dtcp

dtcp - Color theme visual configurator

DESCRIPTION

dtcp applies terminal and GUI color themes from unified config image files following the dtcp image config file spec.

The dtcp spec uses structured 8x4 pixel layouts where each pixel position corresponds to a specific configuration item. Users design themes visually in image editors like GIMP, seeing all colors together before applying them to their system. This provides complete visual control over color selection through painting pixels rather than blind configuration editing or algorithmic color selection. Saved images serve as both theme definitions and visual previews.

The program automates the complete workflow: backup current configuration, convert image to target format, reload settings, and apply changes to active sessions. Safe operation is ensured through timestamped backups. Flexible input allows using the most recent image or specifying a particular theme. Granular control enables skipping steps with options like --no-apply or --no-reload.

Current implementation supports XPM format with Xresources target for terminal themes. The spec includes positions for 12 terminal colors, 4 dmenu colors, and 8 GUI colors, with room for future expansion. The modular architecture allows expansion to additional formats and configuration targets. dtcp transforms visual color designs into living system themes, bridging creative color work and practical system configuration.

That keeps it brief while showing the scope - terminal colors are implemented, dmenu and GUI are specified but not yet converted. Clean addition!

project sit-rep

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At the last time this file was updated, 20250707, the dtcp project sitrep is as follows:

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Progressed to locally working example, proof of concept, past pseudocode and vaporware.

sit-rep checklist

• [*] config image arrangement spec

• [*] [initial[1]] image file format chosen

• [*] working proof of concept

  • • [*] image to config

    • • [*] xpm to Xresources
  • • [*] convenience wrapper script

[1] only for proof of concept initial simplicity. eventually, conversion will be image format agnostic.

sit-rep summation advisory

It is still an utter mess and not fit for plug-n-play just-works use yet. Though here [on my machine], it "works", just. Provided as is. No claim of fitness for purpose.