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 is for

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 is good

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.

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.

OpenGazer plans and pricing

All plans

OpenGazer Free Open-source gaze tracker; requires a webcam and Linux build dependencies github.com · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on eye tracking software

Free plan: Yes
Input method: webcam
Study mode: live
Gaze visualizations: estimated gaze-focus point; head-rotation lines; calibration target
Export formats: standard output text; local UDP coordinates
Supported platforms: Linux; Debian; Ubuntu

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The record

Purpose

OpenGazer uses an ordinary webcam to track gaze direction and pass it to other programs.

Use case

The project gives Dasher as an example of software that can use OpenGazer so a person can write with their eyes.

Approach

The project describes itself as a low-cost software alternative to commercial hardware-based eye trackers.

License

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

Platform

SourceForge lists Linux as the operating system and X Window System (X11) as the user interface.

Development status

SourceForge lists the project status as Alpha and its last update as 2013-04-24.

Build requirements

The repository README lists VXL, OpenCV, gtkmm, cairomm, and Boost as build requirements.

Camera setup

The README instructs users to set the camera to 640×480 and place it centrally below the monitor.

Calibration

The README says users calibrate by looking at indicated screen points while keeping their head still.

Tracking setup

The README instructs users to select at least four facial tracking points and recommends seven or eight.

Output

The README says gaze estimates are printed to standard output and sent over a local UDP socket on port 20230.

Custom use

The README says changing calibration points to two points can make OpenGazer work as a binary switch.

Gaze output

The program estimates the gaze point and displays it on screen.

Head tracking

Users select facial points to track head position and rotation alongside gaze.

Price from

Free