Using the `picom` Command (with examples)

Enable picom during a session

picom &

Motivation: Enabling picom during a session allows you to have transparency and window fading effects in your Xorg desktop environment.

Explanation:

• picom is the command to start the picom compositor.
• The ampersand symbol (&) at the end of the command is used to run picom as a background process, allowing you to continue using the terminal.

Example Output:

[1] 1234  # This indicates that `picom` has started as a background process with the process ID (PID) of 1234.

Start picom as a background process

picom -b

Motivation: Starting picom as a background process allows you to run it without blocking the terminal and continue using the terminal for other tasks.

Explanation:

• picom is the command to start the picom compositor.
• The -b flag is used to run picom as a background process, allowing you to continue using the terminal.

Example Output:

[1] 1234  # This indicates that `picom` has started as a background process with the process ID (PID) of 1234.

Use a custom configuration file

picom --config path/to/config_file

Motivation: Using a custom configuration file allows you to customize the behavior and appearance of picom according to your preferences.

Explanation:

• picom is the command to start the picom compositor.
• The --config flag is used to specify a custom configuration file for picom.
• path/to/config_file is the path to your custom configuration file.

Example Output:

# No output is displayed when using the `--config` flag as it only specifies the configuration file to be used by `picom`.

By understanding and utilizing different use cases of the picom command, you can enhance your Xorg desktop environment with transparency, window fading effects, and fine-tuned customization. Whether you choose to enable picom during a session, start it as a background process, or use a custom configuration file, picom empowers you to personalize your desktop experience.