OpenGazer

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What OpenGazer is

OpenGazer is a Linux desktop application that uses an ordinary webcam to estimate gaze direction and pass coordinates to other programs. It also tracks head position and rotation, and displays the estimated gaze point, head-rotation lines, and calibration target. To calibrate, users look 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. Its 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. The project gives Dasher 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. It is marked Alpha, with its last update listed as 2013-04-24. Building it requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.

Who it suits

It suits Linux users exploring webcam-based gaze input for compatible software, such as the cited Dasher example. It may also interest developers who can build the project and use its text or UDP output.

What it does well

Uses an ordinary webcam for gaze estimation.
Sends coordinates to standard output and a local UDP socket.
Tracks head position and rotation alongside gaze.
Can be adapted as a binary switch.
Distributed under GPLv2.

What to know first

The project is marked Alpha.
Its last listed update is 2013-04-24.
Building requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.
The specified camera setup is 640×480.

Limits

OpenGazer is listed for Linux. Building it requires VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost; the project is marked Alpha.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
OpenGazer	Open-source gaze tracker; requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies	Free

As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Open the OpenGazer project on GitHub.
Use a Linux system with the required build dependencies: VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost.
Set the camera to 640×480 and place it centrally below the monitor.
Calibrate by looking at the indicated screen points while keeping your head still.
Select at least four facial tracking points; seven or eight are recommended.
Read gaze estimates from standard output or the local UDP socket on port 20230.

Verdict

OpenGazer provides webcam-based gaze estimates and output methods that can feed other programs. Its Alpha status, listed age, and build dependencies are important considerations before adopting it.

Questions

How much does OpenGazer cost?

OpenGazer is free, at no cost.

Which platforms does it support?

It is listed for Linux, Debian, and Ubuntu, and uses the X Window System interface.

Does OpenGazer require special eye-tracking hardware?

The project describes it as using an ordinary webcam. Its specified camera setup is 640×480, positioned centrally below the monitor.

What license does OpenGazer use?

It is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 (GPLv2).

How can other programs receive gaze estimates?

Coordinates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.

What is the project's development status?

It is marked Alpha, with its last update listed as 2013-04-24.

Facts from OpenGazer's own pages

Approach: The project describes itself as a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers. · sourceforge.net, 3 Oct 2026
Audience and interface: SourceForge describes it as a Linux desktop application with an X Window System interface for end users. · sourceforge.net, 4 Oct 2026
Build requirements: The README lists VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost as build requirements. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Calibration: Calibration asks the user to look at screen points while keeping their head still. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Camera setup: The instructions specify a 640×480 camera mode and access to the webcam device file. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Custom use: The README says two calibration points can configure the tracker as a binary switch. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Development status: SourceForge lists the project status as Alpha and its last update as 2013-04-24. · sourceforge.net, 3 Oct 2026
Example integration: SourceForge gives Dasher as an example program that can use gaze direction for eye based writing. · sourceforge.net, 4 Oct 2026
Gaze output: The program estimates the gaze point and displays it on screen. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Head tracking: Users select facial points to track head position and rotation alongside gaze. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
License: The repository lists the GNU GPL version 2.0 license. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Output: The README says gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Output methods: Gaze coordinates are written to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Platform: SourceForge lists Linux as the operating system and X Window System (X11) as the user interface. · sourceforge.net, 3 Oct 2026
Project status: SourceForge labels the project Alpha and lists its last update as 2013-04-24. · sourceforge.net, 4 Oct 2026
Purpose: OpenGazer is an open-source gaze tracker designed for ordinary webcams. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Tracking setup: The README instructs users to select at least four facial tracking points and recommends seven or eight. · github.com, 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. · sourceforge.net, 3 Oct 2026

Where OpenGazer stands on Freedom251

Eye Tracking Software#7 of 27