How to query X11 display resolution?

Question

It seems like an simple problem, but I can't find the answer: How do you query (via X11) what monitors exist and their resolutions?

Answer 1

Check out display macros and screen macros from the Xlib manual.

Specifically:

• From the first link: ScreenCount(), ScreenOfDisplay()
• From the second link: WidthOfScreen(), HeightOfScreen()

Answer 2

If Xinerama is in use, try XineramaQueryScreens. Otherwise, you may be able to assume a single screen and use (X)WidthOfScreen/(X)HeightOfScreen.

(Also see the other answer. It's remotely possible someone is using the old X screen model where your screens are :x.0, :x.1, etc.)

Answer 3

For modern X servers, there's also the XRandR extension, which provides the most up-to-date model of multi screen layout information, including overlapping screens and dynamic screen changes.

Documentation of it is available in the XRandR 1.3.1 Protocol spec and the libXrandr man page.