How to use the command 'wal' (with examples)

The wal command is a tool that can be used to create color schemes based on the dominant colors of a wallpaper image. It is a powerful utility that allows users to easily generate aesthetically pleasing color schemes for their desktop environments, terminal emulators, and more.

Use case 1: Preview color scheme

Code:

wal --preview image.png

Motivation: Viewing a preview of the color scheme generated from a wallpaper image can be useful before applying it to the entire desktop environment. This allows the user to make any adjustments or modifications if necessary.

Explanation: The --preview option is used to generate a preview of the color scheme based on the provided wallpaper image. The argument image.png specifies the path to the wallpaper image.

Example output: The command will generate a live preview of the color scheme using the provided wallpaper image. This preview can be viewed in a separate window, allowing the user to see how the colors will look in different applications.

Use case 2: Create color scheme

Code:

wal -i image.png

Motivation: Creating a color scheme based on a wallpaper image can help to achieve a visually cohesive and harmonious desktop environment. This can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the system.

Explanation: The -i option is used to specify the path to the wallpaper image, image.png, from which the color scheme will be generated.

Example output: The command will analyze the provided wallpaper image and extract the dominant colors. It will then generate a color scheme based on these colors. The generated color scheme can be applied to the entire desktop environment.

Use case 3: Create a light color scheme

Code:

wal -i image.png -l

Motivation: Creating a light color scheme can give a fresh and modern look to the desktop environment. Light color schemes are often preferred for their clean and minimalist aesthetic.

Explanation: The -l option is used to specify that a light color scheme should be generated. This will produce a color scheme that primarily consists of light colors.

Example output: The command will generate a light color scheme based on the provided wallpaper image. The generated color scheme can then be applied to the desktop environment to achieve a light and airy look.

Use case 4: Skip setting the desktop wallpaper

Code:

wal -i image.png -n

Motivation: In some cases, the user may not want to change the desktop wallpaper when applying a new color scheme. This can be useful if the user wants to retain their current wallpaper or manually change it later.

Explanation: The -n option is used to skip setting the desktop wallpaper when applying the color scheme. This means that the wallpaper image specified by image.png will not be automatically set as the desktop background.

Example output: The command will generate a color scheme based on the provided wallpaper image but will not change the desktop wallpaper. The color scheme will still be applied to other elements of the desktop environment, such as window borders and application themes.

Use case 5: Skip setting the terminal colors

Code:

wal -i image.png -s

Motivation: Sometimes, the user may want to exclude the terminal colors from being changed when applying a new color scheme. This can be useful if the user already has a preferred terminal color scheme or wants to manually configure the terminal colors separately.

Explanation: The -s option is used to skip setting the terminal colors when applying the color scheme. This means that the color scheme generated from the wallpaper image will not be automatically applied to the terminal emulator.

Example output: The command will generate a color scheme based on the provided wallpaper image, but the terminal colors will remain unchanged. The color scheme will be applied to other elements of the desktop environment, but the terminal emulator will retain its existing color scheme.

Use case 6: Restore the previously generated color scheme and wallpaper

Code:

wal -R

Motivation: The ability to restore a previously generated color scheme and wallpaper can be useful if the user wants to revert back to their default or previously saved configuration.

Explanation: The -R option is used to restore the previously generated color scheme and wallpaper. This command can be used after making changes or experimenting with different color schemes to revert back to the state before applying any modifications.

Example output: The command will restore the previously generated color scheme and wallpaper, effectively reverting the desktop environment to its previous appearance and configuration. This can be helpful if the user is not satisfied with the changes made by applying a new color scheme.

Conclusion:

The wal command is a powerful tool for generating color schemes based on wallpaper images. It allows users to preview, create, and apply color schemes to their desktop environments, terminal emulators, and more. The various options provided by the command, such as generating light color schemes or excluding certain elements from being changed, offer flexibility and customization options. By using the wal command, users can easily achieve visually appealing and personalized desktop environments.