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QJoyPad
What it is
QJoyPad converts gamepad or joystick input into keystrokes and mouse actions for programs running in XWindows. It can give controllers to XWindows games without joystick support and is also described for emulation software. Users can save multiple layouts and switch them through the interface, command line, or shell scripts. A joystick can move and click the mouse, with configurable axis sensitivity and movement behavior. Buttons support sticky presses and rapid fire, while axes provide gradient behavior and throttle controls. QJoyPad detects Linux-supported joysticks and gamepads, including devices with more than two axes, when the kernel recognizes the hardware and loads its driver. It can run in the system tray or without a tray icon; the --notray option provides a larger floating icon. Requirements include Linux, XWindows, Qt 5, and kernel joystick support, with libudev optional. The project is GPL-2.0 and documents building from source with CMake and make.
For and against
For
- Maps controllers to keyboard and mouse
- Saves and switches multiple layouts
- Supports sticky buttons and rapid fire
- Offers configurable mouse sensitivity
- Free GPL-2.0 source code
Against
- Works only in XWindows
- Does not work on Microsoft Windows
- Requires kernel joystick support
- Documented installation builds from source
The verdict
QJoyPad provides detailed controller remapping for Linux XWindows, including scripted layout switching and mouse control. Its platform and display-server limits make it unsuitable for console use or Microsoft Windows.
Who it suits
QJoyPad suits Linux users running XWindows programs or emulators with controller-mapping needs. It is useful when a game lacks native joystick support.
Plans and prices
Free (open source)
Completely free · GPLv2 · source code
Read 10 Oct 2026 · qjoypad.sourceforge.net
On the record
- Button options
- Buttons can be configured for sticky presses and rapid fire, and axes support gradient behavior and throttle controls.qjoypad.sourceforge.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Controller support
- QJoyPad detects Linux-supported joysticks and gamepads, including devices with more than two axes; the Linux kernel must recognize the device and have its driver loaded.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Gaming use
- It lets users control XWindows games that do not have joystick support with a game controller.qjoypad.sourceforge.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The GitHub fork documents building from source with CMake and make, and provides no stated binary package offer on that page.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project describes use with XWindows programs and emulation software, and supports layout switching through command-line calls and shell scripts.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Linux and XWindows limit
- QJoyPad is intended for Linux and works only in XWindows; it does not work at the console or on Microsoft Windows.qjoypad.sourceforge.net · read 10 Oct 2026
- Mouse control
- A joystick can move and click the mouse, with configurable axis sensitivity and movement behavior.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The documented requirements include a Linux computer, joystick support in the Linux kernel, XWindows, and Qt 5; libudev is optional.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Saved layouts
- Users can save multiple controller layouts and switch between them from the interface, command line, or a script.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The GitHub repository lists a GPL-2.0 license; the opened project pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository directs users to GitHub issues for bug reports and feature requests, and the documentation also gives an email address for layout-file help.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- System tray
- QJoyPad can run in the system tray or without a tray icon, and supports a larger floating icon through the --notray option.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- What it does
- QJoyPad converts gamepad or joystick input into keystrokes or mouse actions for XWindows programs.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
