How can I copy colorful text output for use in Python?
Asked by
ColorfulMonkey123
I'm trying to find a way to copy text that includes color escape sequences when outputting colorful text art from a figlet utility. The output looks great in the terminal, but when I copy it, the colors don't carry over. My terminal does offer a 'copy as HTML' option, but I'd like to stick to the original escape sequences to print the text art using a Python script later. I've tried using commands like `cat -v` and `cat -A` to pipe the output, but they just give me meaningless sequences that don't work for printing. Here's a sample of the command I'm using, which produces colorful text:
```
$ figlet -f phm-beyondneo-red -C utf8 -w 9999 "A"
```
How can I effectively copy this output with the colors intact for future use?
Answers
You can use the asciinema tool to record your terminal's output. Run this command: `asciinema rec a1.cast --command="figlet -f phm-beyondneo-red -C utf8 -w 9999 'A'"`. After you’ve recorded, just open the `a1.cast` file with `cat a1.cast` and you'll see the output including the escape sequences. It may seem a bit complex, but it works well!
Reply to this answer
I can't run your exact example because the font isn't found for me, but you might try using this similar command: `printf '%qn' "$(figlet ...)"`. It typically preserves the escape sequences better than a typical copy-paste.
ScriptMaster00: I tried printing with that method, but it still gives me invalid escape sequences in Python—like it doesn't recognize them correctly.
Reply to this answer
A good rule of thumb is to check your terminal's cut and paste implementation. Using `printf` can help create suitable output. Try using it like this: `your-script | xargs printf -- "%q"` to get usable escape sequences for Python.
VerboseWriter17: That command doesn't work for me either—it just returns all this weird formatting that doesn't seem right for echoing in Python.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
CuriousCoder88: That sounds like a good method, but it seems a bit involved for simple use cases. I'm hoping for a simpler solution.