If you're facing issues with a partially broken monitor, such as a crack that disrupts your screen view, adjusting the display settings can often help mitigate the problem. In this article, we'll explore how to use the xrandr command in Debian 11 to resize and reposition your screen display, allowing you to move the active area of your screen away from the damaged section.
Original Problem Scenario
The original problem presented is as follows:
How to resize and move screen picture away from the crack of partially broken monitor using xrandr in Debian 11?
Using xrandr to Adjust Your Screen Display
Step 1: Install xrandr
Before proceeding, ensure you have xrandr installed on your Debian 11 system. You can do this by running the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install x11-xserver-utils
Step 2: Identify Your Display
To see the available displays and their current resolutions, execute:
xrandr
This command will output a list of connected displays along with their supported resolutions. Look for the display name, which will typically be something like HDMI-1, eDP-1, or DP-1.
Step 3: Resize and Move the Display
Once you have identified your display name, you can resize and reposition your screen. For example, if your display name is HDMI-1 and you want to move the display to the left to avoid the crack, use the following command:
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1366x768 --pos -1000+0
Here's a breakdown of the command:
--output HDMI-1specifies the display you want to adjust.--mode 1366x768sets the resolution (adjust to your preferred size).--pos -1000+0moves the display position; in this case,-1000shifts it left.
Step 4: Adjusting the Parameters
You might need to tweak the resolution and position parameters based on the size of your monitor and the extent of the damage. For instance, if you only want to shift it a little, try adjusting the -1000 value to a smaller number like -500.
Practical Example
If your monitor is 1920x1080 pixels, but a crack occupies the left side of the screen, moving the display left by 300 pixels might keep the critical content visible. The command would look like this:
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 --pos -300+0
Saving Your Settings
After you've adjusted the display to your liking, you can create a script to automatically apply these settings on startup. Create a new shell script:
nano ~/set_display.sh
Add your xrandr command to this script:
#!/bin/bash
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 --pos -300+0
Make the script executable:
chmod +x ~/set_display.sh
To run it on startup, add it to your session's startup applications.
Conclusion
Using xrandr to adjust your display can be a lifesaver when dealing with a partially broken monitor. Not only does it allow you to avoid problematic areas, but it also provides a better viewing experience until you can replace the monitor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be able to resize and reposition your screen with ease in Debian 11.
Additional Resources
By taking the time to adjust your display settings, you can prolong the usability of your monitor and maintain productivity. Don't hesitate to explore more about xrandr, as it offers various features that could enhance your overall experience.
