update-fonts-scale

update-fonts-scale [options]

--verbose
    Enable verbose output for debugging.

--help
    Display help message and exit.

The `update-fonts-scale` command is typically used in Linux environments, specifically within desktop environments like XFCE or others using similar configuration methods, to adjust the font scaling factor. It primarily addresses inconsistencies in DPI (dots per inch) settings across different displays or after changing display configurations. Incorrect DPI settings can result in fonts appearing too small or too large, making the user interface difficult to read.

This command calculates the correct scaling factor based on the current DPI setting and updates the necessary configuration files to ensure that fonts are rendered at an appropriate size. This ensures a consistent and comfortable viewing experience regardless of the display's physical characteristics. It commonly updates configuration files related to Xft, the X FreeType interface, which controls font rendering in X Window System applications. The precise behavior and configuration files affected might vary depending on the desktop environment and its font rendering setup. After running, it is recommended to log out and log back in to apply the changes. It can be part of a larger desktop environment configuration management tool or script.

The specific configuration files and behavior of `update-fonts-scale` can vary depending on the desktop environment and font configuration used. It might require root privileges depending on which files are being modified. Incorrect usage can lead to unreadable fonts, so it is essential to back up any relevant font configuration files before running the command.

A typical use case is simply running `update-fonts-scale` without any arguments after changing display settings. For debugging, use `update-fonts-scale --verbose`.

Commonly affects the `.Xresources` or `.Xdefaults` file in the user's home directory and potentially system-wide font configuration files under `/etc/fonts` or `/usr/share/fonts` depending on the distribution.

xrandr(1), xrdb(1), dpkg-reconfigure(8)