How to Use the Picom-Trans Command (with Examples)
The picom-trans command is a utility tool used in conjunction with the picom window compositor, which is responsible for managing window transparency effects on systems that support X Window System. This tool allows users to control the opacity levels of specific windows or all windows collectively, enhancing the visual appeal and usability of desktop environments.
Use Case 1: Setting the Currently Focused Window Opacity to a Specific Percentage
Code:
picom-trans --current --opacity 90
Motivation:
Setting the opacity of the currently focused window can be particularly useful if you want to highlight a window or if you wish to reduce distractions from other windows by making them less prominent. By adjusting the opacity, you can emphasize the window you’re currently working in, thereby improving concentration and workflow efficiency.
Explanation:
--current: This argument targets the window that is currently focused. The focused window is typically what the user is actively working on.--opacity 90: The opacity level is set to 90%, meaning the window will appear almost fully opaque with a slight transparency effect. The value is a percentage, where 100 means completely opaque and 0 means fully transparent.
Example Output:
After executing this command, the currently focused window’s appearance changes to be slightly transparent yet mainly solid, distinguishing it subtly from its surroundings.
Use Case 2: Setting the Opacity of a Window with a Specific Name
Code:
picom-trans --name Firefox --opacity 90
Motivation:
This use case is vital for users who want to apply a uniform opacity setting to all instances of a specific application, such as a web browser. It allows the user to manage multiple windows of the same application consistently, ensuring that they all maintain a coherent look and feel, which can be quite useful for maintaining a clean and professional desktop environment.
Explanation:
--name Firefox: This specifies that the command targets windows with the name “Firefox”. Only those windows matching this name will be affected by the command.--opacity 90: The specified opacity level instructs the tool to render the Firefox windows at 90% opacity, keeping them mostly solid with slight transparency.
Example Output:
Executing this command will result in all Firefox windows on the desktop appearing at 90% opacity, each window mildly transparent.
Use Case 3: Setting the Opacity of a Specific Window Selected Via Mouse Cursor
Code:
picom-trans --select --opacity 90
Motivation:
Sometimes, it’s necessary to have precise control over which window’s opacity settings are adjusted. This use case empowers users to select a specific window manually using their mouse, which is ideal in dynamic environments where window names might not be distinct or when dealing with multiple instances of broadly named applications.
Explanation:
--select: This option lets you manually select a window by clicking on it with the mouse cursor. It’s a direct interaction that allows flexibility in choice.--opacity 90: The chosen window will be set to 90% opacity, making it mostly opaque.
Example Output:
After running this command, clicking on a window with your mouse will result in that particular window transitioning to 90% opacity.
Use Case 4: Toggling the Opacity of a Specific Window
Code:
picom-trans --name Firefox --toggle
Motivation:
Toggling opacity is a highly functional feature for users who want to quickly alternate between a more transparent and a more opaque state. This is particularly beneficial for users toggling between heavy multitasking and focused sessions, allowing for quick adjustments without requiring specific opacity values each time.
Explanation:
--name Firefox: Targets windows identified by the name “Firefox”.--toggle: This argument instructs the command to switch between two states: full transparency and the previously set opacity. It serves as a quick switch without needing to specify a percentage.
Example Output:
When this command is executed, Firefox windows will alternately switch between two opacity states, making them either fully transparent or reverting back to their prior opacity setting.
Conclusion
The picom-trans command provides a versatile and efficient way to adjust window opacity in environments using the picom compositor. By exploring its various functionalities, users can achieve tailored visual effects, enhancing productivity and visual cohesion on their desktops. Whether you’re aiming to minimize distractions, stylize your workspace, or dynamically manage window appearances, picom-trans offers a straightforward approach to managing window transparency.
