Barrier — Share Mouse and Keyboard Across Multiple Computers

Introduction

Barrier is a software KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch that allows you to share a single mouse and keyboard across multiple computers over a local network. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it ideal for developers and system administrators who work with multiple machines side by side. Barrier is a community fork of the original Synergy 1.x codebase.

What Barrier Does

• Shares one mouse and keyboard seamlessly across multiple networked computers
• Synchronizes the clipboard between connected machines for copy-paste workflows
• Supports mixed operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) in the same setup
• Moves the cursor between screens by pushing it past the edge of one display
• Handles screen arrangement so machines can be positioned in any physical layout

Architecture Overview

Barrier uses a client-server model. The server runs on the machine with the physical keyboard and mouse, capturing input events and forwarding them over TCP to connected clients. Each client injects the received events into its local input system as if they came from a real device. Clipboard data is serialized and forwarded on demand when you paste on a client machine. Communication can be encrypted with TLS to protect input and clipboard data on untrusted networks.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install via package managers on most platforms or download builds from GitHub
• Configure screen layout through the GUI by dragging screen icons into position
• Set one machine as the server and all others as clients pointing to the server IP
• Enable TLS encryption in settings for secure communication over the network
• Auto-start can be configured via system services or login items on each OS

Key Features

• Cross-platform support means you can mix Windows, macOS, and Linux machines freely
• Clipboard sharing works for text and basic formats across all connected machines
• Drag-and-drop-style cursor movement makes the multi-machine setup feel like one desktop
• TLS encryption option secures input data and clipboard content over the network
• No special hardware required — runs entirely over standard network connections

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Synergy — the commercial continuation of the original project; Barrier is the free open-source fork of Synergy 1.x
• Deskflow — a newer community fork that continues active development where Barrier left off
• Mouse Without Borders — Microsoft tool for Windows-only setups; Barrier works across different operating systems
• Input Leap — another community fork of the same Synergy codebase with a focus on Wayland support

FAQ

Q: Does Barrier share the monitor/display as well? A: No. Barrier only shares keyboard and mouse input. Each computer uses its own display.

Q: Can Barrier work over the internet? A: It is designed for local networks. Using it over the internet requires a VPN or SSH tunnel for security.

Q: Does Barrier support Wayland on Linux? A: Barrier has limited Wayland support. The Input Leap and Deskflow forks are working on better Wayland integration.

Q: Is Barrier still actively maintained? A: Development has slowed. Many community members have moved to the Deskflow or Input Leap forks for continued development.

Sources

• https://github.com/debauchee/barrier
• https://github.com/debauchee/barrier/wiki