Linux Candy is a series of articles covering interesting eye candy software. We only feature open source software in this series.
Some of the programs in this series are purely cosmetic, frivolous pieces of fun. Candy at their finest. But we also include some programs that aren’t purely decorative.
There are a diverse range of programs included in this series. Programs such as eDEX-UI and Variety are actually highly practical programs. ASCIIQuarium has soothing and relaxing qualities for your desktop. Other programs included in this series (such as lolcat, cacafire) are included purely for their decorative qualities. And then there’s some really fun software that just raises a smile or two.
WSelector is a GTK4-based program that lets you browse and set wallpapers from Wallhaven.cc. This is free and open source software.
Installation
We evaluated WSelector using Manjaro, an Arch-based distro, as well as the ubiquitous Ubuntu 25.04 distro.
Let’s not dwell on installation. There’s a Flatpak package available which is installed with the command:
$ flatpak install flathub io.github.Cookiiieee.WSelector
In Operation
Here’s an image of WSelector in action.
Features include:
- Browse high-quality wallpapers from Wallhaven.cc.
- Search functionality with debounce mechanism.
- Smooth infinite scrolling for seamless browsing.
- Filter by categories (General wallpapers, Anime, People). By default, only general wallpapers are enabled. Go to Preferences where you can add Anime and People.
- Filter by purity (Safe For Work, Sketchy). Sketchy is mature content (not safe for work). With Sketchy disabled, only SFW content is shown. By default, only SFW is enabled.
- Sort by latest, popular, or random.
- Auto resolution detection.
- Drag-to-pan functionality in preview mode.
- Good wallpaper management:
- One-click download and set as wallpaper
- View and manage downloaded wallpapers.
- Automatic organisation of downloaded wallpapers.
- Copy path.
- Support for multiple monitor setups.
- Smooth animations and transitions.
- Dark/Light theme support.
Summary
There’s nothing revolutionary about WSelector. It’s a very simple program that offers a great way to browse interesting wallpapers and set them on your background. The interface is clear and easy to use.
It works well under both Wayland and X11.
Website: github.com/Cookiiieee/WSelector
Support:
Developer: Phillip Cook
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
WSelector is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Complete list of articles in this series:
| Linux Candy | |
|---|---|
| ASCIIQuarium | Embrace marine life from the terminal with beautiful ASCII art |
| ASCII Art Converter | A small utility that converts images into ASCII art |
| BobRossQuotes | Collection of quotes from Bob Ross |
| Boxes | Command line ASCII boxes |
| Buoh | Online strips comics reader |
| cacafire | Color ASCII fire |
| catclock | xclock with an enhanced cat mode |
| cbonsai | Generate bonsai trees in the terminal |
| christmasfetch | Festive cheer on the desktop |
| chucknorris | Chuck Norris jokes in your terminal |
| Clairvoyant | Like a magic 8-ball inspired fortune teller |
| cornyjokes | Corny jokes for the terminal |
| CMatrix | ncurses program that simulates the display from “The Matrix” |
| ctree | A Christmas tree right on your terminal |
| doge | Simple motd script |
| eDEX-UI | Sci-fi computer terminal emulator and system monitor |
| emoj | Simple tool that to find suitable emojis for pasting to your clipboard |
| Emote | Modern popup emoji picker |
| Evolvotron | Interactive generative art |
| Fantascene | Dynamic wallpaper changer |
| Fondo | Find beautiful wallpapers from Unsplash |
| gti | Typo-based curio inspired by Steam Locomotive |
| Hidamari | Python-based app that offers video wallpaper for Linu |
| Hollywood | Fill your console with Hollywood melodrama technobabble |
| lifecycler | Aquarium right in your terminal |
| linuxwave | Generate music from the entropy of Linux |
| lolcat | Rainbows and unicorns |
| Meme | Fun tool to create memes |
| No More Secrets | Recreates the data decryption effect from the Sneakers movie |
| nook | Plays Animal Crossing hourly themes on the hour |
| nyancat | Terminal-based Pop Tart Cat Animation |
| oneko | Animal chasing fun |
| Picture Of The Day | Your daily wallpaper |
| pipes.sh | Animated pipes terminal screensaver |
| ponysay | cowsay reimplemention for ponies |
| projectM | Music visualizer originally based on Milkdrop |
| pscircle | A different take on the venerable ps command |
| PyBonsai | Generates procedural ASCII art trees |
| pyjokes | One line jokes for programmers |
| Pywal | Generate color schemes on the fly (not actively developed) |
| Relaxator | Relax to soothing sounds |
| ricksay | Rick and Morty quotes of the day |
| Rusty Aquarium | Monitoring by visualization |
| Steam Locomotive | C program written in 295 lines. It's harmless fun |
| Ternimal | Animated lifeform in the terminal |
| terminal-parrot | Party parrot time |
| tetris | Tile-matching puzzle video game in your terminal |
| Variety | Wallpaper manager with many desktops and wallpaper sources |
| WallGen | Generate HQ poly wallpapers with a few arguments. |
| WallpaperDownloader | Download, change, and manage wallpapers |
| wallust | Create 16 color palettes |
| walrs | Fast colorscheme generator |
| WSelector | Browse, download, and set wallpapers from Wallhaven.cc |
| xcowsay | Displays a cow on your desktop with message |
| XDecorations | Add some festive cheer to your desktop |
| XScreenSaver | Framework and collection of screensavers |
| yosay | Like cowsay but with less cow |