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

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

xwinwrap is a versatile tool designed to run a player or program as a desktop background. This tool enables users to enhance their desktop environment by playing videos or animations in the background, rather than having a static wallpaper. The flexibility provided by xwinwrap makes it possible to customize the appearance of one’s desktop with dynamic and looping content, thereby adding a more personal and engaging touch to the computing experience.

Use case 1: Run a video using mpv

Code:

xwinwrap -b -nf -ov -- mpv -wid wid --loop --no-audio --no-resume-playback --panscan=1.0 path/to/video.mp4

Motivation:

This use case is great for users looking to have a specific video loop continuously as their desktop background. It’s ideal for setting a lively environment using serene recordings, animations, or any video content you enjoy. This setup is perfect for providing users with a dynamic scenery in lieu of a traditional, non-interactive wallpaper.

Explanation:

  • -b: This option specifies that the window created should be below and behind all other windows, ensuring the output behaves like a seamless desktop background.
  • -nf: Disables input handling, ensuring the animated wallpaper doesn’t interfere with mouse or keyboard activities.
  • -ov: Enables override redirect, which prevents the video window from being managed by the window manager and showing up in taskbars or window switchers.
  • --: Specifies the end of xwinwrap options, after which mpv command arguments follow.
  • mpv: This command launches the mpv media player.
  • -wid wid: Ensures that the video output is directed to the window created by xwinwrap.
  • --loop: Makes the video loop indefinitely, which is crucial for the continuous background effect.
  • --no-audio: Disables audio output to prevent interruptions or noise from the video.
  • --no-resume-playback: Ensures the video starts from the beginning every time it’s replayed, maintaining a consistent loop.
  • --panscan=1.0 path/to/video.mp4: Adjusts the panscan ratio and specifies the path to the video file.

Example output:

A video plays on loop, flawlessly integrated as your desktop wallpaper, enhancing your work or leisure environment without obstructing any functionality.

Use case 2: Run a video in fullscreen using mpv

Code:

xwinwrap -b -nf -fs -ov -- mpv -wid wid --loop --no-audio --no-resume-playback --panscan=1.0 path/to/video.mp4

Motivation:

This configuration is useful when a full-screen immersive experience is desired. Ideal for large, high-resolution displays, it allows users to dive into the aesthetic of their chosen videos fully. This can be especially appealing for creating a continuous narrative, like aquarium scenes or space visuals, to give an impression of looking through a window rather than at a screen.

Explanation:

  • Additional -fs argument: Specifies fullscreen mode, ensuring the video scales to occupy the entire screen, providing a total immersive effect.
  • All other arguments and functionalities are the same as in the preceding use case.

Example output:

A full-screen video captivates your display, transforming it into an ever-changing mural, perfect for a modern and lively workspace.

Use case 3: Run a video using mpv with 80% opacity

Code:

xwinwrap -b -nf -ov -o 0.8 -- mpv -wid wid --loop --no-audio --no-resume-playback --panscan=1.0 path/to/video.mp4

Motivation:

This approach to using xwinwrap is advantageous for users who prefer their content to be more subtle and non-distracting. Running a video with 80% opacity allows the desktop to maintain a degree of transparency, creating an alluring and elegant background that doesn’t overpower the primary tasks or open windows.

Explanation:

  • -o 0.8: Specifies the opacity level, set at 80%. The range is from 0 (fully transparent) to 1 (fully opaque), allowing users to customize how much of the video is visible.
  • All other specifications align with previous functionalities to ensure the consistent behavior of the video wallpaper.

Example output:

A semi-transparent video plays gently in the background, ensuring you have an elegant touch of motion without compromising the viewability of other applications.

Use case 4: Run a video using mpv in a second monitor 1600x900 with 1920 offset on X-axis

Code:

xwinwrap -g 1600x900+1920 -b -nf -ov -- mpv -wid wid --loop --no-audio --no-resume-playback --panscan=1.0 path/to/video.mkv

Motivation:

Ideal for users with multi-monitor setups, this configuration targets a specific monitor while accommodating its unique resolution and position. It is beneficial for those who want to designate a particular monitor for displaying dynamic content, such as for a presentation or dual-screen productivity or entertainment setup.

Explanation:

  • -g 1600x900+1920: Sets the geometry for the video to 1600x900 pixels and an x-offset of 1920 pixels, implying placement on a second monitor set at this specific resolution and position in the screen array.
  • Remainder of arguments maintains previous characteristics essential for ensuring smooth video functioning as a background.

Example output:

A secondary monitor acts as an exhibition for video content, distinguishing it from other screens and maximizing the aesthetic or functional impact across your full desktop landscape.

Conclusion:

xwinwrap is a powerful command-line utility that empowers users to revamp their desktop backgrounds into dynamic canvases. Through diverse configurations, such as opacity adjustments and multi-screen setups, users can craft personal digital landscapes that elevate functionality and aesthetics alike. Whether seeking immersion, sophistication or just an extra burst of creativity, xwinwrap offers compelling tools for personalization.

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