Ubuntu

How to make a random selection for background in gnome

Asked by Mannex on 2010-09-26

I have a large number of potential background images on my machine. I would like to know if there is a way I can set it to randomize them. Is there a way to do this in a way similar to the xml file located in the /use/share/backgrounds path for the space slides? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Question information

Language:: English Edit question

Status:: Solved

For:: Ubuntu Edit question

Assignee:: No assignee Edit question

Solved by:: Mannex

Solved:: 2010-09-28

Last query:: 2010-09-28

Last reply:: 2010-09-28

Link existing bug

Revision history for this message

Marc Stewart (marc.stewart) said on 2010-09-27:

The XML slideshow backgrounds are displayed in a fixed order (though you can always re-edit the sequence) rather than random. If this is sufficient, then I suggest you use Create Background Slideshow. To install it, open a terminal (Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and type:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:crebs/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install crebs
You'll then find an entry under System > Preferences named Create Background Slideshow (or an equivalent translation, depending on your locale). You can then add and re-order images by drag-and-drop, and when you're happy with the sequence and timings, apply it as your desktop background.

If you have to have a truly random wallpaper, then you'll need a non-XML approach with something like WallpaperTray (I think—I know more about the specific XML wallpaper sequences).

Revision history for this message

Sam_ (and-sam) said on 2010-09-28:

Great work Marc.
https://launchpad.net/crebs
http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2010/05/how-to-easily-create-slideshow.html
Since 2009 a german user was working on 'Wallpaper Slideshow Generator' and now referenced your work.
http://forum.ubuntuusers.de/topic/wsg-wallpaper-slideshow-generator-ein-program/6/