Ratty: A Playful Terminal Emulator with 3D Graphics

Welcome to a fresh look at Ratty—a terminal emulator that breaks the mold. While most Linux terminals focus on speed and simplicity, Ratty, built with Rust and the Bevy game engine, adds a dose of whimsy without sacrificing modern performance. This GPU-rendered tool lets you see 3D models inline, warp your terminal into a Mobius strip, and even replace the cursor with a spinning rat. Below we explore its quirks and capabilities through a series of questions.

What Exactly Is Ratty?

Ratty is a modern terminal emulator written in Rust, designed to combine classic command-line functionality with real-time 3D graphics. Unlike traditional terminals that render text on a 2D canvas, Ratty uses GPU acceleration via the Bevy game engine. This allows it to display animated 3D objects, warp the entire terminal window, and support inline 3D models anchored to text cells. Its visual style draws inspiration from TempleOS, giving it a retro yet polished look. Ratty is still experimental, but it already offers unique features like a customizable 3D cursor, a dedicated 3D mode, and built-in image support (using the Kitty graphics protocol). For developers and hobbyists who enjoy pushing boundaries, Ratty provides a fresh, playful alternative to traditional terminal emulators.

Why Does Ratty Feature a Rat as the Mouse Cursor?

Ratty’s most eye-catching feature is its default 3D cursor: a spinning rat. This is not just a static image—the rat is a fully rendered 3D object that rotates continuously. The cursor is built using terminal protocols, the Ratatui library, and the Bevy game engine. Users can replace the rat with any 3D model they choose, making the cursor highly customizable. The idea is to demonstrate how a game engine can merge with a terminal workflow, turning a mundane cursor into a playful, interactive element. As you type, the rat moves along with your text, adding a layer of visual delight. This highlights Ratty’s core philosophy: combining serious terminal tasks with joyful, experimental graphics.

How Does 3D Mode Work in Ratty?

Ratty includes a dedicated 3D Mode that transforms the entire terminal window into a dynamic 3D canvas. Press Ctrl+Alt+Enter to activate it. In this mode, you can pull, warp, and view the terminal output from different angles, making it feel like a floating object in a virtual space. There’s also a Mobius mode (accessible via Ctrl+Alt+M) that twists the terminal content into a continuous Mobius strip, showcasing the Bevy engine’s flexibility. While in 3D Mode, you can increase warp with Super+Ctrl+Alt+Up and reduce it with Super+Ctrl+Alt+Down. These shortcuts let you adjust the degree of distortion in real time, turning your terminal into an interactive art piece. Though primarily a novelty, 3D Mode demonstrates how terminals could evolve beyond flat text.

What Are Inline 3D Objects and How Do They Work?

Inline 3D objects allow you to embed 3D models directly into the terminal, anchored to specific text cells. For example, a developer could place a spinning gear next to a log message or a miniature 3D chart inside a script output. Because the objects are anchored to cells, they scroll smoothly with the text. This is made possible by the Ratty Graphics Protocol, which manages communication between the terminal data and the 3D engine. The protocol ensures that each model stays synchronized with the surrounding text, even as the content moves. This feature opens up creative possibilities for visualizing data, debugging 3D assets, or simply adding flair to command-line workflows. Currently, users must register 3D assets manually, but future versions may automate the process.

What Is the Ratty Graphics Protocol?

The Ratty Graphics Protocol is a custom communication layer that bridges standard terminal output (text, VT sequences) with the Bevy game engine’s 3D rendering. It interprets inline 3D object commands, cursor updates, and 3D mode instructions. The protocol sits on top of existing terminal protocols (like the Kitty graphics protocol for image support) and adds new escape sequences unique to Ratty. This allows developers to send 3D assets and transformation commands directly from the command line or through applications. The protocol ensures that 3D models remain tied to the correct text cells, preventing alignment issues when scrolling or resizing. While still evolving, it represents a significant step toward integrating real-time graphics into traditional terminal environments without breaking compatibility.

What Other Features Does Ratty Offer?

Beyond its 3D tricks, Ratty includes practical features such as built-in image support using the Kitty graphics protocol, allowing you to display images directly in the terminal. It also supports standard terminal operations like tabs, splits, and configurable keybindings. The emulator is GPU-accelerated, offering smooth performance even with complex 3D scenes. Ratty’s retro-inspired interface, reminiscent of TempleOS, can be customized with themes and fonts. Although it’s an experimental project, it already includes a robust terminal core for daily tasks. The combination of a functional terminal with a game engine opens the door to novel tools like 3D visualizations, interactive tutorials, and even simple games, all within the command line.

Is Ratty Suitable for Everyday Use?

Ratty is primarily an experimental project—it works as a functional terminal, but its advanced 3D features are meant for exploration and fun, not daily productivity. The developers caution that it may have bugs or performance hiccups under heavy use. For routine tasks like editing code, running scripts, or managing files, a mature terminal like Kitty or Alacritty is more reliable. That said, if you enjoy quirky tools and want to bring a bit of whimsy to your command line, Ratty is absolutely worth installing. It showcases what’s possible when you combine a game engine with a terminal, and it may inspire future terminal innovations. Consider it a creative sandbox rather than a production tool.