java.awt

## Class Event

- java.lang.Object
- - java.awt.Event

- All Implemented Interfaces:
    Serializable

      public class Event
      extends Object
      implements Serializable

  NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

  `Event` is a platform-independent class that encapsulates events from the platform's Graphical User Interface in the Java 1.0 event model. In Java 1.1 and later versions, the `Event` class is maintained only for backwards compatibility. The information in this class description is provided to assist programmers in converting Java 1.0 programs to the new event model.

  In the Java 1.0 event model, an event contains an `id` field that indicates what type of event it is and which other `Event` variables are relevant for the event.

  For keyboard events, `key` contains a value indicating which key was activated, and `modifiers` contains the modifiers for that event. For the KEY_PRESS and KEY_RELEASE event ids, the value of `key` is the unicode character code for the key. For KEY_ACTION and KEY_ACTION_RELEASE, the value of `key` is one of the defined action-key identifiers in the `Event` class (`PGUP`, `PGDN`, `F1`, `F2`, etc).

  Since:
    JDK1.0
  See Also:
    Serialized Form

- - ### Field Summary

    Fields
    Modifier and Type | Field | Description
    --- | --- | ---
    `static int` | `ACTION_EVENT` | This event indicates that the user wants some action to occur.
    `static int` | `ALT_MASK` | This flag indicates that the Alt key was down when the event occurred.
    `Object` | `arg` | An arbitrary argument of the event.
    `static int` | `BACK_SPACE` | The BackSpace key.
    `static int` | `CAPS_LOCK` | The Caps Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `int` | `clickCount` | For `MOUSE_DOWN` events, this field indicates the number of consecutive clicks.
    `static int` | `CTRL_MASK` | This flag indicates that the Control key was down when the event occurred.
    `static int` | `DELETE` | The Delete key.
    `static int` | `DOWN` | The Down Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `END` | The End key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `ENTER` | The Enter key.
    `static int` | `ESCAPE` | The Escape key.
    `Event` | `evt` | The next event.
    `static int` | `F1` | The F1 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F10` | The F10 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F11` | The F11 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F12` | The F12 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F2` | The F2 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F3` | The F3 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F4` | The F4 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F5` | The F5 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F6` | The F6 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F7` | The F7 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F8` | The F8 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `F9` | The F9 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `GOT_FOCUS` | A component gained the focus.
    `static int` | `HOME` | The Home key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `int` | `id` | Indicates which type of event the event is, and which other `Event` variables are relevant for the event.
    `static int` | `INSERT` | The Insert key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `int` | `key` | The key code of the key that was pressed in a keyboard event.
    `static int` | `KEY_ACTION` | The user has pressed a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `KEY_ACTION_RELEASE` | The user has released a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `KEY_PRESS` | The user has pressed a normal key.
    `static int` | `KEY_RELEASE` | The user has released a normal key.
    `static int` | `LEFT` | The Left Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `LIST_DESELECT` | An item in a list has been deselected.
    `static int` | `LIST_SELECT` | An item in a list has been selected.
    `static int` | `LOAD_FILE` | A file loading event.
    `static int` | `LOST_FOCUS` | A component lost the focus.
    `static int` | `META_MASK` | This flag indicates that the Meta key was down when the event occurred.
    `int` | `modifiers` | The state of the modifier keys.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_DOWN` | The user has pressed the mouse button.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_DRAG` | The user has moved the mouse with a button pressed.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_ENTER` | The mouse has entered a component.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_EXIT` | The mouse has exited a component.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_MOVE` | The mouse has moved with no button pressed.
    `static int` | `MOUSE_UP` | The user has released the mouse button.
    `static int` | `NUM_LOCK` | The Num Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `PAUSE` | The Pause key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `PGDN` | The Page Down key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `PGUP` | The Page Up key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `PRINT_SCREEN` | The Print Screen key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `RIGHT` | The Right Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `SAVE_FILE` | A file saving event.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_ABSOLUTE` | The user has moved the bubble (thumb) in a scroll bar, moving to an "absolute" position, rather than to an offset from the last position.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_BEGIN` | The scroll begin event.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_END` | The scroll end event.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_LINE_DOWN` | The user has activated the line down area of a scroll bar.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_LINE_UP` | The user has activated the line up area of a scroll bar.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_LOCK` | The Scroll Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_PAGE_DOWN` | The user has activated the page down area of a scroll bar.
    `static int` | `SCROLL_PAGE_UP` | The user has activated the page up area of a scroll bar.
    `static int` | `SHIFT_MASK` | This flag indicates that the Shift key was down when the event occurred.
    `static int` | `TAB` | The Tab key.
    `Object` | `target` | The target component.
    `static int` | `UP` | The Up Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
    `long` | `when` | The time stamp.
    `static int` | `WINDOW_DEICONIFY` | The user has asked the window manager to de-iconify the window.
    `static int` | `WINDOW_DESTROY` | The user has asked the window manager to kill the window.
    `static int` | `WINDOW_EXPOSE` | The user has asked the window manager to expose the window.
    `static int` | `WINDOW_ICONIFY` | The user has asked the window manager to iconify the window.
    `static int` | `WINDOW_MOVED` | The user has asked the window manager to move the window.
    `int` | `x` | The x coordinate of the event.
    `int` | `y` | The y coordinate of the event.

