---
name: "DPMSForceLevel"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "libxext"
version: "1.3.7-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/DPMSForceLevel"
---

# DPMSForceLevel(3)

forces a DPMS capable display into the specified power level

## NAME

DPMSForceLevel - forces a DPMS capable display into the specified power level

## SYNOPSIS

```
cc [ flag ... ] file ... -lXext [ library ... ]
#include <X11/extensions/dpms.h>

Status DPMSForceLevel ( Display *display, CARD16 level );
```

## ARGUMENTS

- *display*

  Specifies the connection to the X server

- *level*

  Specifies the level to force power to

## DESCRIPTION

The **DPMSForceLevel** function forces a DPMS capable display into the specified power level. The *level* must be one of following four states: **DPMSModeOn**, **DPMSModeStandby**, **DPMSModeSuspend**, or **DPMSModeOff**. Values other than these will result in a **BadValue** error. If DPMS is disabled on the display, trying to set the power level on the display will result in a **BadMatch** protocol error.

## RETURN VALUES

- **TRUE**

  The *DPMSForceLevel* function always returns TRUE.

## ERRORS

- BadValue

  A level other than **DPMSModeOn**, **DPMSModeStandby**, **DPMSModeSuspend**, or **DPMSModeOff** was specified.

- BadMatch

  DPMS is disabled on the specified display.

## SEE ALSO

[**DPMSCapable**(3)](/DPMSCapable/3.md), [**DPMSInfo**(3)](/DPMSInfo/3.md), [**DPMSGetTimeouts**(3)](/DPMSGetTimeouts/3.md), [**DPMSSetTimeouts**(3)](/DPMSSetTimeouts/3.md)