kscreenctl

manage KDE Plasma display outputs from the command line

TLDR

List connected outputs

$ kscreenctl list-outputs

Show an on-screen label on each monitor

$ kscreenctl identify

Show details for one output (or `active-output` / `primary-output`)

$ kscreenctl DP-1

Set resolution and refresh rate

$ kscreenctl DP-1 set-mode 1920x1080@60

Set scale to 200%

$ kscreenctl DP-1 set-scale 200%

Place one output to the right of another

$ kscreenctl HDMI-A-1 right-of DP-1

Disable an output

$ kscreenctl HDMI-A-1 set-enabled false

Turn all outputs off via DPMS

$ kscreenctl off

SYNOPSIS

kscreenctl [command | output [action ...]]

kscreenctl is the KDE Plasma CLI for KScreen, the display configuration service. It lists outputs, identifies monitors on screen, and changes mode, scale, arrangement, and power state. Connector names match those shown by kscreen-doctor --outputs (for example DP-1, HDMI-A-1).Use it for scripting layout changes, docking, or turning screens off without opening System Settings.

COMMANDS

list-outputs

List connected outputs and connector names.

identify

Draw a label on each monitor so you can match connector names to hardware.

OUTPUT

Print information about that output. Special names active-output and primary-output are accepted.

OUTPUT set-mode WxH@Hz

Set mode (resolution and refresh rate).

OUTPUT set-scale percent

Set scale (for example `200%`).

OUTPUT set-enabled true|false

Enable or disable the output.

OUTPUT right-of|left-of|above|below OTHER

Position relative to another output.

off

Turn all outputs off through Display Power Management Signaling.

CAVEATS

Requires a running Plasma/KScreen session. Invalid connector names fail; run identify or list-outputs first. DPMS off blanks outputs until activity or an explicit on command from the compositor.

HISTORY

Shipped with KDE kscreen as a friendlier companion to kscreen-doctor's dotted `output.ID.property.value` syntax.

RESOURCES

Source code