The two things people reach for xrandr to do are adding a resolution the monitor does not advertise and arranging two or more screens. Both take three or four commands on X11. This page starts with those commands, then covers persistence, Wayland (where xrandr cannot change outputs), and scripts for automatic profile switching.

Quick answer

Add a custom resolution (example: 2560x1440 at 60 Hz on HDMI-1):

bash
# 1. List outputs and the modes they already support
xrandr

# 2. Generate a modeline for the resolution you want
cvt 2560 1440 60
# Modeline "2560x1440_60.00"  312.25  2560 2752 3024 3488  1440 1443 1448 1493 -hsync +vsync

# 3. Register the mode, attach it to the output, and switch to it
xrandr --newmode "2560x1440_60.00" 312.25 2560 2752 3024 3488 1440 1443 1448 1493 -hsync +vsync
xrandr --addmode HDMI-1 "2560x1440_60.00"
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode "2560x1440_60.00"

Copy the numbers from your own cvt output; they depend on the resolution and refresh rate. For panels that reject the standard timings, cvt -r generates reduced-blanking timings, which many DisplayPort and HDMI monitors accept at high resolutions.

Arrange two monitors (laptop panel eDP-1 plus external HDMI-1):

bash
# External monitor to the right of the laptop, external is primary
xrandr --output eDP-1 --auto --output HDMI-1 --auto --right-of eDP-1 --primary

# Mirror instead of extend
xrandr --output HDMI-1 --auto --same-as eDP-1

# Turn the laptop panel off
xrandr --output eDP-1 --off

Make it persistent: xrandr changes are lost at logout. Put the commands in ~/.xprofile (read by most display managers at X11 login), or define the mode in an Xorg config file such as /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/10-monitor.conf with a Modeline and PreferredMode in a Monitor section.

Wayland: check echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE. On Wayland, xrandr only talks to XWayland and cannot change real outputs. Use the compositor’s tool instead: GNOME Settings > Displays (stored in ~/.config/monitors.xml), kscreen-doctor on KDE Plasma, swaymsg output on Sway, and wlr-randr on other wlroots compositors.

Related guides on this site:

Understanding Display Systems

X11 vs Wayland Display Servers

bash
# Check current display server
echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE

# X11 display information
if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
    echo "Running X11 - using xrandr"
    xrandr --version
elif [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "wayland" ]]; then
    echo "Running Wayland - using wlr-randr or swaymsg"
    which wlr-randr swaymsg
fi

Graphics Driver Architecture

  • Intel Graphics: i915 kernel driver with mesa userspace
  • NVIDIA: Proprietary driver or nouveau open-source
  • AMD: AMDGPU kernel driver with mesa userspace
  • Display Protocols: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, VGA, USB-C/Thunderbolt

Modern Display Technologies

  • 4K/8K Support: High resolution display management
  • HDR: High Dynamic Range configuration
  • Variable Refresh Rate: FreeSync/G-Sync support
  • Color Management: ICC profiles and color spaces
  • Multi-GPU: Hybrid graphics and GPU switching

Comprehensive xrandr Usage

Advanced Display Detection and Configuration

Complete System Analysis Script

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Comprehensive display system analysis

# Color codes for output
RED='\033[0;31m'
GREEN='\033[0;32m'
YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
BLUE='\033[0;34m'
NC='\033[0m' # No Color

analyze_display_system() {
    echo -e "${BLUE}Linux Display System Analysis${NC}"
    echo "=================================="
    
    # System information
    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}System Information:${NC}"
    echo "Kernel: $(uname -r)"
    echo "Distribution: $(lsb_release -d | cut -f2 2>/dev/null || cat /etc/os-release | grep PRETTY_NAME | cut -d'"' -f2)"
    echo "Desktop Environment: $DESKTOP_SESSION"
    echo "Display Server: $XDG_SESSION_TYPE"
    
    # Graphics hardware
    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Graphics Hardware:${NC}"
    lspci | grep -E "(VGA|3D|Display)" | while read line; do
        echo "  $line"
    done
    
    # Graphics drivers
    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Graphics Drivers:${NC}"
    lsmod | grep -E "(i915|nouveau|nvidia|amdgpu|radeon)" | while read module rest; do
        echo "  $module: loaded"
    done
    
    # Display server info
    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Display Server Information:${NC}"
    if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
        echo "X Server: $(X -version 2>&1 | head -1)"
        echo "X Display: $DISPLAY"
        
        # Available displays
        echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Connected Displays:${NC}"
        xrandr --query | grep " connected" | while read output status rest; do
            echo "  $output: $status"
            
            # Get current mode
            current_mode=$(xrandr --query | grep -A1 "^$output" | tail -1 | grep -o '[0-9]*x[0-9]*' | head -1)
            echo "    Current: $current_mode"
            
            # Get preferred mode
            preferred_mode=$(xrandr --query | grep -A10 "^$output" | grep -E '\+.*\*' | awk '{print $1}')
            echo "    Preferred: $preferred_mode"
        done
        
    elif [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "wayland" ]]; then
        echo "Wayland Compositor: $WAYLAND_DISPLAY"
        
        # Try different Wayland display managers
        if command -v swaymsg >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Sway Outputs:${NC}"
            swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r '.[] | "\(.name): \(.current_mode.width)x\(.current_mode.height) @ \(.current_mode.refresh)Hz"'
        elif command -v wlr-randr >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            echo -e "\n${YELLOW}wlr-randr Outputs:${NC}"
            wlr-randr
        fi
    fi
    
    # Display capabilities
    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Display Capabilities:${NC}"
    if command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1 && [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
        xrandr --listproviders 2>/dev/null | grep -v "^Providers:" | while read line; do
            echo "  $line"
        done
    fi
}

# Execute analysis
analyze_display_system

Advanced xrandr Configuration

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Advanced xrandr configuration management

