OpenGazer
OpenGazer is a Linux desktop application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate gaze direction and pass it to other programs.
What OpenGazer is
OpenGazer is a Linux desktop application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate gaze direction and pass it to other programs. It also tracks head position and rotation, showing the estimated gaze point, head-rotation lines, and a calibration target. Users calibrate by looking at indicated screen points while keeping their head still, then select facial points for tracking; the project calls for at least four and recommends seven or eight. The specified camera setup is 640×480, placed centrally below the monitor. Gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent through a local UDP socket on port 20230. Dasher is given as an example of software that can use gaze direction for writing with the eyes. OpenGazer is free under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 and uses the X Window System interface. The project is marked Alpha, with its last update listed as 2013-04-24. Building it requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.
Good
- Uses an ordinary webcam for gaze estimation.
- Sends gaze coordinates to standard output and local UDP.
- Tracks head position and rotation alongside gaze.
- GPLv2 licensed and free.
Watch out
- Project status is listed as Alpha.
- Last update is listed as 2013-04-24.
- Building requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.
- Camera setup specifies 640×480 below the monitor.
Who it suits
It may suit Linux users exploring webcam-based gaze input or connecting gaze estimates to another program such as Dasher. It requires comfort with building software and configuring calibration and tracking points.
Verdict
OpenGazer offers webcam-based gaze estimates and simple output routes for Linux applications, but its Alpha status and build dependencies matter. Its listed update date is old, so users should weigh that before relying on it.
Plans and prices
From OpenGazer's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OpenGazer | Free | Open-source gaze tracker; requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies |
The facts
Each one read from OpenGazer's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Approach
- The project describes itself as a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Platform
- SourceForge lists Linux as the operating system and X Window System (X11) as the user interface.checked 3 Oct 2026
What it does
- Audience and interface
- SourceForge describes it as a Linux desktop application with an X Window System interface for end users.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- The README lists VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost as build requirements.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Calibration
- Calibration asks the user to look at screen points while keeping their head still.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Camera setup
- The instructions specify a 640×480 camera mode and access to the webcam device file.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Custom use
- The README says two calibration points can configure the tracker as a binary switch.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Development status
- SourceForge lists the project status as Alpha and its last update as 2013-04-24.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Example integration
- SourceForge gives Dasher as an example program that can use gaze direction for eye based writing.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Gaze output
- The program estimates the gaze point and displays it on screen.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Head tracking
- Users select facial points to track head position and rotation alongside gaze.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository lists the GNU GPL version 2.0 license.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Output
- The README says gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Output methods
- Gaze coordinates are written to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Project status
- SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2013-04-24.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenGazer is an open-source gaze tracker designed for ordinary webcams.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Tracking setup
- The README instructs users to select at least four facial tracking points and recommends seven or eight.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Use case
- The project gives Dasher as an example of software that can use OpenGazer so a person can write with their eyes.checked 3 Oct 2026
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