mozilla-exits-the-fediverse-and-will-shutter-its-mastodon-server-in-december/), and their apparent embrace of AI bro culture and corporate marketing have made my Firefox icon feel increasingly out of place on my GNU/Linux OS.
I decided to search for alternatives, but unfortunately, there aren't many options available. You're mostly limited to Chrome derivatives or Firefox derivatives. However, I stumbled upon [LibreWolf](https://librewolf.net/), a fork of Firefox that caught my attention. LibreWolf is described as "A custom version of Firefox, focused on privacy, security and freedom" which resonates with me.
Installing LibreWolf on [my Debian](https://www.davidrevoy.com/article1030/debian-12-kde-plasma-2024-install-guide) was surprisingly simple, and migrating my profile was as easy as copying the contents of my ~/.mozilla/firefox preferences into the active profile of ~/.librewolf. It felt like home, as it's essentially Firefox.
However, I encountered an issue while configuring it to my liking, and after struggling for more than 1 hour, I was on the verge of giving up. Fortunately, I found [a solution](https://codeberg.org/librewolf/issues/issues/1434#issuecomment-2908567) to my DRM issue thanks to the help of Cherryband in the Pepper&Carrot chat room.
One thing to keep in mind if you're considering trying LibreWolf is that it has all security and privacy options enabled by default, which may not be the most user-friendly experience. You won't be pampered with a one-click installation for all. Instead, you'll need to take the time to review the documentation and set up the security and privacy features that you're willing to trade off for comfort and convenience.
So far, the experience has been educational, and I'll see if I decide to stick with LibreWolf in the long term.
[Comic source here](https://www.peppercarrot.com/en/viewer/misc__2025-02-27_How-my-Firefox-became-a-LibreWolf_by-David-Revoy.html)
**Update 2025 May 5:**
After a series of significant papercuts with Librewolf that affected many parts of my web browsing experience and administrative paperwork, I decided to switch back to Firefox. I tried really hard to make it work, spending extra hours trying to figure out what part of my librewolf.overrides.cfg was not surviving updates, but I couldn't find it.
In the end, I had to choose between investing my time in tweaking a web browser or doing more drawing. Still, I am happy with the two months of using LibreWolf, it has been very educational about the various privacy options the main Firefox has. I'm now back to Firefox with more knowledge in this area.
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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7 comments
Join me at https://www.alivrouvert.fr/ bookstore in Paris on Saturday March 8th for their 20th anniversary! From 14h00 until closing, I'll be signing comic books and chatting with you all. It will also be livestreamed. Also: kids' workshop, food & drinks. Come and join the party if you can! 📚🎉
[artwork source here](https://www.peppercarrot.com/en/viewer/artworks__2025-02-28_Signing-session-in-Paris_by-David-Revoy.html)
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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19 comments
Been writing and storyboarding all week and it feels amazing to see these characters come to life again. It will take time to complete the next episode, it's an ambitious one, but I'm definitely on it.
[sketch source here](https://www.peppercarrot.com/en/viewer/sketchbook__2025-02-07_Pepper-squat-pose-with-Carrot_by-David-Revoy.html)
WRITTEN_BY David REVOY -
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36 comments
*A note before we begin: This week, I'm overwhelmed by the stream of news about Meta, ProtonMail¹, and other tech giants going mad. Instead of creating a humorous caricature or a long blog-post about it as I usually do when tech news goes chaotic, I'm shifting my focus to highlighting positive impact. This article was born out of this reflection (and also maybe, my coping mechanism).*
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As a digital artist and long-time user of free and libre graphic software, I'm excited to share with you a significant development that's been missing from our ecosystem: **user-friendly CMYK support in Inkscape** (and its CMYK PDF output).
[Martin Owens](https://floss.social/@doctormo), a dedicated developer, has been working tirelessly to bring this feature to life, and I think it's essential that his work gets the support it needs.