  - ### Constructor Summary

    Constructors
    Constructor | Description
    --- | ---
    `Event(Object target, int id, Object arg)` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `Event(Object target, long when, int id, int x, int y, int key, int modifiers)` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `Event(Object target, long when, int id, int x, int y, int key, int modifiers, Object arg)` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.

  - ### Method Summary

    All Methods Instance Methods Concrete Methods
    Modifier and Type | Method | Description
    --- | --- | ---
    `boolean` | `controlDown()` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `boolean` | `metaDown()` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `protected String` | `paramString()` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `boolean` | `shiftDown()` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `String` | `toString()` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.
    `void` | `translate(int dx, int dy)` | NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility.

    - ### Methods inherited from class java.lang.Object

      `clone, equals, finalize, getClass, hashCode, notify, notifyAll, wait, wait, wait`

- - ### Field Detail

    - #### SHIFT_MASK

          public static final int SHIFT_MASK

      This flag indicates that the Shift key was down when the event occurred.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### CTRL_MASK

          public static final int CTRL_MASK

      This flag indicates that the Control key was down when the event occurred.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### META_MASK

          public static final int META_MASK

      This flag indicates that the Meta key was down when the event occurred. For mouse events, this flag indicates that the right button was pressed or released.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### ALT_MASK

          public static final int ALT_MASK

      This flag indicates that the Alt key was down when the event occurred. For mouse events, this flag indicates that the middle mouse button was pressed or released.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### HOME

          public static final int HOME

      The Home key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### END

          public static final int END

      The End key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### PGUP

          public static final int PGUP

      The Page Up key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### PGDN

          public static final int PGDN

      The Page Down key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### UP

          public static final int UP

      The Up Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### DOWN

          public static final int DOWN

      The Down Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### LEFT

          public static final int LEFT

      The Left Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### RIGHT

          public static final int RIGHT

      The Right Arrow key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F1

          public static final int F1

      The F1 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F2

          public static final int F2

      The F2 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F3

          public static final int F3

      The F3 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F4

          public static final int F4

      The F4 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F5

          public static final int F5

      The F5 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F6

          public static final int F6

      The F6 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F7

          public static final int F7

      The F7 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F8

          public static final int F8

      The F8 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F9

          public static final int F9

      The F9 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F10

          public static final int F10

      The F10 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F11

          public static final int F11

      The F11 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### F12

          public static final int F12

      The F12 function key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### PRINT_SCREEN

          public static final int PRINT_SCREEN

      The Print Screen key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_LOCK

          public static final int SCROLL_LOCK

      The Scroll Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### CAPS_LOCK

          public static final int CAPS_LOCK

      The Caps Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### NUM_LOCK

          public static final int NUM_LOCK

      The Num Lock key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### PAUSE

          public static final int PAUSE

      The Pause key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### INSERT

          public static final int INSERT

      The Insert key, a non-ASCII action key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### ENTER

          public static final int ENTER

      The Enter key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### BACK_SPACE

          public static final int BACK_SPACE

      The BackSpace key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### TAB

          public static final int TAB

      The Tab key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### ESCAPE

          public static final int ESCAPE

      The Escape key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### DELETE

          public static final int DELETE

      The Delete key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### WINDOW_DESTROY

          public static final int WINDOW_DESTROY

      The user has asked the window manager to kill the window.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### WINDOW_EXPOSE

          public static final int WINDOW_EXPOSE

      The user has asked the window manager to expose the window.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### WINDOW_ICONIFY

          public static final int WINDOW_ICONIFY

      The user has asked the window manager to iconify the window.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### WINDOW_DEICONIFY

