Using 'wal' to Create Color Schemes (with examples)
The ‘wal’ command is a powerful tool that enables users to create beautiful color schemes based on the dominant colors of any given wallpaper. Developed with the intention of providing seamless integration between desktop environments and terminal themes, ‘wal’ can dynamically adjust your color schemes to match your preferences or change as frequently as your desktop background does. This tool is particularly appealing for those who appreciate aesthetic coherence across their digital workspace, providing an immersive and visually pleasing experience. The following use cases illustrate how ‘wal’ can be used for various purposes.
Use case 1: Preview color scheme
Code:
wal --preview image.png
Motivation:
Sometimes, you might want to get a glimpse of how the colors extracted from your wallpaper will integrate with your current setup before fully committing to any changes. This is where the preview mode becomes invaluable. By using this command, you can see all the colors that ‘wal’ has selected based on the image, allowing you to decide whether they fit your style and expectations.
Explanation:
--preview: This argument tells ‘wal’ that you want to generate and display a sample of the color scheme without applying it. It’s a way to “try before you apply.”image.png: This is the path to the image file from which you want to extract colors. It can be any image you have on your computer, ideally your desktop wallpaper.
Example output:
A grid or list of colors, each with its hexadecimal value, will be displayed. It gives a visual representation of your potential new color scheme without applying it to your system.
Use case 2: Create color scheme
Code:
wal -i image.png
Motivation:
Applying a color scheme that matches your wallpaper can transform your user interface into a cohesive visual experience. This command applies the color scheme generated by ‘wal’ across supported terminals, desktop environments, and various applications, thereby achieving a level of uniformity that enhances both aesthetics and productivity.
Explanation:
-i: This is a short form for--image, indicating that the subsequent argument is the path to the image you wish to use for generating the color scheme.image.png: Similar to the previous use case, it specifies the image file to be analyzed for dominant colors.
Example output:
After executing the command, the terminal colors, as well as other supported UI elements, will change to reflect the color scheme created from the specified image. If the desktop environment is supported, the wallpaper might also be applied automatically.
Use case 3: Create a light color scheme
Code:
wal -i image.png -l
Motivation:
Users who prefer lighter themes due to personal preference or for improved readability will find this command useful. The light theme is less straining on the eyes in bright environments and caters to those who need higher contrast between text and background.
Explanation:
-i: Indicates the input image file for color extraction.image.png: Specifies the path to your chosen wallpaper image.-l: Tells ‘wal’ to generate a light version of the color scheme, which entails selecting the lighter tones for a more subdued and airy appearance.
Example output:
A soft and pastel-like color palette will be applied to any supported interface, providing a refreshing and subtle visual experience.
Use case 4: Skip setting the desktop wallpaper
Code:
wal -i image.png -n
Motivation:
If you are satisfied with your current wallpaper and only wish to update the color scheme of your applications and terminal, using this command avoids unnecessary changes to the desktop environment while still refreshing your color theme.
Explanation:
-i: Specifies the image for color extraction to create your theme.image.png: The path to the image which will form the basis for your color scheme.-n: An argument that instructs ‘wal’ not to alter the current desktop wallpaper, retaining your existing background.
Example output:
The color scheme will update in your terminal and other compatible applications without altering your desktop wallpaper, maintaining the integrity of your current visual setup.
Use case 5: Skip setting the terminal colors
Code:
wal -i image.png -s
Motivation:
Users who enjoy the visual theme provided by ‘wal’ on their desktop but prefer to keep their terminal colors consistent for readability or theme reasons might choose this option. It offers flexibility in personalizing different parts of the workspace independently.
Explanation:
-i: Points to the input image for palette generation.image.png: The wallpaper used to derive the color scheme.-s: Houses the command to skip applying the new color scheme globally to the terminal applications, thereby leaving the terminal colors untouched.
Example output:
Your desktop environment and supported applications will align with the newly generated color scheme, excluding the terminal, which will keep its pre-existing colors intact.
Use case 6: Restore the previously generated color scheme and wallpaper
Code:
wal -R
Motivation:
Switching between themes may result in a configuration that you ultimately decide doesn’t suit your needs. This command quickly reverts changes and restores your previous settings, ensuring peace of mind as you experiment with various themes.
Explanation:
-R: A restore command that prompts ‘wal’ to reinstate the last active color scheme, including terminal colors and wallpaper.
Example output:
Upon executing this command, your system reverts to the color scheme and wallpaper that were in use before the most recent change, allowing you to effortlessly go back to a familiar environment.
Conclusion
The ‘wal’ command provides a simple yet powerful way to create harmonious and visually appealing environments across different applications and systems based on image analysis. It caters to various preferences with options to preview, set light schemes, adjust desktop and terminal configurations independently, and revert changes when needed. Whether for aesthetics, comfort, or personalization, ‘wal’ is a versatile tool to enhance your digital workspace experience.