# Configuration file for display presets
DISPLAY_CONFIG_DIR="$HOME/.config/display-manager"
mkdir -p "$DISPLAY_CONFIG_DIR"

# Save current display configuration
save_display_config() {
    local config_name="$1"
    local config_file="$DISPLAY_CONFIG_DIR/${config_name}.conf"
    
    echo "# Display configuration: $config_name" > "$config_file"
    echo "# Generated on: $(date)" >> "$config_file"
    echo "" >> "$config_file"
    
    # Save current xrandr state
    xrandr --query | grep " connected" | while read output status geometry rest; do
        if [[ "$status" == "connected" ]]; then
            if [[ "$geometry" =~ ^[0-9]+x[0-9]+\+[0-9]+\+[0-9]+ ]]; then
                # Output is active
                local resolution=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f1)
                local x_offset=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f2)
                local y_offset=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f3)
                
                echo "xrandr --output $output --mode $resolution --pos ${x_offset}x${y_offset}" >> "$config_file"
            else
                # Output is connected but inactive
                echo "# xrandr --output $output --off" >> "$config_file"
            fi
        fi
    done
    
    echo "✓ Display configuration saved to: $config_file"
}

# Load display configuration
load_display_config() {
    local config_name="$1"
    local config_file="$DISPLAY_CONFIG_DIR/${config_name}.conf"
    
    if [[ ! -f "$config_file" ]]; then
        echo "Error: Configuration '$config_name' not found"
        return 1
    fi
    
    echo "Loading display configuration: $config_name"
    
    # Execute configuration commands
    grep -v '^#' "$config_file" | grep -v '^$' | while read cmd; do
        echo "Executing: $cmd"
        eval "$cmd"
    done
    
    echo "✓ Display configuration loaded"
}

# List available configurations
list_display_configs() {
    echo "Available display configurations:"
    echo "================================"
    
    for config in "$DISPLAY_CONFIG_DIR"/*.conf; do
        if [[ -f "$config" ]]; then
            local name=$(basename "$config" .conf)
            local date=$(grep "Generated on:" "$config" | cut -d':' -f2- | xargs)
            echo "  $name ($date)"
        fi
    done
}

# Intelligent display detection and configuration
auto_configure_displays() {
    echo "Auto-configuring displays..."
    
    # Get connected displays
    local displays=($(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1))
    local primary_display=""
    local external_displays=()
    
    # Identify primary and external displays
    for display in "${displays[@]}"; do
        if [[ "$display" =~ ^(eDP|LVDS|DSI) ]]; then
            primary_display="$display"
        else
            external_displays+=("$display")
        fi
    done
    
    # Configure based on setup
    case ${#external_displays[@]} in
        0)
            # Laptop only
            echo "Laptop-only configuration"
            xrandr --output "$primary_display" --auto --primary
            ;;
        1)
            # Single external monitor
            echo "Single external monitor configuration"
            local external="${external_displays[0]}"
            
            # Get optimal resolution for external
            local ext_resolution=$(xrandr --query | grep -A1 "^$external connected" | tail -1 | awk '{print $1}')
            
            xrandr --output "$primary_display" --auto --primary \
                   --output "$external" --mode "$ext_resolution" --right-of "$primary_display"
            ;;
        *)
            # Multiple external monitors
            echo "Multiple external monitor configuration"
            xrandr --output "$primary_display" --auto --primary
            
            local prev_output="$primary_display"
            for external in "${external_displays[@]}"; do
                local ext_resolution=$(xrandr --query | grep -A1 "^$external connected" | tail -1 | awk '{print $1}')
                xrandr --output "$external" --mode "$ext_resolution" --right-of "$prev_output"
                prev_output="$external"
            done
            ;;
    esac
    
    echo "✓ Auto-configuration complete"
}

# Interactive display configuration
interactive_display_config() {
    echo "Interactive Display Configuration"
    echo "================================"
    
    # List connected displays
    local displays=($(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1))
    
    echo "Connected displays:"
    for i in "${!displays[@]}"; do
        echo "  $((i+1)). ${displays[i]}"
    done
    
    echo ""
    echo "Configuration options:"
    echo "1. Mirror all displays"
    echo "2. Extend displays horizontally"
    echo "3. Extend displays vertically"
    echo "4. Custom configuration"
    echo "5. Save current configuration"
    echo "6. Load saved configuration"
    
    read -p "Select option (1-6): " choice
    
    case $choice in
        1)
            # Mirror displays
            local primary="${displays[0]}"
            xrandr --output "$primary" --auto --primary
            
            for display in "${displays[@]:1}"; do
                xrandr --output "$display" --same-as "$primary"
            done
            ;;
        2)
            # Extend horizontally
            auto_configure_displays
            ;;
        3)
            # Extend vertically
            local primary="${displays[0]}"
            xrandr --output "$primary" --auto --primary
            
            local prev_output="$primary"
            for display in "${displays[@]:1}"; do
                xrandr --output "$display" --auto --above "$prev_output"
                prev_output="$display"
            done
            ;;
        4)
            # Custom configuration
            echo "Custom configuration mode - enter xrandr commands manually"
            ;;
        5)
            # Save configuration
            read -p "Enter configuration name: " config_name
            save_display_config "$config_name"
            ;;
        6)
            # Load configuration
            list_display_configs
            read -p "Enter configuration name to load: " config_name
            load_display_config "$config_name"
            ;;
    esac
}

# Display resolution testing
test_display_resolution() {
    local output="$1"
    local resolution="$2"
    local test_duration="${3:-10}"
    
    echo "Testing resolution $resolution on $output for $test_duration seconds..."
    
