unimatrix

Mimic the default output of cmatrix (no unicode, works in a TTY)

$ unimatrix --no-bold --speed [96] --character-list [o]

$ unimatrix --no-bold --speed [50] --character-list [ens]

$ unimatrix --color [red|green|blue|white|...]

$ unimatrix --character-list [character_sets]

$ unimatrix --speed [number]

unimatrix [options]

-h, --help
    Displays a help message with available options.

-V, --version
    Shows the program's version information.

-c , --color
    Sets the color of the falling characters. Common values include green (default), red, blue, etc., or hexadecimal codes.

-s , --speed
    Controls the animation speed. Higher values typically mean faster drops.

-a , --chars
    Specifies the character set to be used. Examples include ascii, katakana (for Japanese characters), binary, or braille.

-b, --bold
    Renders characters in bold font, making them appear brighter.

-i, --inverse
    Inverts the color scheme, showing dark characters on a light background.

-u, --utf8
    Enables support for UTF-8 characters, allowing a wider range of symbols.

unimatrix is a captivating terminal application that emulates the iconic "digital rain" effect seen in The Matrix films. It transforms your console into a cascade of randomly falling green characters, creating an immersive and visually striking display. Unlike core system utilities, unimatrix serves purely aesthetic and entertainment purposes, providing an engaging backdrop or a fun way to personalize your terminal environment. It's often used by enthusiasts to give their workspace a distinctive, cyberpunk flair. While simple in concept, it's highly customizable, allowing users to adjust parameters like character sets, color, and animation speed to fine-tune the visual experience. It's an excellent example of how the terminal, often perceived as purely functional, can also be a canvas for dynamic visual art.

unimatrix is not a standard Linux command-line utility and must be installed separately, usually via a package manager. It is primarily for aesthetic enjoyment and does not perform any system-critical functions. While generally lightweight, continuous operation can consume minor CPU cycles and potentially cause screen burn-in on older displays if left static for extended periods (though this is less of a concern with modern displays and animated content).

unimatrix can typically be installed using your distribution's package manager. For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems, use sudo apt install unimatrix. For Arch Linux, it's often available in the AUR. On macOS, it can be installed via Homebrew: brew install unimatrix.

To exit unimatrix, simply press Ctrl+C. Experiment with different character sets and colors, for example, unimatrix -a katakana -c blue for a different look.

unimatrix emerged as a modern alternative to existing terminal matrix simulators, most notably cmatrix, which has been around since the late 1990s. While cmatrix was pioneering, unimatrix aims to offer a more customizable and potentially more visually polished experience, often leveraging newer terminal capabilities. It's an open-source project, continuously developed by community contributors, reflecting the ongoing interest in creating engaging and fun command-line experiences beyond purely functional tools. Its development is often driven by the desire for improved character sets, color control, and performance.

cmatrix(1), asciiquarium(6), sl(6)