# RandR

> X11 extension to configure screen sizes, orientations, layout and refresh rate

**Wikidata**: [Q1002643](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1002643)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RandR)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/randr

## Summary
RandR (Resize and Rotate) is an X11 extension designed to configure screen sizes, orientations, layouts, and refresh rates. Developed by the X.Org Foundation, it serves as a non-tangible executable component that allows for the dynamic management of display settings within compatible systems.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** RandR (Resize and Rotate); also referred to as `xrandr`.
- **Developer:** X.Org Foundation.
- **Primary Function:** Configuration of screen sizes, orientations, layout, and refresh rates.
- **Classification:** Software (specifically an X11 extension).
- **Latest Stable Version:** 1.5.3 (released November 7, 2024).
- **Previous Stable Versions:** 1.5.2 (released December 3, 2022) and 1.5.0 (released May 16, 2015).
- **Official Website:** https://www.x.org/wiki/Projects/XRandR/
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/11bc57kkgn.

## FAQs
### Q: What does RandR stand for?
A: RandR stands for "Resize and Rotate." It is also commonly identified by its command-line utility name, `xrandr`.

### Q: What is the most recent version of RandR?
A: The most recent stable version is 1.5.3, which was announced on November 7, 2024, by Matt Turner.

### Q: Who develops and maintains RandR?
A: RandR is developed and maintained by the X.Org Foundation. It is classified as a software extension for the X Window System (X11).

### Q: What specific display settings can be configured using RandR?
A: RandR allows users to configure screen sizes, orientations (rotation), screen layouts, and refresh rates.

## Why It Matters
RandR is a fundamental utility within the X Window System (X11) architecture, serving as the primary mechanism for dynamic display configuration. By allowing users to adjust screen sizes, orientations, and refresh rates without restarting the graphical server, it provides essential flexibility for modern computing environments. This capability is particularly critical for laptop users who frequently connect to external projectors or monitors, as well as for workstation setups requiring specific refresh rates or multi-monitor layouts.

The extension's continued development—evidenced by stable releases as recent as November 2024—highlights its ongoing relevance in the Linux and open-source software ecosystem. As a project of the X.Org Foundation, RandR ensures that the graphical user interface remains adaptable to varying hardware specifications and user preferences, solving the problem of static display configuration that plagued earlier graphical systems.

## Notable For
- **Dynamic Configuration:** It enables the resizing and rotating of output screens on-the-fly within the X11 environment.
- **Hardware Control:** Specifically targets the management of refresh rates and screen layouts.
- **Recent Activity:** The project maintains an active release cycle, with version 1.5.3 launched in late 2024.
- **Integration:** It is a core extension of the X.Org server infrastructure.

## Body

### Overview and Functionality
RandR is a software extension for the X Window System (X11) that provides the ability to resize, rotate, and reflect the root window of a screen. It is classified as a non-tangible executable component of a computer system. The primary purpose of the extension is to allow for the dynamic configuration of display settings, including:
- Screen sizes
- Screen orientations
- Layout configurations
- Refresh rates

### Development and Version History
The extension is developed by the **X.Org Foundation**. The project has seen several stable releases, indicating active maintenance and feature refinement:

- **Version 1.5.0:** Released on May 16, 2015. This version was announced by Dave Airlie.
- **Version 1.5.2:** Released on December 3, 2022. This version was announced by Alan Coopersmith.
- **Version 1.5.3:** Released on November 7, 2024. This is identified as the latest stable version (preferred), announced by Matt Turner.

### Additional Identifiers
RandR is referenced across multiple knowledge bases and languages. It holds the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11bc57kkgn` and has Wikipedia articles in 7 languages, including English, German (de), Japanese (ja), and Russian (ru). The official documentation and project page are hosted by X.Org at `https://www.x.org/wiki/Projects/XRandR/`.

## References

1. [[ANNOUNCE] randrproto 1.5.0](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2015-May/002605.html)
2. [2024](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2024-November/003551.html)
3. [2022](https://lists.x.org/archives/xorg-announce/2022-December/003270.html)