    # Get current resolution
    local current_resolution=$(xrandr --query | grep "^$output" | grep -o '[0-9]*x[0-9]*' | head -1)
    
    # Apply test resolution
    if xrandr --output "$output" --mode "$resolution"; then
        echo "✓ Resolution applied successfully"
        echo "Test will revert in $test_duration seconds. Press Ctrl+C to keep changes."
        
        # Countdown timer
        for ((i=test_duration; i>0; i--)); do
            echo -ne "\rReverting in $i seconds... "
            sleep 1
        done
        
        # Revert to original resolution
        xrandr --output "$output" --mode "$current_resolution"
        echo -e "\n✓ Reverted to original resolution"
    else
        echo "✗ Failed to apply resolution"
        return 1
    fi
}

Enterprise Multi-Monitor Management

Automated Display Profile System

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Enterprise display profile management system

# System-wide configuration directory
SYSTEM_CONFIG_DIR="/etc/display-profiles"
USER_CONFIG_DIR="$HOME/.config/display-profiles"

# Create configuration directories
sudo mkdir -p "$SYSTEM_CONFIG_DIR"
mkdir -p "$USER_CONFIG_DIR"

# Display profile manager
cat > /usr/local/bin/display-profile-manager << 'SCRIPT'
#!/bin/bash

# Enterprise Display Profile Manager
# Manages display configurations across multiple environments

set -euo pipefail

# Configuration
SYSTEM_PROFILES="/etc/display-profiles"
USER_PROFILES="$HOME/.config/display-profiles"
CURRENT_PROFILE_FILE="$USER_PROFILES/.current"
LOG_FILE="/var/log/display-manager.log"

# Logging function
log() {
    echo "[$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')] $*" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
}

# Detect display environment
detect_environment() {
    local connected_displays=($(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1 | sort))
    local display_hash=$(printf '%s\n' "${connected_displays[@]}" | md5sum | cut -d' ' -f1)
    
    echo "$display_hash"
}

# Create display fingerprint
create_display_fingerprint() {
    local profile_name="$1"
    local fingerprint_file="$USER_PROFILES/${profile_name}.fingerprint"
    
    # Create comprehensive fingerprint
    {
        echo "# Display fingerprint for $profile_name"
        echo "# Generated on $(date)"
        echo ""
        
        echo "[connected_displays]"
        xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1 | sort
        
        echo ""
        echo "[display_info]"
        xrandr --query | grep -A5 " connected" | grep -E "(connected|[0-9]+x[0-9]+)" | \
            sed 's/^[[:space:]]*//' | while read line; do
            echo "$line"
        done
        
        echo ""
        echo "[system_info]"
        echo "hostname=$(hostname)"
        echo "user=$(whoami)"
        echo "session=$XDG_SESSION_TYPE"
        
    } > "$fingerprint_file"
    
    log "Created fingerprint for profile: $profile_name"
}

# Match environment to profile
match_environment() {
    local current_env=$(detect_environment)
    
    # Check user profiles first
    for profile in "$USER_PROFILES"/*.profile; do
        [[ ! -f "$profile" ]] && continue
        
        local profile_name=$(basename "$profile" .profile)
        local fingerprint_file="$USER_PROFILES/${profile_name}.fingerprint"
        
        if [[ -f "$fingerprint_file" ]]; then
            local profile_env=$(grep -A20 "\[connected_displays\]" "$fingerprint_file" | \
                              grep -v "\[" | grep -v "^#" | grep -v "^$" | sort | md5sum | cut -d' ' -f1)
            
            if [[ "$current_env" == "$profile_env" ]]; then
                echo "$profile_name"
                return 0
            fi
        fi
    done
    
    # Check system profiles
    for profile in "$SYSTEM_PROFILES"/*.profile; do
        [[ ! -f "$profile" ]] && continue
        
        local profile_name=$(basename "$profile" .profile)
        local fingerprint_file="$SYSTEM_PROFILES/${profile_name}.fingerprint"
        
        if [[ -f "$fingerprint_file" ]]; then
            local profile_env=$(grep -A20 "\[connected_displays\]" "$fingerprint_file" | \
                              grep -v "\[" | grep -v "^#" | grep -v "^$" | sort | md5sum | cut -d' ' -f1)
            
            if [[ "$current_env" == "$profile_env" ]]; then
                echo "$profile_name"
                return 0
            fi
        fi
    done
    
    echo ""
}

# Apply display profile
apply_profile() {
    local profile_name="$1"
    local force="${2:-false}"
    
    # Look for profile in user directory first, then system
    local profile_file=""
    if [[ -f "$USER_PROFILES/${profile_name}.profile" ]]; then
        profile_file="$USER_PROFILES/${profile_name}.profile"
    elif [[ -f "$SYSTEM_PROFILES/${profile_name}.profile" ]]; then
        profile_file="$SYSTEM_PROFILES/${profile_name}.profile"
    else
        log "Error: Profile '$profile_name' not found"
        return 1
    fi
    
    log "Applying display profile: $profile_name"
    
    # Turn off all displays first (except if forcing)
    if [[ "$force" != "true" ]]; then
        xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1 | while read output; do
            xrandr --output "$output" --off 2>/dev/null || true
        done
        sleep 1
    fi
    
    # Apply profile commands
    while IFS= read -r cmd; do
        [[ "$cmd" =~ ^#.*$ ]] && continue
        [[ -z "$cmd" ]] && continue
        
        log "Executing: $cmd"
        if ! eval "$cmd"; then
            log "Warning: Command failed: $cmd"
        fi
    done < "$profile_file"
    
    # Record current profile
    echo "$profile_name" > "$CURRENT_PROFILE_FILE"
    log "✓ Profile applied successfully: $profile_name"
}

# Auto-apply profile based on environment
auto_apply() {
    local matched_profile=$(match_environment)
    
    if [[ -n "$matched_profile" ]]; then
        log "Environment matched to profile: $matched_profile"
        apply_profile "$matched_profile"
    else
        log "No matching profile found for current environment"
        
