drawing
Display or modify printer settings
TLDR
Start Drawing
Open specific files
Open specific files in a new window
SYNOPSIS
drawing [--help] [--version] [--display=DISPLAY] [FILE...]
Invokes the graphical drawing application, optionally opening specified image files.
PARAMETERS
--help
Displays a help message with command-line options for launching the application.
--version
Shows the application's version information.
--display=DISPLAY
Specifies the X display to use for the application, relevant in X Window System environments.
FILE...
One or more image files to open when the application starts, such as .png, .jpg, or .svg files.
DESCRIPTION
The 'drawing' command on Linux typically refers to a user-friendly graphical application designed for creating and editing digital images. It often supports both pixel-based (raster) and vector graphics, allowing users to draw freehand, create shapes, add text, and apply colors. Unlike command-line utilities, its primary interaction is through a graphical user interface (GUI) with tools, menus, and canvases. It's often used for quick sketches, diagrams, simple image editing, and educational purposes, providing a less complex alternative to professional suites like GIMP or Inkscape. Its simplicity makes it accessible for everyday drawing tasks without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
CAVEATS
The 'drawing' command primarily launches a graphical application. It is not a command-line utility for performing drawing operations directly within the terminal or via scripting. Its main functionality is accessed through its graphical user interface. Command-line options are usually limited to launching the application, opening files, or displaying meta-information rather than controlling drawing operations themselves.
GRAPHICAL NATURE
It is crucial to understand that 'drawing' is a GUI application. This means user interaction primarily involves a mouse, keyboard, and graphical elements on the screen, rather than typing commands into a terminal for direct image manipulation.
COMMON USE CASES
Often used for annotating screenshots, creating simple diagrams, brainstorming visual ideas, or basic image manipulation for non-professional users. It provides a straightforward interface for common drawing tasks, making it ideal for quick visual communication.
HISTORY
While specific 'drawing' applications like GNOME Drawing (a prominent example) are relatively modern (e.g., GNOME Drawing started around 2017), the concept of simple graphical drawing tools on Linux dates back to early desktop environments like KDE and GNOME. These tools provide basic paint-like functionality, aiming to fill the gap between complex professional software and the need for quick, accessible image creation and annotation for general users. They represent a continuous effort to provide user-friendly graphics capabilities on Linux desktops.