---
name: "blocktube"
section: "6"
platform: "linux"
package: "xscreensaver"
version: "6.15-1"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/blocktube"
---

# blocktube(6)

draws a swirling, falling tunnel of reflective slabs

## NAME

blocktube - draws a swirling, falling tunnel of reflective slabs

## SYNOPSIS

**blocktube** \[--display *host:display.screen*\] \[--visual *visual*\] \[--window\] \[--root\] \[--window-id *number*\] \[--delay *number*\] \[--holdtime *number*\] \[--changetime *number*\] \[--no-texture\] \[--no-fog\] \[--wireframe\] \[--fps\]

## DESCRIPTION

Blocktube draws a swirling, falling tunnel of reflective slabs. They fade  from hue to hue.

## OPTIONS

- **--visual *visual***

  Specify which visual to use.  Legal values are the name of a visual class, or the id number (decimal or hex) of a specific visual.

- **--window**

  Draw on a newly-created window.  This is the default.

- **--root**

  Draw on the root window.

- **--window-id *number***

  Draw on the specified window.

- **--delay *number***

  Per-frame delay, in microseconds.  Default: 40000 (0.04 seconds.).

- **--holdtime *number***

  How long to stay on the same color.  Default: 1000 frames.

- **--changetime *number***

  How long it takes to fade to a new color.  Default: 200 frames.

- **--no-texture**

  Draw solid blocks intstead of reflective blocks.

- **--no-fog**

  Do not make blocks in the distance be darker.

- **--wireframe**

  Only draw outlines.

- **--fps**

  Display the current frame rate, CPU load, and polygon count.

## ENVIRONMENT

- **DISPLAY**

  to get the default host and display number.

- **XENVIRONMENT**

  to get the name of a resource file that overrides the global resources stored in the RESOURCE\_MANAGER property.

- **XSCREENSAVER\_WINDOW**

  The window ID to use with *--root*.

## SEE ALSO

**X**(1), [**xscreensaver**(1)](/xscreensaver/1.md)

## COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2003 by Lars Damerow.  Permission to use, copy, modify,  distribute, and sell this software and its documentation for any purpose is  hereby granted without fee, provided that the above copyright notice appear  in all copies and that both that copyright notice and this permission notice appear in supporting documentation.  No representations are made about the  suitability of this software for any purpose.  It is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty.

## AUTHOR

Lars Damerow \<lars@oddment.org\>