bkgdset - Linux

Overview

bkgdset is a command-line tool for setting the background of a terminal with a specified image or pattern. It is a convenient way to customize the appearance of your terminal environment and enhance its visual appeal.

Syntax

bkgdset [options] <image or pattern>

Required Argument:

<image or pattern>: The path to the image file or a valid pattern string (see Patterns section).

Options/Flags

-c, –center: Center the image or pattern within the terminal window.
-f, –fast: Use fast image loading mode. This may result in a smaller image but faster loading times.
-m, –margin: Specify the margin (in pixels) around the image or pattern. Default: 0.
-n, –no-resize: Do not resize the image or pattern. Display it in its original size.
-o, –offset-x, and –offset-y: Adjust the X and Y coordinates of the image or pattern. Default: 0, 0.
-p, –patterns: Show a list of available pattern strings.
-r, –repeat: Repeat the image or pattern to fill the entire terminal window. Defaut: no repeat.
-s, –stretch: Stretch the image or pattern to fit the terminal window.
-t, –transparency: Set the transparency level of the backdrop (0-255). Default: 0 (opaque).

Patterns

Instead of an image file, you can specify a pattern string using the following syntax:

{pattern}:{color},{fgcolor}

pattern: Available patterns are solid, noise, matrix, spheres, drizzle, plasma, clouds, fire, volcanic, and wood.
color: Background color in hex code or a named color.
fgcolor: Foreground color for patterns that support it.

Examples

Set the background image to an image file:
```
bkgdset /path/to/image.png
```
Center an image and set a margin:
```
bkgdset -c -m 10 /path/to/image.jpg
```
Display a solid red background with a green foreground:
```
bkgdset solid:#ff0000,#00ff00
```
Repeat a pattern indefinitely:
```
bkgdset -r clouds:#000000,#ffffff
```

Common Issues

Image is not displayed: Ensure that the image file exists and is accessible.
Pattern is not recognized: Check the spelling of the pattern string and the supplied colors.
Terminal freezes: Try using the -f flag to load the image faster.

Integration

bkgdset can be integrated into shell scripts or automated workflows to dynamically change the terminal background based on certain events or conditions. For example:

if [ $THEME = "light" ]; then
  bkgdset light_bg.png
elif [ $THEME = "dark" ]; then
  bkgdset dark_bg.png
fi

Related Commands

xrdb: Set X resources for terminal customization.
setterm: Modify the terminal’s appearance and behavior.
bash: The shell used on many Linux systems.