        # Create default configuration
        log "Applying default auto-configuration"
        auto_configure_basic
    fi
}

# Basic auto-configuration fallback
auto_configure_basic() {
    local displays=($(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1))
    
    if [[ ${#displays[@]} -eq 1 ]]; then
        # Single display
        xrandr --output "${displays[0]}" --auto --primary
    else
        # Multiple displays - extend horizontally
        xrandr --output "${displays[0]}" --auto --primary
        
        local prev_output="${displays[0]}"
        for display in "${displays[@]:1}"; do
            xrandr --output "$display" --auto --right-of "$prev_output"
            prev_output="$display"
        done
    fi
}

# Create new profile
create_profile() {
    local profile_name="$1"
    local description="${2:-Created on $(date)}"
    
    local profile_file="$USER_PROFILES/${profile_name}.profile"
    
    # Save current xrandr configuration
    {
        echo "# Display profile: $profile_name"
        echo "# Description: $description"
        echo "# Created: $(date)"
        echo ""
        
        # Generate xrandr commands for current state
        xrandr --query | grep " connected" | while read output status geometry rest; do
            if [[ "$geometry" =~ ^[0-9]+x[0-9]+\+[0-9]+\+[0-9]+ ]]; then
                # Active output
                local mode=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f1)
                local x_pos=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f2)
                local y_pos=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f3)
                
                # Check if primary
                local primary=""
                if xrandr --query | grep "^$output" | grep -q "primary"; then
                    primary=" --primary"
                fi
                
                echo "xrandr --output $output --mode $mode --pos ${x_pos}x${y_pos}${primary}"
            fi
        done
        
    } > "$profile_file"
    
    # Create fingerprint
    create_display_fingerprint "$profile_name"
    
    log "Created profile: $profile_name"
    echo "✓ Profile saved: $profile_file"
}

# List available profiles
list_profiles() {
    echo "Available Display Profiles"
    echo "=========================="
    
    echo ""
    echo "User Profiles:"
    echo "--------------"
    for profile in "$USER_PROFILES"/*.profile; do
        [[ ! -f "$profile" ]] && continue
        
        local name=$(basename "$profile" .profile)
        local description=$(grep "# Description:" "$profile" | cut -d':' -f2- | xargs)
        local created=$(grep "# Created:" "$profile" | cut -d':' -f2- | xargs)
        
        echo "  $name"
        echo "    Description: $description"
        echo "    Created: $created"
        echo ""
    done
    
    echo "System Profiles:"
    echo "----------------"
    for profile in "$SYSTEM_PROFILES"/*.profile; do
        [[ ! -f "$profile" ]] && continue
        
        local name=$(basename "$profile" .profile)
        local description=$(grep "# Description:" "$profile" | cut -d':' -f2- | xargs)
        
        echo "  $name"
        echo "    Description: $description"
        echo ""
    done
}

# Current status
show_status() {
    echo "Display Profile Manager Status"
    echo "=============================="
    
    # Current profile
    if [[ -f "$CURRENT_PROFILE_FILE" ]]; then
        local current=$(cat "$CURRENT_PROFILE_FILE")
        echo "Current Profile: $current"
    else
        echo "Current Profile: None"
    fi
    
    # Environment fingerprint
    echo "Environment Hash: $(detect_environment)"
    
    # Matched profile
    local matched=$(match_environment)
    if [[ -n "$matched" ]]; then
        echo "Matched Profile: $matched"
    else
        echo "Matched Profile: None"
    fi
    
    # Connected displays
    echo ""
    echo "Connected Displays:"
    xrandr --query | grep " connected" | while read output status geometry rest; do
        if [[ "$geometry" =~ ^[0-9]+x[0-9]+\+[0-9]+\+[0-9]+ ]]; then
            local mode=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f1)
            local pos_x=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f2)
            local pos_y=$(echo "$geometry" | cut -d'+' -f3)
            
            local primary_flag=""
            if xrandr --query | grep "^$output" | grep -q "primary"; then
                primary_flag=" (PRIMARY)"
            fi
            
            echo "  $output: $mode at ${pos_x}x${pos_y}${primary_flag}"
        else
            echo "  $output: connected but inactive"
        fi
    done
}

# Monitor for display changes
monitor_changes() {
    log "Starting display change monitor"
    
    local last_environment=""
    
    while true; do
        local current_environment=$(detect_environment)
        
        if [[ "$current_environment" != "$last_environment" ]]; then
            log "Display environment changed"
            auto_apply
            last_environment="$current_environment"
        fi
        
        sleep 5
    done
}

# Main command handler
case "${1:-}" in
    apply)
        apply_profile "${2:-}" "${3:-false}"
        ;;
    create)
        create_profile "${2:-new_profile}" "${3:-}"
        ;;
    list)
        list_profiles
        ;;
    status)
        show_status
        ;;
    auto)
        auto_apply
        ;;
    monitor)
        monitor_changes
        ;;
    match)
        matched=$(match_environment)
        if [[ -n "$matched" ]]; then
            echo "Matched profile: $matched"
        else
            echo "No matching profile found"
            exit 1
        fi
        ;;
    *)
        echo "Usage: $0 {apply|create|list|status|auto|monitor|match}"
        echo ""
        echo "Commands:"
        echo "  apply <profile>     Apply a display profile"
        echo "  create <name> [desc] Create new profile from current setup"
        echo "  list               List available profiles"
        echo "  status             Show current status"
        echo "  auto               Auto-apply best matching profile"
        echo "  monitor            Monitor for display changes"
        echo "  match              Show which profile matches current environment"
        exit 1
        ;;
esac
SCRIPT

chmod +x /usr/local/bin/display-profile-manager

Automated Display Switching Service

bash
# Create systemd service for automatic display management
sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/display-profile-manager.service << 'EOF'
[Unit]
Description=Display Profile Manager
After=graphical-session.target
Wants=graphical-session.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=%i
Environment="DISPLAY=:0"
ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/display-profile-manager monitor
Restart=always
RestartSec=10

