“Feh” is a lightweight image viewing utility for Linux and Unix-like operating systems. It is designed to provide a fast and efficient way to view images from the command line or within a graphical environment. “Feh” offers a range of features that make it a popular choice for quickly browsing and displaying images.
Here are the key features and functionalities of “feh”:
- Image Viewing: “Feh” allows users to view images directly from the command line or by launching it within a graphical environment. It supports various image file formats, including popular formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP, among others.
- Slideshow Mode: Users can use “feh” to create and play image slideshows. By specifying a directory or a list of images, “feh” automatically transitions between images at a configurable interval, providing a convenient way to view a collection of images sequentially.
- Image Manipulation: “Feh” provides basic image manipulation options such as zooming, panning, and rotating images. Users can zoom in or out on images to examine details or fit them to the screen. They can also rotate images in different directions to adjust their orientation.
- Thumbnail View: In addition to displaying individual images, “feh” can generate and display thumbnail previews of images in a directory. This feature allows users to quickly navigate through a collection of images, making it easier to find and select specific images of interest.
- Customizable Interface: “Feh” offers various configuration options that allow users to customize the appearance and behavior of the viewer. Users can define keybindings, change the image display mode, set background colors, and adjust other settings according to their preferences.
- Scripting and Automation: “Feh” supports scripting and automation through its command-line interface. Users can write scripts or use external tools to interact with “feh” and perform operations such as batch image processing, image manipulation, or advanced slideshow configurations.
- Integration with Desktop Environments: “Feh” integrates well with different Linux desktop environments and window managers. It can be used as the default image viewer, allowing users to open images directly by double-clicking them or through file managers.
Due to its lightweight nature and simplicity, “feh” is often favored by users who prefer a fast and efficient image viewer without excessive graphical interfaces or resource usage. It is particularly useful for quickly browsing through image collections, previewing images in directories, and integrating with scripts or workflows that involve image manipulation or slideshow presentations.
feh Command Examples
1. View images locally or using a URL:
# feh /path/to/images
2. View images recursively:
# feh --recursive /path/to/images
3. View images without window borders:
# feh --borderless /path/to/images
4. Exit after the last image:
# feh --cycle-once /path/to/images
5. Set the slideshow cycle delay:
# feh --slideshow-delay seconds /path/to/images
6. Set your wallpaper (centered, filled, maximized, scaled or tiled):
# feh --[bg-center|fill|max|scale|tile] /path/to/image
7. Create a montage of all images within a directory. Outputs as a new image:
# feh --montage --thumb-height 150 --thumb-width 150 --index-info "%nn%wx%h" --output path/to/montage_image.png
Summary
In summary, “feh” is a lightweight image viewing utility for Linux and Unix-like systems. With its focus on speed, efficiency, and essential image viewing features, “feh” provides a convenient way to view and navigate through images from the command line or within a graphical environment. Whether it’s browsing individual images, creating slideshows, or manipulating images, “feh” offers a reliable and versatile tool for image viewing needs.