          public static final int WINDOW_DEICONIFY

      The user has asked the window manager to de-iconify the window.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### WINDOW_MOVED

          public static final int WINDOW_MOVED

      The user has asked the window manager to move the window.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### KEY_PRESS

          public static final int KEY_PRESS

      The user has pressed a normal key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### KEY_RELEASE

          public static final int KEY_RELEASE

      The user has released a normal key.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### KEY_ACTION

          public static final int KEY_ACTION

      The user has pressed a non-ASCII action key. The `key` field contains a value that indicates that the event occurred on one of the action keys, which comprise the 12 function keys, the arrow (cursor) keys, Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Pause, and Insert.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### KEY_ACTION_RELEASE

          public static final int KEY_ACTION_RELEASE

      The user has released a non-ASCII action key. The `key` field contains a value that indicates that the event occurred on one of the action keys, which comprise the 12 function keys, the arrow (cursor) keys, Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Pause, and Insert.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_DOWN

          public static final int MOUSE_DOWN

      The user has pressed the mouse button. The `ALT_MASK` flag indicates that the middle button has been pressed. The `META_MASK`flag indicates that the right button has been pressed.
      See Also:
        `ALT_MASK`, `META_MASK`, Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_UP

          public static final int MOUSE_UP

      The user has released the mouse button. The `ALT_MASK` flag indicates that the middle button has been released. The `META_MASK`flag indicates that the right button has been released.
      See Also:
        `ALT_MASK`, `META_MASK`, Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_MOVE

          public static final int MOUSE_MOVE

      The mouse has moved with no button pressed.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_ENTER

          public static final int MOUSE_ENTER

      The mouse has entered a component.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_EXIT

          public static final int MOUSE_EXIT

      The mouse has exited a component.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### MOUSE_DRAG

          public static final int MOUSE_DRAG

      The user has moved the mouse with a button pressed. The `ALT_MASK` flag indicates that the middle button is being pressed. The `META_MASK` flag indicates that the right button is being pressed.
      See Also:
        `ALT_MASK`, `META_MASK`, Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_LINE_UP

          public static final int SCROLL_LINE_UP

      The user has activated the line up area of a scroll bar.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_LINE_DOWN

          public static final int SCROLL_LINE_DOWN

      The user has activated the line down area of a scroll bar.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_PAGE_UP

          public static final int SCROLL_PAGE_UP

      The user has activated the page up area of a scroll bar.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_PAGE_DOWN

          public static final int SCROLL_PAGE_DOWN

      The user has activated the page down area of a scroll bar.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_ABSOLUTE

          public static final int SCROLL_ABSOLUTE

      The user has moved the bubble (thumb) in a scroll bar, moving to an "absolute" position, rather than to an offset from the last position.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_BEGIN

          public static final int SCROLL_BEGIN

      The scroll begin event.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SCROLL_END

          public static final int SCROLL_END

      The scroll end event.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### LIST_SELECT

          public static final int LIST_SELECT

      An item in a list has been selected.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### LIST_DESELECT

          public static final int LIST_DESELECT

      An item in a list has been deselected.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### ACTION_EVENT

          public static final int ACTION_EVENT

      This event indicates that the user wants some action to occur.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### LOAD_FILE

          public static final int LOAD_FILE

      A file loading event.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### SAVE_FILE

          public static final int SAVE_FILE

      A file saving event.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### GOT_FOCUS

          public static final int GOT_FOCUS

      A component gained the focus.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### LOST_FOCUS

          public static final int LOST_FOCUS

      A component lost the focus.
      See Also:
        Constant Field Values

    - #### target

          public Object target

      The target component. This indicates the component over which the event occurred or with which the event is associated. This object has been replaced by AWTEvent.getSource()
      See Also:
        `EventObject.getSource()`

    - #### when

          public long when

      The time stamp. Replaced by InputEvent.getWhen().
      See Also:
        `InputEvent.getWhen()`

    - #### id

          public int id

      Indicates which type of event the event is, and which other `Event` variables are relevant for the event. This has been replaced by AWTEvent.getID()
      See Also:
        `AWTEvent.getID()`

    - #### x

          public int x

      The x coordinate of the event. Replaced by MouseEvent.getX()
      See Also:
        `MouseEvent.getX()`

    - #### y

          public int y

      The y coordinate of the event. Replaced by MouseEvent.getY()
      See Also:
        `MouseEvent.getY()`

