$ Linux Command

System

xrandr

Configure X server display outputs and resolutions.

x11displayresolutionmonitormultimonitorrotate

Additional Notes

xrandr (X Resize and Rotate) configures the display outputs connected to the X server. It can query available outputs and modes, set resolution and refresh rate, rotate or mirror displays, position monitors relative to each other, and change the primary output. It replaces the older xvidtune and modeline-based configuration tools.

xrandr works with the RandR (Resize and Rotate) X extension, which is supported by most modern graphics drivers (modesetting, Intel, AMD, NVIDIA with proprietary driver or nouveau). Changes made with xrandr are immediate but not persistent — they revert at logout. To make them permanent, add the commands to ~/.xprofile or configure the display manager.

Syntax

xrandr [options]

Parameters

  • options: Flags that change how xrandr behaves.
  • target: Optional file, device, interface, user, service, or command target when the command supports one.

Common Options and Commands

  • (no args): List all outputs and their available modes.
  • -q, --query: Query the current display configuration.
  • --output name: Specify the output to configure (e.g. eDP-1, HDMI-1).
  • --mode WxH: Set resolution (e.g. --mode 1920x1080).
  • --rate HZ: Set refresh rate (e.g. --rate 60).
  • --rotate normal|left|right|inverted: Rotate the display.
  • --left-of output: Position this output to the left of another.
  • --right-of output: Position this output to the right.
  • --above output: Position above another.
  • --below output: Position below another.
  • --same-as output: Mirror another output.
  • --primary: Set this output as the primary display.
  • --auto: Enable the output with the preferred mode.
  • --off: Disable the output.
  • --dpi DPI: Set the DPI for the output.
  • --scale factor: Apply a scaling factor.

Examples

xrandr

List all connected outputs and supported resolutions.

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 --rate 60

Set HDMI-1 to 1920x1080 at 60 Hz.

xrandr --output eDP-1 --primary --mode 1920x1080 --output HDMI-1 --right-of eDP-1 --mode 1920x1080

Set up a dual-monitor layout with laptop screen as primary and an external monitor to the right.

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --same-as eDP-1

Mirror HDMI-1 to the laptop display (same content on both).

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --rotate left

Rotate HDMI-1 90 degrees counterclockwise.

xrandr --output HDMI-1 --off

Disable the HDMI-1 output.

xrandr --output eDP-1 --mode 1920x1080 --scale 0.75x0.75

Scale the display by 75% (for HiDPI screens).

Practical Notes

  • Use xrandr to detect connected outputs: run it without arguments and look for connected entries.
  • The output names (e.g. eDP-1, HDMI-1, DP-1) depend on the graphics driver and hardware.
  • For persistent configuration, add xrandr commands to ~/.xprofile, ~/.xinitrc, or a startup script.
  • Desktop environments like GNOME and KDE have built-in display configuration GUIs that manage xrandr internally.
  • On Wayland, xrandr only affects XWayland applications. Use wlr-randr (wlroots) or gnome-control-center for native Wayland display configuration.
  • Apply multi-monitor layouts carefully: a misconfiguration can make the display unusable. If this happens, switch to a different tty (Ctrl+Alt+F2) and run xrandr --auto to reset.