How do you configure Msys's default size, color, and font?

Robert P picture Robert P · Jan 15, 2009 · Viewed 20.2k times · Source

I've been exploring use of MSys lately as an alternative, 'nix-like shell for my windows development. However, the default colors and size are driving me crazy. Anyone have any idea as to how I can change the default size, color, and / or font? Honestly, I'd be happy if I could make the default character width/height of the shell larger, but the others would be nice too...

Clarification: the msys shell is a separate app from the windows shell - the normal 'right-click-upper-left -> properties' configuration (like with the windows shell) is not present.

Looks like underneath it's firing off rxvt. Thanks!

Answer

ConcernedOfTunbridgeWells picture ConcernedOfTunbridgeWells · Jan 15, 2009

If you're running MSYS bash from a command line, Behind the scenes it's a windows command shell window, so configuring it is just the same.

  • Right click on the title bar at the top of the shell window and select 'properties'

  • Configure the window with the options on the tabs on the dialog; these should be fairly self-explanatory.

  • When you close the dialog, select 'Modify shortcut that started this window' to save the configuration back as defaults.

EDIT: If you're running the shell in an xterm or RXVT window through an X server, start the xterm window with -fg (foreground), -bg (background) and -fn (font). Can't remember what the RXVT switches are, but you should be able to see them in the man page. You can also configure them through your .Xdefaults file. Again, see the man page for details.

EDIT: Thanks Paulo - note that MSYS also comes with an X-less version of RXVT, which the OP seems to be using. Here's a link for configuring RXVT on MSYS.