T₀ // documentation
Use RouteWave with these commands and shortcuts.
Quick start, WSL2 setup, supported formats, keyboard shortcuts, console command reference.
T₁ // quick start
The fastest way to get RouteWave is through the RouteRTL SDK. Single pip install — viewer auto-downloads on first launch.
# Install RouteRTL (if you haven't already)
pip install routertl
# Launch RouteWave
rr routewave
# Open a waveform directly
rr routewave sim/waves/test.fst
# Or after simulation — auto-opens the latest
rr sim my_testbench --view
T₂ // WSL2 · Windows
RouteWave runs natively on WSL2. A fresh Ubuntu install needs OpenGL libraries first — one line, then you're set.
# Install OpenGL libs (required once on fresh WSL2 Ubuntu)
sudo apt install libopengl0 libgl1 libglx-mesa0 libegl1
# Windows 11 — WSLg handles display automatically
rr routewave
# Windows 10 — install VcXsrv first, then:
export DISPLAY=$(ip route list default | awk '{print $3}'):0
rr routewave
# Quick test — if this opens a window, you're good:
xeyes
T₃ // supported formats
.vcd
.fst
.ghw
.csv (ILA)
.ltrace (JSON)
.ltws (Workspace)
Drag and drop any of these into the window to open. Auto-detection by extension; ltrace JSON is the native lossless format.
T₄ // keyboard shortcuts
| key | action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+O | Open waveform file |
| Ctrl+J | Focus console input |
| Ctrl+T | Focus OS terminal |
| Ctrl+M | Toggle Mission Control |
| Ctrl+P | Command palette |
| Ctrl+B | Save bookmark |
| Left / Right | Jump to prev / next edge |
| Up / Down | Select prev / next channel |
| Shift + Click | Push cursor to stack |
| R | Create ruler between cursors |
| T | Toggle toolbar |
| F1 | Help / command reference |
| Scroll | Zoom in / out |
| Middle Drag | Pan viewport |
T₅ // console
Press Ctrl+J to open the console. Type help for the full command reference.
show <signal> — Add signal to viewer
cursor c1 <time|snap|clear> — Persistent cursor
cursor c1 name <label> — Rename cursor
cursor c1 unit <ns|us|ms|s> — Per-cursor unit
measure <signal> — Timing metrics at cursor
divider [name] [--color #RRGGBB] — Add separator
zoom <start> <end> — Zoom to range
undo / redo — Universal undo
T₆ // updating
RouteWave updates automatically when you upgrade RouteRTL.
# Update RouteRTL (includes latest RouteWave)
pip install --upgrade routertl
# Or force-refresh the viewer binary
rr ws update-viewer
included no separate install · binary cached at ~/.cache/routertl/routewave