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

nsxiv, or Neo Simple X Image Viewer, is a lightweight and user-friendly image viewer designed for X11. It is a highly customizable and efficient tool for browsing, viewing, and managing image files. The tool supports a variety of image formats and offers multiple functionalities such as recursive directory searching, thumbnail modes, and keyboard shortcuts for smooth navigation.

Use case 1: Open images

Code:

nsxiv path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...

Motivation:

Sometimes, you just want a simple and fast way to view a collection of images without opening a heavy and resource-intensive image viewer. nsxiv allows you to open multiple images at once with this command, making it ideal for quick viewing and management.

Explanation:

• nsxiv: This is the command for launching the Neo Simple X Image Viewer.
• path/to/file1 path/to/file2 ...: These are the file paths to the images you want to view. You can specify multiple paths, separated by spaces, to open several images simultaneously.

Example Output:

After executing the command with the paths to your image files, nsxiv opens a window displaying the selected images one after another. You can navigate through them using keyboard shortcuts, providing a smooth and efficient viewing experience.

Use case 2: Open images from directories in image mode

Code:

nsxiv path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

When you have images organized in directories and wish to browse through them quickly, nsxiv provides a way to open these images directly in image mode. This saves the time and effort of opening each image individually.

Explanation:

• nsxiv: The command initiates the image viewer.
• path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...: These are the paths to the directories that contain images. nsxiv will scan these directories and open all images found within them in image mode.

Example Output:

The command opens nsxiv with images from the specified directories, allowing you to navigate through all the images contained within them. This makes it convenient for viewing large collections of images stored across different directories.

Use case 3: Search directories recursively for images to view

Code:

nsxiv -r path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...

Motivation:

If your images are spread out in a complex directory structure, scanning through each subdirectory can become cumbersome. By using recursive search, nsxiv simplifies the task by automatically finding and opening all images within the specified directories and their subdirectories.

Explanation:

• nsxiv: Initiates the Neo Simple X Image Viewer.
• -r: This is a flag that enables recursive searching through directories.
• path/to/directory1 path/to/directory2 ...: These directories will be searched, including all their subdirectories, for images to open.

Example Output:

On running this command, nsxiv searches through the provided directories and their subdirectories, opening all discovered images. This allows for seamless viewing of scattered image collections without needing to manually locate each file.

Use case 4: Quit nsxiv

Code:

Simply press:

q

Motivation:

After browsing through your images, you may want to exit the application without fuss. With nsxiv, quitting is as simple as pressing a single key, making it quick and efficient to close the viewer.

Explanation:

• q: When pressed, this command instantly quits the nsxiv image viewer, closing the window and ending the session.

Example Output:

Upon pressing ‘q’, the nsxiv application will close promptly, bringing you back to your terminal or desktop environment.

Use case 5: Switch to thumbnail mode or open selected image in image mode

Code:

Press:

<Return>

Motivation:

When viewing a series of images, having a visual overview can greatly enhance navigation. nsxiv’s thumbnail mode offers this feature, enabling users to see all images at a glance and select the one to view in detail quickly.

Explanation:

• <Return>: This refers to the ‘Enter’ or ‘Return’ key on your keyboard. Pressing it while in nsxiv will switch the viewer to thumbnail mode or, if already in that mode, open the currently selected image back in full image mode.

Example Output:

Pressing the ‘Enter’ key while browsing switches the display to show thumbnails of all images, allowing you to choose which one to view next. Selecting a thumbnail and pressing ‘Enter’ again will open that image in full view.

Use case 6: Count images forward in image mode

Code:

Press:

n

Motivation:

Navigating through multiple images is faster with keyboard shortcuts. By pressing ’n’, nsxiv lets you move forward through your image list efficiently.

Explanation:

• n: This keyboard shortcut moves the image selection forward, displaying the next image in your viewing sequence.

Example Output:

Pressing ’n’ advances the viewer to the next image in the directory, seamlessly transitioning to facilitate uninterrupted browsing.

Use case 7: Count images backward in image mode

Code:

Press:

p

Motivation:

Similarly, going back to previously viewed images should be just as quick. The ‘p’ key allows you to navigate backward through your image collection.

Explanation:

• p: This command navigates backward to the previous image, enabling a reverse transition through your image list.

Example Output:

Press the ‘p’ key to move back to the prior image, retracing your steps through the image series with ease.

Conclusion:

The nsxiv command is a powerful tool for anyone needing a lightweight, efficient means of viewing and managing image files quickly. From opening multiple images in a single command to navigating vast image collections with simple keystrokes, nsxiv enhances your workflow with straightforward, intuitive controls.