[Install]
WantedBy=graphical-session.target
EOF

# Enable for current user
systemctl --user enable display-profile-manager.service
systemctl --user start display-profile-manager.service

Graphics Driver Optimization

Driver Performance Tuning

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Graphics driver optimization and configuration

# Intel graphics optimization
optimize_intel_graphics() {
    echo "Optimizing Intel graphics configuration..."
    
    # Create Intel graphics configuration
    sudo tee /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-intel.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
    Identifier "Intel Graphics"
    Driver "intel"
    Option "AccelMethod" "sna"
    Option "TearFree" "true"
    Option "DRI" "3"
    Option "Backlight" "intel_backlight"
    # Performance optimizations
    Option "TripleBuffer" "true"
    Option "SwapbuffersWait" "false"
    # Power management
    Option "RelaxedFencing" "true"
EOF
    
    # Configure kernel parameters
    echo "# Intel graphics optimizations" | sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub.d/intel-graphics.cfg
    echo 'GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="$GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT i915.enable_fbc=1 i915.enable_psr=1"' | \
        sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub.d/intel-graphics.cfg
    
    sudo update-grub
}

# NVIDIA graphics optimization
optimize_nvidia_graphics() {
    echo "Optimizing NVIDIA graphics configuration..."
    
    # Install NVIDIA drivers if not present
    if ! command -v nvidia-smi >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        echo "Installing NVIDIA drivers..."
        sudo apt update
        sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-525 nvidia-settings
    fi
    
    # Create NVIDIA configuration
    sudo nvidia-xconfig --cool-bits=28 --allow-empty-initial-configuration
    
    # Performance settings
    sudo tee /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-nvidia.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
    Identifier "NVIDIA Graphics"
    Driver "nvidia"
    Option "NoLogo" "true"
    Option "UseEDID" "false"
    Option "ConnectedMonitor" "DFP"
    # Performance options
    Option "TripleBuffer" "true"
    Option "RegistryDwords" "PerfLevelSrc=0x2222"
    Option "OnDemandVBlankInterrupts" "true"
    # Multi-monitor support
    Option "MetaModes" "nvidia-auto-select +0+0 { ForceFullCompositionPipeline = On }"
    Option "AllowIndirectGLXProtocol" "off"
    Option "TripleBuffer" "on"
EOF
    
    # Configure power management
    echo "# NVIDIA power management" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/nvidia-power.conf
    echo "options nvidia_drm modeset=1" | sudo tee -a /etc/modprobe.d/nvidia-power.conf
    
    # Update initramfs
    sudo update-initramfs -u
}

# AMD graphics optimization
optimize_amd_graphics() {
    echo "Optimizing AMD graphics configuration..."
    
    # Create AMD configuration
    sudo tee /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-amdgpu.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Device"
    Identifier "AMD Graphics"
    Driver "amdgpu"
    Option "DRI" "3"
    Option "TearFree" "true"
    Option "AccelMethod" "glamor"
    # Performance options
    Option "SWcursor" "false"
    Option "EnablePageFlip" "true"
    Option "ColorTiling" "true"
EOF
    
    # Configure kernel parameters
    echo "# AMD graphics optimizations" | sudo tee /etc/default/grub.d/amd-graphics.cfg
    echo 'GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="$GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT amdgpu.dc=1 amdgpu.dpm=1"' | \
        sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub.d/amd-graphics.cfg
    
    sudo update-grub
}

# Detect and optimize graphics driver
auto_optimize_graphics() {
    local gpu_vendor=$(lspci | grep -E "(VGA|3D)" | head -1)
    
    if echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi intel; then
        optimize_intel_graphics
    elif echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi nvidia; then
        optimize_nvidia_graphics
    elif echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi "advanced micro devices\|amd\|ati"; then
        optimize_amd_graphics
    else
        echo "Unknown GPU vendor: $gpu_vendor"
        echo "Using generic optimizations..."
        
        # Generic optimizations
        sudo tee /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-generic.conf << 'EOF'
Section "Extensions"
    Option "Composite" "Enable"
EndSection

Section "ServerFlags"
    Option "DefaultServerLayout" "Layout0"
    Option "DontZap" "false"
EndSection
EOF
    fi
}

# Performance testing
test_graphics_performance() {
    echo "Graphics Performance Testing"
    echo "============================"
    
    # Install benchmarking tools
    if ! command -v glxgears >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        sudo apt install -y mesa-utils
    fi
    
    # Basic OpenGL test
    echo "OpenGL Information:"
    glxinfo | grep -E "(OpenGL version|OpenGL renderer|OpenGL vendor)"
    
    # FPS test
    echo ""
    echo "Running GLX gears benchmark (10 seconds)..."
    timeout 10 glxgears 2>&1 | tail -3
    
    # VSync test
    echo ""
    echo "Testing VSync status:"
    if command -v nvidia-settings >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        nvidia-settings -q SyncToVBlank
    else
        glxinfo | grep -i "sync"
    fi
    
    # Memory usage
    echo ""
    echo "GPU Memory Usage:"
    if command -v nvidia-smi >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        nvidia-smi --query-gpu=memory.used,memory.total --format=csv,noheader,nounits
    elif command -v radeontop >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        radeontop -d- -l1 | grep -E "(VRAM|GTT)"
    else
        echo "No GPU memory monitoring available"
    fi
}

Wayland Display Management

Wayland-Specific Tools and Configuration

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Wayland display management tools

