Software

To get your Openterface™ KVM gadgets up and running, you'll need to install one of the apps listed below on your host computer. You can grab these apps from different app platforms or just click the links provided. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also build them from source using our GitHub repositories!

Download & Installation

Basic KVM Controls

💻 Compatibility

• Host Side: Install any official Openterface host application (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and more).
• Target Side: No software required. Simply connect a device with video output and a USB port for keyboard/mouse control. Works with virtually all systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and BIOS/UEFI screens.

🖱 Mouse Control

• Absolute Mode: Mouse position on the host maps directly to the target’s screen.
• Relative Mode: Mouse movements are sent relative to the cursor’s current position. You can exit relative mode with a keyboard shortcut.

⌨️ Keyboard Input

All keystrokes typed on the host are forwarded to the target whenever the host app window is active and in focus.

⚙️ BIOS / Pre-Boot Access

You can control BIOS or other pre-boot environments just like a physical keyboard and monitor.

Common keys include: F2 (Dell/Lenovo/ASUS), F10 (HP), Del (ASUS/Gigabyte/MSI), Option (Apple).

🔊 Audio

If supported by your Openterface device and cable setup, audio sent through the target’s HDMI output will play directly on the host.

🎥 Video Display

If supported by your Openterface device and cable setup, audio embedded in the target’s video signal will be routed to your host computer and played directly in the app. (Devices using video formats without audio, such as VGA, will naturally not provide sound.)

🔄 Switchable Ports (If Your Device Includes Them)

Some models feature ports that can be assigned to either the host or the target, such as USB data ports or storage slots.

• Access is exclusive — only one side can use the port at a time.

• Switch using:

• physical hardware controls, or

• software buttons inside the host app (depending on device model).

Important:

• Always eject storage devices before switching.
• Avoid powering high-draw peripherals from switchable ports.

For more details, see the Switchable Ports Guide.

Advanced App Features

Some Openterface host applications offer additional tools on top of basic KVM control. These features are implemented in software on the host side, so availability and behavior can vary between apps and platforms. Please refer to each app’s documentation for exact details.

Common advanced capabilities include:

• Copy Text from Host to Target: Some apps let you paste text to the target, but the app is simply typing it automatically by sending a stream of emulated keystrokes. This is not real clipboard syncing. Only ASCII characters are supported, long text may lose formatting or characters, and older or busy target systems may drop keystrokes if they cannot keep up. Best used for short text like usernames, passwords, commands, or URLs.

• OCR & Text Extraction: Select an area of the target screen, let the host app run optical character recognition (OCR), and then copy the recognized text to your host clipboard for editing or search.

• Screen Capture & Recording: Capture still images or record video of the target screen as displayed in the host app, useful for debugging, documentation, or demos.

• and more...: Features such as zooming in and out of the target display, viewing USB device information, triggering serial resets, updating firmware, or customizing EDID profiles.

Because these functions depend on the specific host application, their availability, performance, and user experience may differ across operating systems and versions. For the latest information, check the feature list and release notes of the app you are using.