For former Adobe Illustrator (or Corel Draw) users, you know how crucial CMYK support is for print design, especially in vector. It's a feature that has kept many creatives captive to proprietary software, despite the desire to switch to free and libre alternatives. I personally suffered from this when, around 2005, I took a client to a printer and they refused to print the logo I designed because it was an RGB SVG file. That was humiliating for me as a young freelancer. Martin's work aims to change this, and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about it.
As Martin himself puts:
> "[...] my work on CMYK is because my supporters asked me to. I have put myself out as an independent programmer hired by regular users to prove that users care enough about their work tools that when offered the opportunities to invest in their success, they will."
Notably, Martin was previously asked to add [Multi Page](https://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/Multipage) support and complete the [Shape Builder](https://wiki.inkscape.org/wiki/Release_notes/1.3#Shape_Builder_Tool), demonstrating his commitment to delivering features that matter most to the community. He's been working on CMYK support because his patrons have asked him to, and he continues to do so because they continue to support him financially.
Martin's approach is not just about adding a feature, but about creating a seamless user experience. He's conducted UX design and testing sessions to ensure that the CMYK workflow is intuitive and easy to use. His goals for 2025 include delivering a PDF exporter, improving the color selector, and integrating color management information into the UI.
To make this happen, Martin relies on the support of his patrons. If you're as excited about this development as I am, please consider supporting his work on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/doctormo) or [Liberapay](https://liberapay.com/doctormo/). Every contribution counts, and it's a great way to invest in the future of free and libre graphic software.
As someone who has published books using Scribus in CMYK PDF, I've experienced firsthand the importance of reliable CMYK support. I've battled with bugs, spent months printing costly proof tests, and wasted countless hours troubleshooting. I've also relied on Illustrator for CMYK design in the past, particularly when Inkscape wasn't up to the task 20 years ago - a limitation that led to the humiliating experience with the printer I mentioned earlier.
Before switching to Linux full-time around 2009 and shifting my focus to 2D raster image painting for concept art, comics, and illustration, I often found myself limited by Inkscape's capabilities. I wish someone had been working on a feature like this back then. Perhaps if they had, I would still be offering graphical design services today. That's why I'm eager to support Martin's efforts and encourage others to do the same through this blog post.
If you're interested in following Martin's progress, he maintains a [dev log on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@doctormo/videos) and [Peertube](https://friprogramvarusyndikatet.tv/c/martin_owens_channel/videos) where he shares updates on his work. His [latest video on finances](https://friprogramvarusyndikatet.tv/w/jUyyoYMYZuosUv27f8JYnE) was the trigger that motivated me to write this article. You'll also find [a video](https://friprogramvarusyndikatet.tv/w/bCS3Cwgt8KGfzQsXB1ofhT) from November that summarizes the CMYK work done in 2024 and outlines what's still to be done. A big thank you to those who will take the time to setup a support to Martin's efforts after reading this article! 💜
**Links to follow/support Martin:**
- [Liberapay](https://liberapay.com/doctormo/)
- [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/doctormo)
- [Fediverse](https://floss.social/@doctormo)
- [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@doctormo/videos)
- [Peertube](https://friprogramvarusyndikatet.tv/c/martin_owens_channel/videos)
**Artwork:** It was homemade for this article, the [source is here](https://www.peppercarrot.com/en/viewer/misc__2025-1-15_For-the-CMYK-support-in-Inkscape-blog-post_by-David-Revoy.html).
**Footnotes:**
¹ The CEO of Protonmail used the official Protonmail account to praise the (then future) Trump administration. The post was deleted, but you can still find screenshots and discussions about it on Mastodon [here](https://mastodon.ar.al/@aral/113833860977088538 ) and an article [here](https://theintercept.com/2025/01/28/proton-mail-andy-yen-trump-republicans/) and a few days later Protonmail's response on Reddit [here](https://old.reddit.com/r/ProtonMail/comments/1i2nz9v/on_politics_and_proton_a_message_from_andy/).