    - #### key

          public int key

      The key code of the key that was pressed in a keyboard event. This has been replaced by KeyEvent.getKeyCode()
      See Also:
        `KeyEvent.getKeyCode()`

    - #### modifiers

          public int modifiers

      The state of the modifier keys. This is replaced with InputEvent.getModifiers() In java 1.1 MouseEvent and KeyEvent are subclasses of InputEvent.
      See Also:
        `InputEvent.getModifiers()`

    - #### clickCount

          public int clickCount

      For `MOUSE_DOWN` events, this field indicates the number of consecutive clicks. For other events, its value is `0`. This field has been replaced by MouseEvent.getClickCount().
      See Also:
        `MouseEvent.getClickCount()`

    - #### arg

          public Object arg

      An arbitrary argument of the event. The value of this field depends on the type of event. `arg` has been replaced by event specific property.

    - #### evt

          public Event evt

      The next event. This field is set when putting events into a linked list. This has been replaced by EventQueue.
      See Also:
        `EventQueue`

  - ### Constructor Detail

    - #### Event

          public Event(Object target,
                       long when,
                       int id,
                       int x,
                       int y,
                       int key,
                       int modifiers,
                       Object arg)

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Creates an instance of `Event` with the specified target component, time stamp, event type, x and y coordinates, keyboard key, state of the modifier keys, and argument.

      Parameters:
        `target` - the target component.
        `when` - the time stamp.
        `id` - the event type.
        `x` - the x coordinate.
        `y` - the y coordinate.
        `key` - the key pressed in a keyboard event.
        `modifiers` - the state of the modifier keys.
        `arg` - the specified argument.

    - #### Event

          public Event(Object target,
                       long when,
                       int id,
                       int x,
                       int y,
                       int key,
                       int modifiers)

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Creates an instance of `Event`, with the specified target component, time stamp, event type, x and y coordinates, keyboard key, state of the modifier keys, and an argument set to `null`.

      Parameters:
        `target` - the target component.
        `when` - the time stamp.
        `id` - the event type.
        `x` - the x coordinate.
        `y` - the y coordinate.
        `key` - the key pressed in a keyboard event.
        `modifiers` - the state of the modifier keys.

    - #### Event

          public Event(Object target,
                       int id,
                       Object arg)

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Creates an instance of `Event` with the specified target component, event type, and argument.

      Parameters:
        `target` - the target component.
        `id` - the event type.
        `arg` - the specified argument.

  - ### Method Detail

    - #### translate

          public void translate(int dx,
                                int dy)

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Translates this event so that its x and y coordinates are increased by dx and dy, respectively.

      This method translates an event relative to the given component. This involves, at a minimum, translating the coordinates into the local coordinate system of the given component. It may also involve translating a region in the case of an expose event.

      Parameters:
        `dx` - the distance to translate the x coordinate.
        `dy` - the distance to translate the y coordinate.

    - #### shiftDown

          public boolean shiftDown()

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Checks if the Shift key is down.

      Returns:
        `true` if the key is down; `false` otherwise.
      See Also:
        `modifiers`, `controlDown()`, `metaDown()`

    - #### controlDown

          public boolean controlDown()

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Checks if the Control key is down.

      Returns:
        `true` if the key is down; `false` otherwise.
      See Also:
        `modifiers`, `shiftDown()`, `metaDown()`

    - #### metaDown

          public boolean metaDown()

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Checks if the Meta key is down.

      Returns:
        `true` if the key is down; `false` otherwise.
      See Also:
        `modifiers`, `shiftDown()`, `controlDown()`

    - #### paramString

          protected String paramString()

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Returns a string representing the state of this `Event`. This method is intended to be used only for debugging purposes, and the content and format of the returned string may vary between implementations. The returned string may be empty but may not be `null`.

      Returns:
        the parameter string of this event

    - #### toString

          public String toString()

      NOTE: The `Event` class is obsolete and is available only for backwards compatibility. It has been replaced by the `AWTEvent` class and its subclasses.

      Returns a representation of this event's values as a string.

      Overrides:
        `toString` in class `Object`
      Returns:
        a string that represents the event and the values of its member fields.
      Since:
        JDK1.1
      See Also:
        `paramString()`

Submit a bug or feature
For further API reference and developer documentation, see Java SE Documentation. That documentation contains more detailed, developer-targeted descriptions, with conceptual overviews, definitions of terms, workarounds, and working code examples.
Copyright © 1993, 2026, Oracle and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Use is subject to license terms. Also see the documentation redistribution policy.