HexChat - ArchWiki

# HexChat

HexChat is a multi-platform IRC client for GTK+.

## Installation

Install hexchat. The development version hexchat-git is available in the AUR. For the legacy version, install xchat.

## Configuration

HexChat stores configuration files in `~/.config/hexchat`, XChat does so in `~/.xchat2`.

### Freenode SSL and SASL

In HexChat, enable SSL and SASL in Network List (`Ctrl+S`) > Freenode > Edit.

In XChat, enable SSL and change the server address from `chat.freenode.net` to `chat.freenode.net/+6697`. To enable SASL, follow Configuring SASL for XChat.

## Tips and tricks

### GNOME integration

To use the new Notifications and messaging tray, activate the following options in Settings > Preferences > Chatting > Alerts:

- Show tray balloons
- Blink tray icon (optional)
- Enable system tray icon: unchecked (the icon appears automatically if you have pending notifications)

## Troubleshooting

### Spell check does not work

To fully enable spell-check, you need to install the correct dictionary besides enchant. Find your correct dictionary by searching for hunspell.

For English this is hunspell-en. Restart XChat after installation.

### Missing tray icon

If XChat was loaded before the panel containing its icon, for example when the panel is forcibly reloaded, the icon may be invisible. [1] To restore the icon, run:

    $ xchat --existing --command="set gui_tray 0"
    $ xchat --existing --command="gui apply"
    $ xchat --existing --command="set gui_tray 1"
    $ xchat --existing --command="gui apply"

Or restore the main window with:

    $ xchat --existing --command="gui show"

## See also

- HexChat documentation
- Toxin XChat Themes
- XChat command line options

Categories:

- Internet applications
- Internet Relay Chat