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

Wal-telegram is a tool used for generating themes for the messaging app Telegram based on colors extracted from images via the pywal/wal tool. Pywal is a popular tool that generates color palettes from images, and wal-telegram harnesses these palettes to create visually cohesive themes for Telegram, offering users a personalized visual experience that aligns with the rest of their desktop environment.

Use case 1: Generate with wal’s palette and the current wallpaper (feh only)

Code:

wal-telegram

Motivation:

This use case is perfect for users who want to synchronize the theme of their Telegram app with their current desktop wallpaper, providing a seamless aesthetic transition from the desktop to the messaging app. By automatically using pywal’s color generation based on the current wallpaper, users can enjoy a fresh yet cohesive look every time they change their desktop background.

Explanation:

• wal-telegram: This command triggers the theme generation process, instructing wal-telegram to derive color schemes from the current wallpaper. It relies on the pywal tool’s ability to assess the colors within the image that’s currently set as the wallpaper using the feh image viewer to access it.

Example Output:

Once executed, your Telegram app will sport a new theme that mirrors the colors found in your current desktop wallpaper. This creates a harmonious and visually pleasing user interface.

Use case 2: Generate with wal’s palette and a specified background image

Code:

wal-telegram --background=path/to/image

Motivation:

Sometimes, users want to apply a theme from a specific image without setting it as their wallpaper. This flexibility means you can personalize your Telegram theme independently of your desktop wallpaper by directly specifying an image, even if it’s a one-time use or a non-wallpaper image.

Explanation:

• --background=path/to/image: This flag allows you to manually specify an image file path from which the color palette will be generated, rather than defaulting to your current wallpaper. Simply replace path/to/image with the actual path to your desired image file.

Example Output:

A new theme will be applied to your Telegram application based on the specified image, translating its color essence into your messaging environment’s aesthetic.

Use case 3: Generate with wal’s palette and a colored background based on the palette

Code:

wal-telegram --tiled

Motivation:

Using a tiled background with colors derived from a palette can offer a unique look that is distinct from using a single image. This approach is great for users aiming at minimalism or abstraction—creating a backdrop that is simple yet color-coordinated.

Explanation:

• --tiled: This argument indicates the user wants the background to be a color-filled tiled pattern based on the color palette generated rather than a single image being used.

Example Output:

Telegram conveys a minimalist, abstract look with a textured background that reflects the palette of selected colors, fostering a fresh and modern aesthetic.

Use case 4: Apply a gaussian blur on the background image

Code:

wal-telegram -g

Motivation:

For users who find their themes too visually noisy or distracting, or who prefer a softer, more subdued appearance, utilizing a gaussian blur on the background image can simplify and enhance the overall look. It adds a blend effect to the original image, helping focus on text or conversation parts rather than the vivid background.

Explanation:

• -g: This argument applies a gaussian blur effect to the background image, providing a more diffused and gentle visualization where image detail is intentionally softened.

Example Output:

The Telegram theme will showcase blurred wallpaper or background, accommodating a subtle shift towards simplicity, offering a serene viewing experience.

Use case 5: Specify a location for the generated theme

Code:

wal-telegram --destination=path/to/destination

Motivation:

This option is useful for advanced users who manage multiple custom themes or for backup reasons. Specifying a custom output directory means you can organize your themes better or share specific themes across different systems or user accounts.

Explanation:

• --destination=path/to/destination: By pointing to a specified directory, this flag controls where the newly generated theme files are saved. Replace path/to/destination with your intended directory path.

Example Output:

The theme files are generated and stored in the specified location, supporting easier file management and organization of custom Telegram themes.

Use case 6: Restart the telegram app after generation

Code:

wal-telegram --restart

Motivation:

Automating the process of applying the new theme by instantly restarting Telegram assures that the user can immediately appreciate the new aesthetic without manually restarting the application. It promotes ease of use and efficiency.

Explanation:

• --restart: This flag signals the automatic restart of the Telegram application once the theme generation is complete, quickly implementing the new theme configuration.

Example Output:

Telegram closes and reopens, applying the new theme instantly, and reflecting the fresh color palette immediately without user intervention.

Conclusion:

Wal-telegram offers a variety of options for customizing your Telegram theme through color palettes derived from images using pywal/wal. Whether you seek a seamless desktop and application color transition, a blur for visual simplicity, or efficient theme management with automatic application restarts, wal-telegram provides versatile tools for a personalized Telegram experience.