LinuxCommandLibrary

wallpaper

Set the desktop background image

SYNOPSIS

`wallpaper ` (This is a common, but not universal, usage pattern)

PARAMETERS


    The path to the image file to be used as the wallpaper.

DESCRIPTION

The `wallpaper` command, while not a standard Linux command, generally refers to a utility or script used to change the desktop background image. Its functionality depends entirely on the specific desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, etc.) being used. The core Linux kernel doesn't handle desktop wallpaper directly; this is the responsibility of the graphical environment running on top of it. Therefore, implementations of `wallpaper` may vary significantly or might not exist at all. Typically, this command or similar scripts invoke desktop environment specific tools or APIs (like `gsettings` for GNOME) to modify the wallpaper setting. Often users find GUI tools more convenient for setting backgrounds, but a command-line interface offers opportunities for scripting and automation to change the background on a schedule or in response to events. It's important to consult the documentation or help information specific to your desktop environment to find the proper way to manage the desktop background from the command line. Note that no standard `wallpaper` command exists in coreutils or standard linux distributions.

CAVEATS

Because `wallpaper` is not a standard command, its availability and usage depend heavily on the desktop environment. It might be a custom script or a specific application within the environment. Check documentation for your environment.

DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT SPECIFICS

  • GNOME: Typically uses `gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri file:///path/to/image.png`
  • KDE: Can be modified using `qdbus` or through a KDE-specific configuration file.
  • XFCE: Often uses `xfconf-query` or a similar tool.
Consult your environment's documentation for precise instructions.

Note: The `feh` utility is another commonly used tool for setting wallpapers across various environments, especially lightweight ones. `xsetbg` is primarily for X window setups.

SEE ALSO

gsettings(1), feh(1), xsetbg(1)

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