The Surprising Capabilities of X11: Rotating Your Screen at Any Angle

TLDRDiscover the hidden feature of X11 that allows you to rotate your screen to any angle. Learn how to achieve unique screen orientations for better productivity and creative setups.

Key insights

🔄X11 provides the ability to rotate your screen to any angle, allowing for unique and customized screen orientations.

🌐Different screen rotations offer advantages for various use cases, from programming with longer line lengths to optimizing space for reading and browsing.

😮Using Xrandr, you can easily configure screen rotation on X11, with options for landscape, portrait, and custom angles.

🎮Unconventional screen rotations can be used for creative setups, such as using an ultra-wide display at a diagonal angle.

💻Keep in mind that screen rotation can lead to odd results with nonsquare aspect ratios and may require adjustment of the virtual position of the display.

Q&A

Why would I want to rotate my screen in X11?

Rotating your screen in X11 can offer benefits such as longer line lengths for programming, optimized space for reading and browsing, and creative setups with unconventional angles.

How do I rotate my screen using X11?

You can use the Xrandr command with the appropriate options to rotate your screen on X11. Landscape, portrait, and custom angles can be achieved easily.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to screen rotation in X11?

Screen rotation in X11 may lead to odd results with nonsquare aspect ratios and may require adjustment of the virtual position of the display. Additionally, certain applications and content may not work well with unconventional screen orientations.

Can I rotate an ultra-wide display at a diagonal angle?

Yes, using Xrandr, you can rotate an ultra-wide display at a diagonal angle. However, it may not fit well with nonsquare aspect ratios, and certain content may not display properly.

Is there a practical use for unconventional screen orientations?

Unconventional screen orientations may have niche applications, such as creative setups and unique display requirements. However, they may not be suitable for general use and can present challenges with content and application compatibility.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The speaker expresses hope for the future of Wayland but acknowledges the superior features of X11 in certain aspects.

01:00A tweet about an article on ideal monitor rotation for programmers gains attention, leading to exploration of screen rotation in X11.

03:48The speaker demonstrates various screen rotation angles using Xrandr, including landscape, portrait, and diagonal rotations.

05:35The speaker reveals that a 22-degree angle provides the longest line lengths, ideal for software development.

07:58The speaker warns against running a Python script provided in the video, which demonstrates extreme screen rotation angles.