How to Use the Command 'farge' (with Examples)

The farge command is a versatile tool for anyone who frequently works with colors in a digital environment, particularly designers and developers. It is primarily used to extract the color value of a specific pixel on the screen, converting it into either hexadecimal or RGB formats. The utility can also copy the extracted color value to the clipboard and display it in various formats like notifications or stdout, making it a handy addition to any workflow that involves color manipulation. Whether you need to match colors in a design or develop an application, farge can streamline your color picking process.

Use Case 1: Display a Small Preview Window of a Pixel’s Color with its Hexadecimal Value, and Copy this Value to the Clipboard

Code:

farge

Motivation:

This basic use of the farge command is ideal when a user needs to quickly identify and utilize a color from the screen. When designing websites or digital art, being able to see a preview of the desired color along with its hexadecimal value can significantly speed up the process. It not only provides immediate visual confirmation of the color but also facilitates easy reuse by copying the color code directly to the clipboard. This functionality ensures that designers can easily replicate and apply specific colors across their work without manually decoding or remembering complex color codes.

Explanation:

• farge: This is the base command that triggers the selection of a pixel from which the color is to be extracted. The absence of additional arguments means that by default, a preview window showing the color and its hexadecimal value will appear once a pixel is chosen. Moreover, the hexadecimal value is automatically copied to the clipboard for immediate use.

Example Output:

When you execute the command, a small window might appear showing the color, displaying something like:

#ff5733

This would mean that the pixel selected corresponds to the color with the hexadecimal code #ff5733, which is simultaneously copied to your clipboard.

Use Case 2: Copy a Pixel’s Hexadecimal Value to the Clipboard Without Displaying a Preview Window

Code:

farge --no-preview

Motivation:

Designers or developers who are confident about the pixel from which they want to extract a color may prefer not to be interrupted by a preview window. This is particularly useful in fast-paced environments, where every second counts, or when working on systems with limited resources that might get bogged down by additional graphical interfaces. By suppressing the preview, users can streamline the workflow to focus solely on obtaining the hexadecimal value and proceeding immediately to its application wherever necessary.

Explanation:

• --no-preview: This argument suppresses the display of a preview window after selecting a pixel. The primary objective is to reduce interruptions and maintain a smooth workflow by delivering only the necessary result—the hexadecimal color code—directly to the clipboard.

Example Output:

No window will appear, but the previously selected pixel’s hexadecimal value—let’s say #3498db—will be stored on the clipboard for immediate paste functionality.

Use Case 3: Output a Pixel’s Hexadecimal Value to stdout, and Copy this Value to the Clipboard

Code:

farge --stdout

Motivation:

This use case suits scenarios where a user wants to programmatically handle the color value through scripting or command-line processing. It enables users to integrate the output into other terminal-based workflows, automate processes, or log the color values into files directly from the command line. The requirement to copy the value to the clipboard remains, providing a cross-platform way of working with both CLI environments and GUIs.

Explanation:

• --stdout: By adding this argument, the color value of the selected pixel is output to the standard output (stdout) of the terminal. This means it is displayed directly in the terminal window, making it accessible for further command line operations.

Example Output:

Upon selecting a pixel, you might see an output like:

#1abc9c

Here, the color code #1abc9c appears in the command terminal and is simultaneously copied to the clipboard for further use.

Use Case 4: Output a Pixel’s RGB Value to stdout, and Copy this Value to the Clipboard

Code:

farge --rgb --stdout

Motivation:

There are cases where RGB values might be preferred over hexadecimal ones, such as when working with graphic design software that primarily accepts RGB inputs or when specific color adjustments require knowledge of individual red, green, and blue components. This command line option quickly makes RGB values accessible while retaining the ease of use by automatically copying them to the clipboard for smooth integration into any tool or software requiring these values.

Explanation:

• --rgb: This modifies the form of the displayed color value from hexadecimal to RGB format, which consists of three integers that represent the intensity of red, green, and blue components.
• --stdout: The RGB value is output straight to the terminal’s standard output, making it easy to view and capture for other command-line operations.

Example Output:

After picking a pixel, you might see something like:

rgb(255, 99, 71)

Indicating that these values correspond to the color of the chosen pixel, and they have also been copied to the clipboard.

Use Case 5: Display a Pixel’s Hexadecimal Value as a Notification which Expires in 5000 Milliseconds, and Copy this Value to the Clipboard

Code:

farge --notify --expire-time 5000

Motivation:

Notifications can be a valuable option for users who prefer visual cues over a console interface, especially in graphical user interface (GUI) dominated workflows. Having a non-disruptive pop-up that expires after a short duration ensures the notification captures attention without needing manual dismissal. This feature is useful in situations where users do not regularly check the command-line output or need their work environment uncluttered while still being informed of the extracted color code.

Explanation:

• --notify: This argument triggers a desktop notification instead of presenting the output in the terminal or a preview window.
• --expire-time 5000: Sets the life span of the notification to 5000 milliseconds (or 5 seconds). This is a non-intrusive, temporary display, ensuring users have enough time to note the color value without manual intervention.

Example Output:

A notification might pop up on the screen displaying something like #e74c3c. The notification stays visible for 5 seconds and the hexadecimal value is immediately copied to the clipboard, providing convenience and quick accessibility.

Conclusion

The farge tool is a helpful utility for quickly capturing pixel colors in various formats while offering different methods of interaction catered to diverse workflows. Whether through visual previews, direct terminal outputs, or temporary notifications, farge ensures that color extraction is as seamless and adaptable as possible for designers and developers.