An introduction to editing xorg.conf
On Display
Understanding xorg.conf makes it easy to tweak your graphical display setup.
Only a few years ago, if you wanted a graphical display on your Linux system, an xorg.conf file, or its predecessor XFree86-Config, was a necessity. Today, hotplugging and the XRandR extension have made screen display automatic on most Linux systems. However, now and then – just often enough that you feel a sense of betrayal – a keyboard or a video card might not be detected, or the maximum resolution for a video card isn’t being used. When such problems appear, you can usually solve them by creating and editing an xorg.conf file on your system. You might also want to use an xorg.conf file to make specific settings the default.
xorg.conf is not the only way to set up your graphical display. You can also set it up using the Xorg or XRandR command or via your environment. But, because xorg.conf is a well-organized text file that you can edit when logged in as root user, it is by far the easiest way to make adjustments. Just make sure you back up any existing xorg.conf file so that you can easily recover from any mistakes.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Kernel Reducing Long-Term Support
LTS support for the Linux kernel is about to undergo some serious changes that will have a considerable impact on the future.
-
Fedora 39 Beta is Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.
-
UbuntuDDE 23.04 Now Available
A new version of the UbuntuDDE remix has finally arrived with all the updates from the Deepin desktop and everything that comes with the Ubuntu 23.04 base.
-
Star Labs Reveals a New Surface-Like Linux Tablet
If you've ever wanted a tablet that rivals the MS Surface, you're in luck as Star Labs has created such a device.