bare `swaybg` spawned on every config load with zero backgrounds configured
Author: yesvusCreated Sep 12, 2026Updated Sep 12, 2026
Sway Version:
sway version 1.12(arch package 1:1.12-4).
Debug Log:
- No
sway -dcapture; the behavior is fully described by the code path plus the journal lines below. The spawned process only ever logs:Could not find config for output HDMI-A-1 (...)Could not find config for output eDP-1 (...)- recurring at session start, every reload, each hotplug and each VT switch.
- No
Configuration File:
- No
output ... bgdirective anywhere in the config (wallpaper is handled by an external layer shell client), confirmed viaswaymsg -t get_config. Default configuration otherwise.
- No
Stack Trace:
- N/A, no crash.
Description:
- Every config load and reload spawns a bare
swaybgwith no output arguments (load_main_configcallsspawn_swaybgunconditionally; with no backgrounds the command vector is just["swaybg"]). The process does nothing except log the lines above for each output on every output change. Observed freshswaybgPIDs at session start and after reloads. - Proposal: skip the spawn when no output config carries a background (the
length == 2case inspawn_swaybg), or guard at theload_main_configcall site. A PR is attached (#9282).
- Every config load and reload spawns a bare
Source: swaywm/sway