How to use the command 'i3lock' (with examples)

i3lock is a straightforward and lightweight screen locker specifically designed for users of the i3 window manager. It provides a variety of options to customize how your screen looks when locked, ranging from simple color changes to more advanced options such as using image backgrounds and adjusting security indicators. This utility serves to improve both security and aesthetics for users who prefer to have their screens locked while stepping away from their machines. Below, we explore several use cases demonstrating how to leverage ‘i3lock’ for various locking scenarios.

Use case 1: Lock the screen showing a white background

Code:

i3lock

Motivation:

The primary motivation for using this command is its simplicity. By default, i3lock locks the screen with a plain white background, offering a minimalist approach that requires no additional setup. This might appeal to users who prefer a clean and straightforward visual look for their screen lock.

Explanation:

• Running i3lock without any additional arguments will default to a plain white screen, providing a generic screen lock experience. This is straightforward and sufficient for those who do not wish to customize their lock screen beyond the default setup.

Example Output:

Upon executing, your screen will switch to a white background, indicating the system is locked. To unlock, you would need to enter your password as usual.

Use case 2: Lock the screen with a simple color background (rrggbb format)

Code:

i3lock --color 0000ff

Motivation:

This option provides a way to customize the visual appearance of the locked screen with any solid color of your choice. By using the hexadecimal color code format rrggbb, users can alter the lock screen’s aesthetic to better suit their personal preferences or profession branding colors.

Explanation:

• --color 0000ff: This flag sets the lock screen background to a solid color, with 0000ff representing a pure blue color in hexadecimal format. Users can replace 0000ff with any other color code for varied results.

Example Output:

The screen turns completely blue when locked, providing a visually distinct and clean appearance until the correct password is entered.

Use case 3: Lock the screen to a PNG background

Code:

i3lock --image path/to/file.png

Motivation:

Using a customized image as the background offers a chance to create visually engaging and personalized lock screens. This option is useful for those who want their screen to display something meaningful or entertaining while it’s locked.

Explanation:

• --image path/to/file.png: This flag tells i3lock to use the specified PNG file as the background image while the screen is locked. It can be an image of anything you prefer, such as a favorite photo, artwork, or organizational logo.

Example Output:

On executing, the screen will lock with the specified image clearly displayed, offering a personalized touch when the device is locked.

Use case 4: Lock the screen and disable the unlock indicator (removes feedback on keypress)

Code:

i3lock --no-unlock-indicator

Motivation:

This command is beneficial for users who desire a higher level of security by removing any visual cues that indicate the process of password input or possible errors during the unlocking process. It prevents the onlookers from gauging the length or complexity of the password based on visible deductions.

Explanation:

• --no-unlock-indicator: This option disables any feedback on your screen when typing your password to unlock the system, providing no hint or tracking for how many keys have been pressed. This leads to a more secure lock screen interaction.

Example Output:

After locking the screen, no visual feedback will be given for keypresses, adding an extra layer of privacy during the unlock process.

Use case 5: Lock the screen and don’t hide the mouse pointer

Code:

i3lock --pointer default

Motivation:

Certain users may prefer or require the mouse pointer to be visible while the screen is locked. This can be helpful if there are multiple screens or if they need to be reminded of the pointer’s location upon unlocking.

Explanation:

• --pointer default: This causes i3lock to display the mouse pointer on the lock screen instead of hiding it—a feature that can aid in quickly finding and positioning it after unlocking.

Example Output:

When activated, the pointer remains visible on the locked screen, assisting users in quickly regaining control upon re-accessing their desktop.

Use case 6: Lock the screen to a PNG background tiled over all monitors

Code:

i3lock --image path/to/file.png --tiling

Motivation:

Tiling an image across all monitors is an excellent way to create a cohesive visual pattern or design when using multiple displays. This allows for a consistent and uninterrupted appearance, even across different screen sizes and resolutions.

Explanation:

• --image path/to/file.png: Specifies the PNG image to use as the background.
• --tiling: Ensures that the provided image is tiled across all monitors instead of stretched, maintaining the integrity and aesthetic of the pattern or image.

Example Output:

The designated PNG image is repeatedly tiled across all connected displays, creating a consistent locked screen visual no matter how many monitors are attached.

Use case 7: Lock the screen and show the number of failed login attempts

Code:

i3lock --show-failed-attempts

Motivation:

This use case is highly functional for security-conscious users who need to monitor unauthorized access attempts. It alerts the user to any failed password entry attempts made while the screen was locked, allowing for immediate awareness of possible security breaches.

Explanation:

• --show-failed-attempts: This feature tracks and displays the number of incorrect password entry attempts, providing feedback regarding any potential unauthenticated access attempts.

Example Output:

On the lock screen, the number of failed unlock attempts will be indicated, allowing users to gauge if there were any unauthorized efforts to access the system.

Conclusion:

The i3lock command provides a suite of versatile and customizable options for screen locking, suitable for various user preferences and security needs. Whether you seek simplicity, personalization, or enhanced security, i3lock caters to diverse requirements, ensuring a balance between aesthetic satisfaction and functional effectiveness.