Setup Multi-Monitor Configuration

You are helping the user configure multiple monitors on their Linux desktop.

Task

1. Detect current setup:

   # Check display server type
   echo $XDG_SESSION_TYPE
   
   # List connected displays
   kscreen-doctor -o  # KDE/Wayland
   # OR
   xrandr --query  # X11
   

2. Ask the user about their desired configuration:

   • Which display should be primary?
   • How should displays be arranged? (left-of, right-of, above, below, mirrored)
   • What resolution for each display?
   • What refresh rate for each display?

3. For X11 systems using xrandr:

   # Example: Two monitors side by side
   xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 --rate 60 \
          --output DP-1 --mode 2560x1440 --rate 144 --right-of HDMI-1 --primary
   
   # Example: Mirror displays
   xrandr --output HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080 \
          --output DP-1 --same-as HDMI-1 --mode 1920x1080
   

4. For Wayland/KDE systems using kscreen-doctor:

   # Example: Configure displays
   kscreen-doctor output.HDMI-1.mode.1920x1080@60 \
                  output.DP-1.mode.2560x1440@144 \
                  output.DP-1.position.1920,0 \
                  output.DP-1.primary
   

5. For GNOME (Wayland):

   # Use gnome-control-center or gnome-randr
   gnome-randr modify DP-1 --mode 2560x1440 --rate 144 --primary --pos 1920x0
   

6. Make configuration persistent:

   X11:

   • Configuration is typically saved by the desktop environment
   • Can add xrandr commands to ~/.xprofile or startup scripts

   Wayland/KDE:

   • KDE saves configuration automatically in ~/.local/share/kscreen/

   Create startup script if needed:

   # Create script
   cat > ~/.config/autostart-scripts/monitor-setup.sh << 'EOF'
   #!/bin/bash
   # Monitor setup commands here
   EOF
   
   chmod +x ~/.config/autostart-scripts/monitor-setup.sh
   

7. Test and verify:

   • Check if all displays are showing correctly
   • Verify resolution and refresh rates
   • Test primary display setting
   • Check display arrangement by moving windows

Troubleshooting

If issues occur:

• Check if displays are detected: xrandr --listmonitors or kscreen-doctor -o
• Verify supported modes for each display
• Try lower refresh rates if displays flicker
• Check cable connections and quality
• Look for errors in logs: journalctl -b | grep -i drm

Notes

• Commands differ significantly between X11 and Wayland
• Desktop environment may provide GUI tools (System Settings)
• Some configurations may require restarting the display manager
• High refresh rates require appropriate cables (DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1)