Overview
Intended Audience
This document is intended to assist Linux developers who would like to have access to raw X Input tablet events.
Introduction
X Input events for a Wacom device originate from the Linux Kernel Wacom driver, which emits them through the standard Linux input event subsystem. X Server Input extensions take those kernel events and repackage them as X Input events. Toolkits then use X Input events to generate their own events.
Types of Applications You Can Write With X Input Events
Most developers wishing to use pen and tablet events in their applications will choose to use events emitted from a UI toolkit like GTK or QT. Only use X Input events in your application if you know that they are required for your purpose.
Supported Tablets
All Wacom tablets supported by the Wacom driver are supported by this API. Get the driver that supports your device at: https://github.com/linuxwacom/input-wacom.
Supported Extensions
In general, you will need the X server version 1.8 or higher as well as the Wacom X.Org X11 driver to make Wacom stylus, eraser, pad, and touch devices work. To support Multi-Touch devices, X Input 2 is required. These will be standard on most modern Linux distributions.