Add UI-only mode for SwayOSD (without backend integration).

[SherLock707]

I would like to request a feature for SwayOSD that allows it to operate in a UI-only mode, without relying on backend control. This would be particularly useful for scenarios where brightness or audio control is managed through external tools or scripts.

Use Case:
I use ddcutil to control my monitor's brightness, as it does not appear under brightnessctl. In such cases, I want to:

1. Execute a script to adjust the brightness.
2. Use SwayOSD to display the UI with a specified brightness level, without direct integration with the backend.

This functionality could also extend to other controls, such as audio volume or mute/unmute states.

Proposed Solution:
Introduce a UI-only mode where SwayOSD:

• Accepts external inputs (e.g., brightness level or volume) via command-line arguments or an API.
• Displays the corresponding UI without attempting to interact with the backend.

Example:

swayosd-client --brightness mock 20
swayosd-client --output-volume mock 50
swayosd-client --output-volume mock 0

Benefits:

• Increases flexibility for users managing brightness or volume via custom tools or scripts.

Thank you for considering this enhancement!

[ansxor]

I don't know if you're still interested in this but I had this same problem and ended up making my own OSD. I tried approaching this one, but it just felt way too tightly coupled to specific backends or implementations like pactl. (it's WIP but it works for me, so)
https://github.com/ansxor/wayland-osd
You run the server and then use the client like the following to change brightness:

wayland-osd-client brightness 50

I also include a Wireplumber monitoring program for output audio devices that uses the same CLI if you use that.

[SherLock707]

I don't know if you're still interested in this but I had this same problem and ended up making my own OSD. I tried approaching this one, but it just felt way too tightly coupled to specific backends or implementations like pactl. (it's WIP but it works for me, so) https://github.com/ansxor/wayland-osd You run the server and then use the client like the following to change brightness:

wayland-osd-client brightness 50

I also include a Wireplumber monitoring program for output audio devices that uses the same CLI if you use that.

Thanks, I'll check it out!