Last Updated on February 27, 2026
carl is a calendar for the command-line. It tries to mimic the various cal implementations out there, but also adds enhanced features like colors and ical support.
This is free and open source software.
Available flags:
-1, --one: Display single month output. (This is the default.)
-3, --three: Display prev/current/next month output.
-n, --months NUMBER: Display current and following months.
-s, --sunday: Display Sunday as the first day of the week.
-m, --monday: Display Monday as the first day of the week.
-j, --julian: Display Julian dates (days one-based, numbered from January 1).
-y, --year: Display a calendar for the current year.
-V, --version: Display version information and exit.
-h, --help: Display help screen and exit.
--theme THEME: Set the theme that should be used
--themestyletype TYPE: “dark” or “light”, use the theme styles marked for “dark” or for “light” backgrounds. Defaults to “light”
-a, --agenda: Display agenda (a listing of all the events that occur in the the displayed calendar timespan) below the calendar
Website: github.com/b1rger/carl
Support:
Developer: Birger Schacht
License: MIT License
carl is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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|---|---|
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| vdirsyncer | Synchronizing calendars and addressbooks |
| Wyrd | Text-based front-end to Remind |
| carl | Mimics the various cal implementations with additional features |
| ncal | Offers an alternative layout, more options and the date of Easter. |
| when | Extremely simple personal calendar program |
| TimeMap | Combines a Calendar, Diary, Todo List, Quick Note, File Manager and Tags |
| lvsk | Minimalist design and monochromatic pastel aesthetics. |
| kal | Package for finding public holidays, Easter, notable days, and more |
| calcol | Wrapper to colorize cal |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
 Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form. |