How to use the command sxiv (with examples)

This article will guide you through various use cases of the sxiv command, which stands for Simple X Image Viewer. sxiv is a lightweight, minimalistic image viewer for X, the graphics system used by Linux.

Use case 1: Open an image

Code:

sxiv path/to/file

Motivation:

Opening an image with sxiv is as simple as providing the path to the image file as an argument. This can be useful, for example, when you want to quickly view an image without going through a cumbersome graphical interface.

Explanation:

The command sxiv followed by the path to the image file opens the image in a separate window using sxiv. This allows you to view the image file without any additional clutter.

Example output:

This will open the image file specified by path/to/file using sxiv.

Use case 2: Open an image in fullscreen mode

Code:

sxiv -f path/to/file

Motivation:

When you want to focus solely on the image you are viewing, opening it in fullscreen mode can be helpful. By eliminating any window decorations or distractions, fullscreen mode allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

Explanation:

The -f flag, when added to the sxiv command, triggers fullscreen mode. This removes the title bar and other window decorations, providing a clear, unobstructed view of the image.

Example output:

This will open the image file specified by path/to/file in fullscreen mode using sxiv.

Use case 3: Open a newline-separated list of images, reading filenames from stdin

Code:

echo path/to/file | sxiv -i

Motivation:

If you have multiple image files listed in a text file or output from another command, you can use this method to conveniently view them one after another. By passing the list of filenames through stdin, sxiv will automatically open each image in sequential order.

Explanation:

The -i flag instructs sxiv to read image filenames from stdin. In this example, we first echo the path to the image file (path/to/file) and then pipe it to sxiv. sxiv then reads the filename from stdin and proceeds to open the image.

Example output:

This will open the image file specified by path/to/file using sxiv, treating it as part of a newline-separated list of images.

Use case 4: Open a space-separated list of images as a slideshow

Code:

sxiv -S seconds path/to/file

Motivation:

If you have multiple image files that you want to automatically cycle through at a specified interval, using the slideshow mode can be useful. It allows you to sit back and enjoy a continuous display of your images.

Explanation:

By adding the -S flag followed by the desired interval in seconds, sxiv enters slideshow mode. In this mode, sxiv automatically advances to the next image in the list after the specified interval.

Example output:

This will open the image files specified by path/to/file as a slideshow using sxiv, with each image being displayed for the number of seconds specified.

Use case 5: Open a space-separated list of images in thumbnail mode

Code:

sxiv -t path/to/file

Motivation:

When you have a collection of images and want to get a quick overview of their content, thumbnail mode is an excellent option. It displays a grid of thumbnails instead of full-sized images, allowing you to browse through them efficiently.

Explanation:

The -t flag instructs sxiv to open the image files in thumbnail mode. In this mode, a grid of small thumbnails is displayed, and by navigating through them, you can easily spot the images you want to view in more detail.

Example output:

This will open the image files specified by path/to/file in thumbnail mode using sxiv, presenting a grid of small image previews that you can browse through.

Conclusion:

sxiv is a versatile command-line tool for viewing images quickly and conveniently. Its simple syntax and various use cases make it a valuable asset for working with images in a command-line environment. Whether you need to open a single image, view a set of images as a slideshow, or browse through image thumbnails, sxiv provides a lightweight and efficient solution.