Lock

The lock screen protects your session and gives your desktop a finished first impression. It can use your wallpaper, show the clock, display status buttons, and load your custom CSS.

glimpse-lock reads [lock] from ~/.config/glimpse/config.toml.

Enable Locking

systemctl --user enable --now glimpse-lock.service

Then test it:

loginctl lock-session

Use loginctl lock-session from keybindings and idle rules. Keep the service running so locking happens immediately.

Starter CSS

Create starter CSS:

glimpse-lock --export-css

This writes:

~/.config/glimpse/themes/lock.css

Example Config

[lock]
pam_service = "glimpse-lock"
css_path = "themes/lock.css"

[lock.background]
path = "/home/alex/Pictures/wallpapers/night-city.jpg"
fit = "cover"
blur_radius = 24
dim = 0.35

[lock.clock]
enabled = true
time_format = "%H:%M"
date_format = "%A, %B %-d"

[lock.controls]
buttons = ["wifi", "input", "weather", "battery", "power"]

If you do not set a lock background, Glimpse uses your wallpaper.

Status Buttons

Button	What it shows
wifi	Network status.
input	Current keyboard layout.
weather	Weather icon and temperature.
battery	Battery status. Percent is shown when running on battery.
power	Suspend, restart, and shutdown menu.

Change the buttons or remove entries:

[lock.controls]
buttons = ["wifi", "battery", "power"]

Theme Preview

Preview mode opens a normal window, reloads CSS while you edit it, and does not lock your real session.

glimpse-lock --preview

In preview mode:

Password	Result
valid	Simulates a successful unlock.
Anything else	Simulates a failed unlock.

Custom CSS

Start with the exported CSS, then adjust spacing, fonts, and placement.

.lock-entry {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.20);
}

Keep custom CSS in ~/.config/glimpse/themes/lock.css. The running preview reloads it when the file changes.

Practical Notes

Goal	Tip
Match wallpaper and lock screen	Leave [lock.background] unset in config.toml.
Build a glassy look	Use a blurred background and translucent entry styling.
Avoid accidental shutdown	Restart and shutdown ask for confirmation.
Test safely	Use --preview; it does not run real power actions.