# Detect Wayland compositor
detect_wayland_compositor() {
    if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" != "wayland" ]]; then
        echo "Not running Wayland"
        return 1
    fi
    
    if pgrep -x "sway" >/dev/null; then
        echo "sway"
    elif pgrep -x "gnome-shell" >/dev/null; then
        echo "gnome"
    elif pgrep -x "kwin_wayland" >/dev/null; then
        echo "kde"
    elif pgrep -x "weston" >/dev/null; then
        echo "weston"
    else
        echo "unknown"
    fi
}

# Sway display management
manage_sway_displays() {
    local action="$1"
    
    case "$action" in
        "list")
            swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r '.[] | "\(.name): \(.current_mode.width)x\(.current_mode.height) @ \(.current_mode.refresh)Hz"'
            ;;
        "configure")
            # Interactive Sway display configuration
            echo "Sway Display Configuration"
            echo "========================="
            
            local outputs=($(swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r '.[].name'))
            
            for output in "${outputs[@]}"; do
                echo "Configuring output: $output"
                
                # Get available modes
                echo "Available modes:"
                swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r ".[] | select(.name==\"$output\") | .modes[] | \"\(.width)x\(.height) @ \(.refresh)Hz\""
                
                read -p "Enter mode (WIDTHxHEIGHT@REFRESH or skip): " mode
                
                if [[ "$mode" != "skip" ]] && [[ -n "$mode" ]]; then
                    local width=$(echo "$mode" | cut -d'x' -f1)
                    local height=$(echo "$mode" | cut -d'x' -f2 | cut -d'@' -f1)
                    local refresh=$(echo "$mode" | cut -d'@' -f2 | sed 's/Hz//')
                    
                    swaymsg output "$output" mode "${width}x${height}@${refresh}Hz"
                fi
                
                read -p "Position (e.g., 1920 0 or auto): " position
                if [[ "$position" != "auto" ]] && [[ -n "$position" ]]; then
                    swaymsg output "$output" pos $position
                fi
            done
            ;;
        "save")
            # Save current Sway configuration
            local config_file="$HOME/.config/sway/displays.conf"
            mkdir -p "$(dirname "$config_file")"
            
            echo "# Sway display configuration - $(date)" > "$config_file"
            swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r '.[] | "output \(.name) mode \(.current_mode.width)x\(.current_mode.height)@\(.current_mode.refresh)Hz pos \(.rect.x) \(.rect.y)"' >> "$config_file"
            
            echo "Configuration saved to: $config_file"
            ;;
    esac
}

# GNOME Wayland display management
manage_gnome_displays() {
    local action="$1"
    
    case "$action" in
        "list")
            # List GNOME displays using gsettings
            gsettings list-keys org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.xrandr
            ;;
        "configure")
            # Use GNOME's display settings
            gnome-control-center display
            ;;
        "reset")
            # Reset GNOME display settings
            gsettings reset-recursively org.gnome.settings-daemon.plugins.xrandr
            gsettings reset-recursively org.gnome.desktop.interface
            ;;
    esac
}

# wlr-randr for wlroots-based compositors
setup_wlr_randr() {
    # Install wlr-randr if not available
    if ! command -v wlr-randr >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        echo "Installing wlr-randr..."
        
        # Try package manager first
        if command -v apt >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            sudo apt install -y wlr-randr
        elif command -v pacman >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            sudo pacman -S wlr-randr
        else
            # Build from source
            echo "Building wlr-randr from source..."
            git clone https://github.com/emersion/wlr-randr.git /tmp/wlr-randr
            cd /tmp/wlr-randr
            meson build
            ninja -C build
            sudo ninja -C build install
        fi
    fi
    
    echo "wlr-randr installed successfully"
}

# Universal Wayland display manager
wayland_display_manager() {
    local compositor=$(detect_wayland_compositor)
    
    echo "Wayland Display Manager"
    echo "======================"
    echo "Detected compositor: $compositor"
    echo ""
    
    case "$compositor" in
        "sway")
            echo "Sway commands:"
            echo "  1. List outputs"
            echo "  2. Configure displays"
            echo "  3. Save configuration"
            
            read -p "Select option (1-3): " choice
            case $choice in
                1) manage_sway_displays "list" ;;
                2) manage_sway_displays "configure" ;;
                3) manage_sway_displays "save" ;;
            esac
            ;;
        "gnome")
            echo "GNOME commands:"
            echo "  1. List settings"
            echo "  2. Open display settings"
            echo "  3. Reset configuration"
            
            read -p "Select option (1-3): " choice
            case $choice in
                1) manage_gnome_displays "list" ;;
                2) manage_gnome_displays "configure" ;;
                3) manage_gnome_displays "reset" ;;
            esac
            ;;
        *)
            echo "Using wlr-randr for compositor: $compositor"
            setup_wlr_randr
            
            echo ""
            echo "Available commands:"
            echo "  wlr-randr                    # List outputs"
            echo "  wlr-randr --output eDP-1 --mode 1920x1080@60"
            echo "  wlr-randr --output HDMI-A-1 --pos 1920,0"
            ;;
    esac
}

# Wayland screen capture and recording
wayland_screen_tools() {
    echo "Setting up Wayland screen capture tools..."
    
    # Install required tools
    local tools=("grim" "slurp" "wf-recorder" "swappy")
    
    for tool in "${tools[@]}"; do
        if ! command -v "$tool" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            echo "Installing $tool..."
            sudo apt install -y "$tool" 2>/dev/null || \
            sudo pacman -S "$tool" 2>/dev/null || \
            echo "Please install $tool manually"
        fi
    done
    
    # Create screen capture scripts
    cat > "$HOME/.local/bin/wayland-screenshot" << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
# Wayland screenshot tool

case "${1:-fullscreen}" in
    "fullscreen")
        grim "$HOME/Pictures/screenshot-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S).png"
        ;;
    "area")
        grim -g "$(slurp)" "$HOME/Pictures/screenshot-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S).png"
        ;;
    "edit")
        grim -g "$(slurp)" - | swappy -f -
        ;;
esac
EOF

    chmod +x "$HOME/.local/bin/wayland-screenshot"
    
    echo "✓ Wayland screen tools configured"
    echo "Usage: wayland-screenshot [fullscreen|area|edit]"
}

