dir_colors - Linux
Overview
dir_colors is a powerful command-line utility that enhances the appearance of directories and files in a terminal. It enables users to customize the colors assigned to different file types, directories, and symbolic links, improving visual clarity and organization.
Syntax
dir_colors [--colors-from file] [--theme theme] [--reset] [--install]
Options/Flags
- –colors-from file: Loads a custom color scheme from a specified file.
- –theme theme: Selects a predefined color theme to apply.
- –reset: Resets the color settings to the default scheme.
- –install: Installs the current color scheme globally for all users.
Examples
Basic Usage – Apply a Custom Color Scheme:
dir_colors --colors-from my-colors.scheme
Set the Solarized Dark Color Theme:
dir_colors --theme=solarized
Resetting to Default Colors:
dir_colors --reset
Installing a Global Color Scheme:
dir_colors --install
Common Issues
Missing Color Scheme:
If a custom color scheme file is not found or is incorrectly formatted, dir_colors will not apply the scheme.
Resetting Colors After Installation:
Once a color scheme is installed globally, it can only be reset by manually editing the configuration files in /etc/DIR_COLORS
or via the --reset
option.
Integration
Linking to ls Alias:
To permanently apply a color scheme to the ls
command, create an alias in your shell configuration file:
alias ls="dir_colors --theme=solarized && ls -F"
Use with Find:
Combine with find
to highlight specific files or directories:
find . -name "*test*" | dir_colors --colors-from my-colors.scheme
Related Commands
- ls – List files and directories.
- find – Find files and directories based on criteria.
- exa – A modern alternative to ls with advanced customization options.