playerctl is a command-line utility that allows users to control different media players on a Linux system. It is a convenient and easy-to-use tool that provides a unified interface for controlling media playback across different media players. With playerctl, users can control media playback, adjust the volume, and perform other media-related tasks using a single command-line tool.
One of the key features of playerctl is its support for a wide range of media players. It can be used to control popular media players such as VLC, Spotify, Audacious, and more. This makes it a versatile tool that can be used to control media playback regardless of which media player is being used.
Playerctl provides a range of options for controlling media playback, including play, pause, stop, next, previous, and seek. Users can also adjust the volume using the tool, making it easy to fine-tune the audio output.
In addition to its basic playback controls, playerctl also provides a range of advanced features. For example, it can be used to display information about the currently playing media, including the artist, title, album, and more. It can also be used to query the playback status of a media player, making it possible to create scripts that respond to changes in media playback.
If you encounter the below error while running the command playerctl:
playerctl: command not found
you may try installing the below package as per your choice of distribution:
| Distribution | Command |
|---|---|
| Debian | apt-get install playerctl |
| Ubuntu | apt-get install playerctl |
| Arch Linux | pacman -S playerctl |
| Kali Linux | apt-get install playerctl |
playerctl Command Examples
1. Toggle play:
# playerctl play-pause
2. Next media:
# playerctl next
3. Previous media:
# playerctl previous
4. List all players:
# playerctl --list-all
5. Send a command to a specific player:
# playerctl --player=player_name command
6. Send a command to all players:
# playerctl --all-players command
7. Show now playing:
# playerctl metadata --format "Now playing: artist - album - title"
Summary
Overall, playerctl is a powerful and versatile tool that provides a convenient way to control media playback on a Linux system. It is easy to use and supports a wide range of media players, making it a valuable tool for anyone who regularly listens to music or other media on their Linux system. If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use tool for controlling media playback, playerctl is definitely worth considering.