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Asked: 2024-09-25T13:21:06+05:30 In:

How can I modify the background color in xterm on my Ubuntu system?

I’ve been trying to personalize my terminal experience on my Ubuntu system, and one of the first things I want to tackle is changing the background color in xterm. I spend a lot of time in the terminal, so I figured it would be nice to have something a little more visually appealing than the default settings. I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of customization, right?

I’ve scoured the internet and tried a few things, but I just can’t seem to get the results I want. I’ve heard about editing configuration files, but every time I think I’m close, I either get an error or nothing changes at all. I started messing around with the `.Xresources` file, but I’m not entirely sure if I’m on the right track. I’ve seen some posts about using `xrdb` to load the resources after editing, but honestly, it’s all getting a bit overwhelming.

Also, I read somewhere that you can set some properties by using command-line options when you launch xterm, which sounds cool but then I have to remember all those options every time I want to open a terminal! What’s the point of customizing if it becomes a hassle?

I’d love to know if anyone out there has successfully changed their xterm background color and what steps they took. Did you go the configuration file route, or is there another method you prefer? Also, it would be awesome if you could share what color you chose and why! I’m looking for something that’s easy on the eyes, especially for those late-night coding sessions.

If you have any tips or tricks for getting the colors set up – or even a troubleshooting guide for someone like me who seems to be running into roadblocks – I’d really appreciate it. I’ve got a bit of a techy background, so I’m not completely lost, but I could definitely use some guidance. Thanks in advance; looking forward to hearing your insights!

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    2 Answers


    1. To change the background color in xterm on your Ubuntu system, editing the `.Xresources` file is indeed a valid and effective method. Start by opening or creating the `.Xresources` file in your home directory. You can use any text editor like `nano` or `vim`. Add the following lines to specify your desired background color:
      “`
      XTerm*background: #yourcolor
      “`
      Replace `#yourcolor` with the hex code of your preferred color. Once you’ve made your changes, save the file. It’s crucial to load these new settings with the command `xrdb -merge ~/.Xresources`. This command tells the X server to refresh its resource database, allowing the changes to take effect. If you still encounter issues, ensure that you’re not overriding these settings elsewhere in your desktop environment or in other configuration files.

      If you prefer a quick solution without modifying configuration files, you can use command-line options when launching xterm. For example, you can run:
      “`
      xterm -bg yourcolor
      “`
      However, this requires you to remember the commands each time. A compromise could be creating an alias in your `.bashrc` file for a more convenient launch, like this:
      “`
      alias myxterm=’xterm -bg yourcolor’
      “`
      After adding this line to your `.bashrc`, run `source ~/.bashrc` to apply it. This allows you to simply type `myxterm` to open your customized terminal without needing to remember every option. As for color choices, consider something like a dark grey or soft green, which can help reduce strain on your eyes during those long coding sessions. Experiment with different shades using the hex color codes until you find what feels best for you!







    2. xterm Background Color Customization


      Customizing xterm Background Color

      Changing the background color of xterm can really make your terminal sessions more enjoyable. You’re on the right path with the .Xresources file! Just follow these steps:

      1. Open (or create) the .Xresources file in your home directory:
        2. nano ~/.Xresources
      2. Add the following lines to set your xterm colors (choose your favorite color for background):
        3. XTerm*background: #282c34
XTerm*foreground: #abb2bf
      3. After you edit .Xresources, run this command to load the changes:
        4. xrdb -merge ~/.Xresources
      4. Now, when you open a new xterm, it should have your new background color!

      If you want to launch xterm with specific options every time without remembering the commands, you can create an alias. Just add this to your .bashrc or .bash_aliases file:

      alias xterm='xterm -bg #282c34 -fg #abb2bf'

      Then, run source ~/.bashrc to apply it. Now, just type xterm to open it with your colors!

      Some popular background colors that are easy on the eyes include:

      • #282c34 (a nice dark gray)
      • #1d1f21 (almost black)
      • #2e3440 (dark blue)

      If you run into issues, double-check for typos in your .Xresources file, and ensure you saved the file before running xrdb. It could be a simple fix!

      Good luck with your customization! Happy coding!


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