Display Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Comprehensive Troubleshooting Toolkit

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Comprehensive display troubleshooting toolkit

# Display problem diagnosis
diagnose_display_issues() {
    echo "Display Issue Diagnosis"
    echo "======================"
    
    # Check basic system state
    echo "1. System State Check:"
    echo "   Display Server: $XDG_SESSION_TYPE"
    echo "   Desktop Environment: ${DESKTOP_SESSION:-Unknown}"
    echo "   Current User: $(whoami)"
    echo "   Display Variable: ${DISPLAY:-Not set}"
    
    # Check graphics hardware
    echo ""
    echo "2. Graphics Hardware:"
    lspci | grep -E "(VGA|3D|Display)" | while read line; do
        echo "   $line"
    done
    
    # Check loaded graphics modules
    echo ""
    echo "3. Loaded Graphics Drivers:"
    lsmod | grep -E "(i915|nvidia|nouveau|amdgpu|radeon)" | while read module rest; do
        echo "   $module: loaded"
    done
    
    # Check X11 specific issues
    if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
        echo ""
        echo "4. X11 Status:"
        
        # Check X server process
        if pgrep -x Xorg >/dev/null; then
            echo "   ✓ X server is running"
            
            # Check X server log for errors
            local x_log="/var/log/Xorg.0.log"
            if [[ -f "$x_log" ]]; then
                local error_count=$(grep -c "(EE)" "$x_log" 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
                local warning_count=$(grep -c "(WW)" "$x_log" 2>/dev/null || echo "0")
                echo "   X log errors: $error_count"
                echo "   X log warnings: $warning_count"
                
                if [[ $error_count -gt 0 ]]; then
                    echo "   Recent X errors:"
                    grep "(EE)" "$x_log" | tail -3 | sed 's/^/     /'
                fi
            fi
        else
            echo "   ✗ X server is not running"
        fi
        
        # Check xrandr functionality
        if command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1; then
            if xrandr --query >/dev/null 2>&1; then
                echo "   ✓ xrandr is functional"
                
                # Check for connected but inactive displays
                local inactive_displays=$(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | grep -v "[0-9]x[0-9]" | cut -d' ' -f1)
                if [[ -n "$inactive_displays" ]]; then
                    echo "   Inactive displays: $inactive_displays"
                fi
            else
                echo "   ✗ xrandr is not working"
            fi
        fi
    fi
    
    # Check display connections
    echo ""
    echo "5. Display Connection Status:"
    
    if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]] && command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        xrandr --query | grep -E "(connected|disconnected)" | while read output status rest; do
            echo "   $output: $status"
        done
    elif [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "wayland" ]]; then
        local compositor=$(detect_wayland_compositor)
        case "$compositor" in
            "sway")
                if command -v swaymsg >/dev/null 2>&1; then
                    swaymsg -t get_outputs | jq -r '.[] | "   \(.name): \(.active)"'
                fi
                ;;
            *)
                echo "   Wayland compositor: $compositor (manual check required)"
                ;;
        esac
    fi
    
    # Check for common configuration files
    echo ""
    echo "6. Configuration Files:"
    local config_files=(
        "/etc/X11/xorg.conf"
        "/etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/"
        "$HOME/.config/monitors.xml"
        "$HOME/.screenlayout/"
    )
    
    for config in "${config_files[@]}"; do
        if [[ -e "$config" ]]; then
            echo "   ✓ $config exists"
        else
            echo "   - $config not found"
        fi
    done
    
    # Performance check
    echo ""
    echo "7. Performance Indicators:"
    
    # Check GPU temperature (if available)
    if command -v nvidia-smi >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        local temp=$(nvidia-smi --query-gpu=temperature.gpu --format=csv,noheader,nounits)
        echo "   GPU Temperature: ${temp}°C"
    elif [[ -f /sys/class/drm/card0/device/hwmon/hwmon0/temp1_input ]]; then
        local temp=$(($(cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/hwmon/hwmon0/temp1_input) / 1000))
        echo "   GPU Temperature: ${temp}°C"
    fi
    
    # Check for compositor issues
    if command -v glxinfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        local renderer=$(glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" | cut -d':' -f2 | xargs)
        echo "   OpenGL Renderer: $renderer"
        
        # Check for software rendering
        if echo "$renderer" | grep -qi "llvmpipe\|software"; then
            echo "   ⚠ Software rendering detected (poor performance)"
        fi
    fi
}

# Fix common display issues
fix_display_issues() {
    echo "Display Issue Auto-Fix"
    echo "====================="
    
    local issue_type="$1"
    
    case "$issue_type" in
        "no_display")
            echo "Fixing no display issue..."
            
            # Try to restart display manager
            echo "Restarting display manager..."
            sudo systemctl restart display-manager
            
            # Reset xrandr if X11
            if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
                echo "Resetting display configuration..."
                xrandr --auto
            fi
            ;;
            
        "resolution")
            echo "Fixing resolution issues..."
            
            # Get primary display
            local primary_display=""
            if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
                primary_display=$(xrandr --query | grep " connected primary" | cut -d' ' -f1)
                if [[ -z "$primary_display" ]]; then
                    primary_display=$(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | head -1 | cut -d' ' -f1)
                fi
                
                if [[ -n "$primary_display" ]]; then
                    echo "Setting auto resolution for $primary_display"
                    xrandr --output "$primary_display" --auto
                fi
            fi
            ;;
            
        "multi_monitor")
            echo "Fixing multi-monitor setup..."
            
            if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
                # Turn on all connected displays
                xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1 | while read output; do
                    echo "Enabling $output"
                    xrandr --output "$output" --auto
                done
                
                # Arrange displays horizontally
                local displays=($(xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1))
                if [[ ${#displays[@]} -gt 1 ]]; then
                    xrandr --output "${displays[0]}" --primary
                    
                    local prev_display="${displays[0]}"
                    for display in "${displays[@]:1}"; do
                        xrandr --output "$display" --right-of "$prev_display"
                        prev_display="$display"
                    done
                fi
            fi
            ;;
            
        "driver")
            echo "Fixing graphics driver issues..."
            
