xwininfo
Display information about X Window System windows
TLDR
Display a cursor to select a window to display its attributes (id, name, size, position, ...)
Display the tree of all windows
Display the attributes of a window with a specific ID
Display the attributes of a window with a specific name
Display the ID of a window searching by name
SYNOPSIS
xwininfo [-options]
PARAMETERS
-help
Print out the flag settings supported by xwininfo.
-id windowid
Specifies the window ID to use.
-name window_name
Specifies the window name to use.
-root
Select the root window.
-shape
Display shape information.
-stats
Display window statistics (size, position, etc.).
-tree
Display the window tree hierarchy.
-all
Display all available information about the window.
-int
Print all values as integers.
-hex
Print all values as hexadecimal.
-metric
Print all sizes in metric units.
-english
Print sizes in English units (e.g., inches).
-bw
Display the border width.
-nobw
Do not display the border width.
-geometry
Display the geometry of the window.
-add_depth
Include the depth of the window in the output.
-display display_name
Specifies the X display to use.
DESCRIPTION
The xwininfo command is a utility for displaying information about windows running under the X Window System. It allows users to select a window, either by clicking on it or specifying its ID, and then outputs a comprehensive set of details about that window. These details include the window's size, position, border width, parent window, children windows, background color, map state, event mask, and more. xwininfo is a valuable tool for developers debugging X11 applications, system administrators troubleshooting display issues, and anyone who needs detailed insight into the X window hierarchy. It's particularly useful for understanding how different applications interact with the window manager and the underlying X server.
The information provided by xwininfo can be crucial for diagnosing problems related to window geometry, event handling, and resource allocation within the X environment. The utility relies on querying the X server for window properties, and displays the results in a human-readable format.
CAVEATS
xwininfo relies on the X server for information. If the server is unavailable or misconfigured, the command may fail or provide inaccurate results.
Some information, such as window properties set by applications, might not always be readily available or easily interpretable.
SELECTION
When no window ID or name is provided, xwininfo prompts the user to select a window by clicking on it.
The crosshair cursor indicates that the program is waiting for a window selection.
INTERPRETING OUTPUT
The output of xwininfo can be extensive. Pay close attention to the window ID, geometry (size and position), and parent/children windows to understand the window hierarchy. The event mask indicates which events the window is listening for.
HISTORY
xwininfo has been a standard utility in the X Window System for a long time. It was developed to provide a way to introspect the state of X windows, a capability useful for developers and system administrators. While the exact origins are not widely documented, it is likely part of the early MIT X Consortium efforts.