How to Use the Command 'swww' (with examples)

The swww command is an efficient animated wallpaper daemon designed specifically for Wayland environments. This tool allows users to manage and customize wallpapers across multiple displays with ease. By using swww, you can set static images, animated wallpapers, restore previous wallpapers, and manipulate the daemon for a seamless user experience. The utility also offers tools to query output information of connected displays.

Use Case 1: Set Wallpaper

Code:

swww img path/to/image

Motivation for using the example:

Setting a desktop wallpaper is one of the most common customizations for personalizing a computer environment. Regularly changing wallpapers can create a refreshing or mood-aligned workspace. The swww img path/to/image command helps users easily select and apply a new wallpaper across their Wayland-based desktop environment.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• swww: The command to invoke the wallpaper management utility.
• img: This argument specifies that an image is being used as the wallpaper.
• path/to/image: This part of the command is a placeholder for the actual file path to the image you want to set as the wallpaper.

Example output:

No console output is generated if the command executes successfully, but users will see their new wallpaper applied on the desktop immediately.

Use Case 2: Set Wallpaper to Specified Outputs

Code:

swww img -o output1,output2,... path/to/image

Motivation for using the example:

In a multi-monitor setup, you may want to set different wallpapers for each display. This command allows selective application of a wallpaper to specific monitors, enhancing productivity or aesthetics by tailoring the environment to individual or task-specific needs.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• swww: Calls the Wayland wallpaper management utility.
• img: Indicates the intention to apply an image as a wallpaper.
• -o output1,output2,...: The -o flag targets specified outputs by their identifiers, such as output1, output2, etc. This feature customizes which monitors display the image.
• path/to/image: Substitute this with the file path of the image intended for use.

Example output:

As with the previous command, successful execution applies the wallpaper to designated outputs but does not generate a console message.

Use Case 3: Restore Last Wallpaper

Code:

swww restore

Motivation for using the example:

There may be instances where a user temporarily changes a wallpaper for a presentation or event but wishes to revert to the prior setting. The swww restore command offers a quick way to return to the last used wallpaper without needing to remember its file path.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• swww: Engages the wallpaper daemon.
• restore: This command keyword instructs swww to revert to the last wallpaper setting used before any recent changes.

Example output:

Executing this command will restore the previous wallpaper across all outputs, with no console output.

Use Case 4: Kill Daemon

Code:

swww kill

Motivation for using the example:

There might be rare occasions where you need to stop the wallpaper daemon, possibly for troubleshooting or tiling system optimizations. Killing the daemon frees up system resources or corrects unforeseen wallpaper application errors.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• swww: The command name.
• kill: Stops the running instance of the wallpaper daemon.

Example output:

Upon execution, the swww daemon is terminated, leading to the static persistence of the last wallpaper set until the daemon restarts. No textual confirmation is output on the console.

Use Case 5: Display Output Information

Code:

swww query

Motivation for using the example:

It is essential to have detailed information on the output devices connected to your system, especially when dealing with a multi-display setup or unique display configurations. The swww query command provides users with the current state and identifiers of all outputs, enabling informed decisions for wallpaper management based on specific outputs.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• swww: Initiates the wallpaper utility.
• query: Retrieves information about connected display outputs, such as their identifiers, resolutions, and status.

Example output:

Executing this command provides detailed output information via the console, listing all connected displays with relevant details essential for managing output-specific wallpaper applications.

Conclusion

The swww daemon is a versatile tool for managing animated and static wallpapers across Wayland environments. Through the examples provided, users can seamlessly integrate visual aesthetics with functional configurations, offering both personalization and practicality in multi-display setups. Whether setting, restoring, or querying, the swww command enhances workflow fluidity by addressing everyday desktop management scenarios effectively.