Understanding Wacom Button Mapping

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 144 views

Introduction

Are you a graphic designer, artist, or gamer who uses a Wacom graphics tablet? If so, you're likely familiar with the Wacom pen's intuitive design and precision. However, one feature that can be a bit tricky to set up is the ability to use the pen's lower button (Button 2) to scroll through pages or navigate in 3D software. After researching the xsetwacom manual and scouring online forums, we've found that this setup can be a bit challenging, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

Understanding Wacom Button Mapping

Before we dive into the setup process, it's essential to understand how Wacom button mapping works. Wacom graphics tablets have multiple buttons that can be customized to perform various actions. The most common buttons are:

Button 1: The top button, usually used for clicking or selecting
Button 2: The lower button, which we'll be focusing on for scrolling
Button 3: The eraser button, often used for erasing or canceling actions

Wacom's xsetwacom utility allows you to customize the behavior of these buttons using a configuration file. This file, usually located at /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/, contains settings for the Wacom tablet, including button mapping.

Setting Up Button 2 for Scrolling

To set up Button 2 for scrolling, you'll need to edit the xsetwacom configuration file. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify Your Wacom Tablet

First, you need to identify your Wacom tablet's name. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:

xsetwacom --list devices

This will display a list of available Wacom devices, including your tablet's name.

Step 2: Edit the xsetwacom Configuration File

Next, you'll need to edit the xsetwacom configuration file. You can do this by running the following command:

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/99-wacom.conf

This will open the configuration file in the nano editor.

Step 3: Add Button 2 Scrolling Settings

In the configuration file, add the following lines to map Button 2 to scrolling:

Section "InputClass"
    Identifier      "Wacom tablet class"
    MatchProduct    "Wacom Intuos"
    MatchDevicePath "/dev/input/event*"
    Option         "Button2" "2"
    Option         "Button2" "scroll"
    Option         "Button2" "button"
    Option         "Button2" "wheel"
EndSection

Replace "Wacom Intuos" with your tablet's name.

Step 4: Save and Reload the Configuration

Save the changes and exit the nano editor. Then, reload the xsetwacom configuration by running the following command:

sudo service xorg restart

This will apply the new settings to your Wacom tablet.

Testing Button 2 Scrolling

Now that you've set up Button 2 for scrolling, it's time to test it. Open a web browser or a 3D software application and navigate to a page or a 3D model. Click on Button 2 to see if it's working correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Button 2 scrolling isn't working as expected, here are some common issues to check:

Button 2 not recognized: Make sure that Button 2 is correctly identified in the xsetwacom configuration file.
Scrolling not working: Check that the scrolling settings are correctly applied to Button 2.
Button 2 not responding: Try resetting the Wacom tablet by unplugging and replugging it.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

We've received many questions from users who are trying to set up their Wacom pen's lower button (Button 2) for scrolling. Here are some of the most common questions and answers:

Q: What is the difference between Button 1 and Button 2?

A: Button 1 is the top button on the Wacom pen, usually used for clicking or selecting. Button 2 is the lower button, which we're focusing on for scrolling.

Q: Why can't I get Button 2 to scroll?

A: There could be several reasons why Button 2 isn't scrolling. Check that the scrolling settings are correctly applied to Button 2 in the xsetwacom configuration file. Also, make sure that Button 2 is correctly identified in the configuration file.

Q: How do I reset my Wacom tablet?

A: To reset your Wacom tablet, simply unplug it from your computer and plug it back in. This will reset the tablet to its default settings.

Q: Can I use Button 2 for other actions besides scrolling?

A: Yes, you can use Button 2 for other actions besides scrolling. You can customize the behavior of Button 2 by editing the xsetwacom configuration file.

Q: What is the xsetwacom utility?

A: The xsetwacom utility is a command-line tool that allows you to customize the behavior of your Wacom tablet. You can use it to set up button mapping, configure tablet settings, and more.

Q: How do I identify my Wacom tablet's name?

A: To identify your Wacom tablet's name, run the following command in the terminal:

xsetwacom --list devices

This will display a list of available Wacom devices, including your tablet's name.

Q: Can I use Button 2 for scrolling in all applications?

A: Unfortunately, Button 2 scrolling may not work in all applications. Some applications may not support scrolling using the Wacom pen's buttons. However, most modern applications should support this feature.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with Button 2 scrolling?

A: If you're experiencing issues with Button 2 scrolling, try the following:

Check that the scrolling settings are correctly applied to Button 2 in the xsetwacom configuration file.
Make sure that Button 2 is correctly identified in the configuration file.
Try resetting the Wacom tablet by unplugging and replugging it.
Check for any conflicts with other Wacom tablet settings or applications.

Additional Resources

If you're still having trouble setting up Button 2 for scrolling, here are some additional resources that may help:

The xsetwacom manual: This is a comprehensive guide to the xsetwacom utility and its features.
The Wacom website: Wacom provides a wealth of information on their products, including tutorials and guides on setting up button mapping and other features.
Online forums: There are many online forums dedicated to Wacom users, where you can ask questions and get help from other users who may have experienced similar issues.

Conclusion

We hope this Q&A article has helped you troubleshoot any issues you may have been experiencing with setting up Button 2 for scrolling on your Wacom graphics tablet. Remember to identify your Wacom tablet, edit the xsetwacom configuration file, add the scrolling settings, save and reload the configuration, and test Button 2 scrolling. If you're still having trouble, don't hesitate to reach out to us or check out the additional resources listed above. Happy creating!