Deskflow — Share Keyboard and Mouse Across Computers

Introduction

Deskflow lets you control multiple computers from a single keyboard and mouse, working like a software KVM switch without the video component. Originally created as Synergy in 2001 by Chris Schoeneman, the project has evolved through community forks (Barrier, Input Leap) and is now maintained as the official open source upstream.

What Deskflow Does

• Shares a single keyboard and mouse seamlessly across two or more computers on a local network
• Copies and pastes text and files between machines via shared clipboard
• Supports drag-and-drop cursor movement across screen edges to switch between computers
• Encrypts all traffic with TLS by default for secure communication
• Works across Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD operating systems

Architecture Overview

Deskflow uses a client-server model where the server runs on the machine with the physical keyboard and mouse, and clients run on other machines. When the cursor reaches a screen edge, the server captures input and forwards keystrokes and mouse events to the appropriate client over a TCP connection. The protocol is lightweight enough to feel instantaneous on a LAN.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• One machine runs as the server (the one with your keyboard/mouse), all others run as clients
• Screen arrangement is configured in the GUI by dragging screen icons to match physical monitor placement
• TLS encryption is enabled by default and uses auto-generated certificates
• The config file can be edited manually for advanced setups or headless deployments
• Firewall must allow TCP port 24800 (default) between the machines

Key Features

• Zero-latency feel on local networks with sub-millisecond input forwarding
• Unified clipboard sharing for text, images, and file paths across operating systems
• Wayland support alongside X11 on Linux systems
• Network compatibility with Barrier and Input Leap forks for mixed setups
• Lock-to-screen and hotkey switching for manual control override

Comparison with Similar Tools

• Barrier — Community fork of Synergy; functionally similar but development has slowed in favor of Deskflow
• Input Leap — Another Barrier fork focusing on Wayland; shares the same protocol, compatible with Deskflow
• Synergy — The commercial downstream product; adds features like drag-and-drop files and a subscription model
• ShareMouse — Windows/macOS only; commercial with a free tier limited to two computers
• Mouse Without Borders — Microsoft Garage project for Windows-only multi-PC control

FAQ

Q: Is Deskflow the same as Synergy? A: Deskflow is the open source upstream project that Synergy is built on. Synergy sponsors Deskflow and contributes code back, while maintaining its own commercial features downstream.

Q: Does Deskflow work over the internet? A: It is designed for LAN use. Running over the internet requires a VPN or SSH tunnel for both performance and security.

Q: Can I share between Linux and macOS? A: Yes. Deskflow works across all major operating systems. You can have a Linux server sharing to macOS clients and vice versa.

Q: How many computers can I connect? A: There is no hard limit. The server supports multiple clients, and screen edges can be mapped to arrange any number of displays.

Sources

• https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow
• https://github.com/deskflow/deskflow/wiki