            # Reinstall graphics drivers
            local gpu_vendor=$(lspci | grep -E "(VGA|3D)" | head -1)
            
            if echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi nvidia; then
                echo "Reinstalling NVIDIA drivers..."
                sudo apt purge -y 'nvidia-*'
                sudo apt autoremove -y
                sudo apt install -y nvidia-driver-525
                
            elif echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi intel; then
                echo "Reinstalling Intel drivers..."
                sudo apt install -y --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-intel
                
            elif echo "$gpu_vendor" | grep -qi "amd\|ati"; then
                echo "Reinstalling AMD drivers..."
                sudo apt install -y --reinstall xserver-xorg-video-amdgpu
            fi
            
            echo "Please reboot to complete driver installation"
            ;;
            
        "config")
            echo "Resetting display configuration..."
            
            # Backup existing configs
            local backup_dir="$HOME/.config/display-backup-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M%S)"
            mkdir -p "$backup_dir"
            
            # Backup X11 configs
            if [[ -f "$HOME/.config/monitors.xml" ]]; then
                cp "$HOME/.config/monitors.xml" "$backup_dir/"
                rm -f "$HOME/.config/monitors.xml"
            fi
            
            if [[ -d "$HOME/.screenlayout" ]]; then
                cp -r "$HOME/.screenlayout" "$backup_dir/"
                rm -rf "$HOME/.screenlayout"
            fi
            
            # Reset xrandr
            if [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
                xrandr --auto
            fi
            
            echo "Configuration reset complete. Backup saved to: $backup_dir"
            ;;
            
        *)
            echo "Unknown issue type. Available options:"
            echo "  no_display    - Fix when no display is shown"
            echo "  resolution    - Fix resolution problems"
            echo "  multi_monitor - Fix multi-monitor setup"
            echo "  driver        - Reinstall graphics drivers"
            echo "  config        - Reset display configuration"
            ;;
    esac
}

# Display testing utilities
test_display_functionality() {
    echo "Display Functionality Test"
    echo "========================="
    
    # Test pattern display
    echo "1. Testing display patterns..."
    
    if command -v xrandr >/dev/null 2>&1 && [[ "$XDG_SESSION_TYPE" == "x11" ]]; then
        # Create test patterns for each display
        xrandr --query | grep " connected" | cut -d' ' -f1 | while read output; do
            echo "Testing $output..."
            
            # Get current resolution
            local resolution=$(xrandr --query | grep "^$output" | grep -o '[0-9]*x[0-9]*' | head -1)
            
            if [[ -n "$resolution" ]]; then
                # Test with a simple color pattern
                if command -v xwininfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
                    echo "  Current resolution: $resolution"
                    echo "  Display is responsive"
                else
                    echo "  Cannot test display responsiveness (xwininfo not available)"
                fi
            fi
        done
    fi
    
    # Test OpenGL functionality
    echo ""
    echo "2. Testing OpenGL..."
    
    if command -v glxgears >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        echo "Running glxgears test (5 seconds)..."
        timeout 5 glxgears >/dev/null 2>&1 && echo "✓ OpenGL test passed" || echo "✗ OpenGL test failed"
    else
        echo "glxgears not available (install mesa-utils)"
    fi
    
    # Test video acceleration
    echo ""
    echo "3. Testing hardware acceleration..."
    
    if command -v vainfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        echo "VA-API support:"
        vainfo 2>/dev/null | grep -E "(vainfo|Trying|VAProfile)" | head -5
    else
        echo "vainfo not available (install vainfo for VA-API testing)"
    fi
    
    if command -v vdpauinfo >/dev/null 2>&1; then
        echo "VDPAU support:"
        vdpauinfo 2>/dev/null | grep -E "(display|Decoder|description)" | head -5
    else
        echo "vdpauinfo not available"
    fi
}

# Create diagnostic report
create_display_report() {
    local report_file="display_report_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).txt"
    
    {
        echo "Linux Display Diagnostic Report"
        echo "Generated on: $(date)"
        echo "User: $(whoami)"
        echo "System: $(uname -a)"
        echo ""
        
        diagnose_display_issues
        
        echo ""
        echo "================================"
        echo "DETAILED INFORMATION"
        echo "================================"
        
        echo ""
        echo "xrandr output:"
        xrandr --query 2>&1 || echo "xrandr not available"
        
        echo ""
        echo "lspci graphics:"
        lspci | grep -E "(VGA|3D|Display)"
        
        echo ""
        echo "Loaded modules:"
        lsmod | grep -E "(drm|video|fb)"
        
        echo ""
        echo "X log errors (last 10):"
        if [[ -f /var/log/Xorg.0.log ]]; then
            grep "(EE)" /var/log/Xorg.0.log | tail -10 || echo "No errors found"
        else
            echo "X log not found"
        fi
        
        echo ""
        echo "dmesg graphics (last 20):"
        dmesg | grep -iE "(drm|graphics|display|hdmi|vga)" | tail -20
        
    } > "$report_file"
    
    echo "Diagnostic report saved to: $report_file"
}

This comprehensive Linux display management guide provides enterprise-level knowledge for configuring monitors, troubleshooting graphics issues, and managing complex multi-monitor setups across both X11 and Wayland environments, with advanced automation and diagnostic capabilities.