How to Customize Your Linux Desktop - From GTK to Compiz
How to Customize Your Linux Desktop - From GTK to Compiz
Posted 06/26/2009 at 7:30am
| by Will Kraft
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The days of ugly Linux desktops are a thing of the past. Modern distros include many tools and options that enable them to look good and be more useful.
Unlike Windows, Linux has several different widget toolkits. The most well-known widget engines are GTK+, (distributed with GNOME) and QT. (pronounced “cute”) Widgets are the various elements which make up a program's GUI: scrollbars, arrows, checkboxes, etc. However, take note that QT or GTK widgets are not the same thing as desktop widgets.
Widgets and other things like window chrome (the toolbars, panels, etc. of a programs interface) and window decoration (the window's title bar, minimize/maximize/close buttons, and the window border) are the various elements that, when joined together, create a theme for QT or GTK. It is possible to modify the various themes in Linux to change how they look or even create your own. This article will address the various resources that are out there to help make your desktop look its best and help you get the most out of it.
Manipulating GTK Themes
GTK themes are among the most versatile when it comes to customization. Originally created for the GIMP, (GNU Image Manipulation Program) GTK is used in many applications, especially in the GNOME desktop environment. Some of the more elaborate GTK themes use rasterized PNG graphics to create the visual appearance of the widgets, but most GTK themes use effects created by the GTK engine itself. Each installed GTK theme is stored in its own folder in /usr/share/themes and has a gtkrc file that is used to store the parameters of the theme, such as element colors, size, position, etc. Although gtkrc files are plain text and are therefore human-readable, there is still a small learning curve in relation to working with them.
Fortunately, GNOME's Appearance module has a built-in tool to allow you to create your own themes in an easy-to-use interface. (To access the Appearance module in GNOME, go to System → Preferences → Appearance → Customize) This tool uses themes that have already been installed and allows you to mix and match parts from different themes to create your own hybrid designs; you can use icons from one theme, widgets from another, window decorations from yet another, etc. The more themes you have installed, the more versatile this tool can be, since the possible number of combinations can rise exponentially if you install only a few extra themes. For this reason, it is a good idea to install as many themes as possible, since each theme (even ones you don't like) can provide a larger inventory of spare parts to work with.
This tool is best for those who don't know how to work with gtkrc files directly or don't want to spend too much time creating their own theme. If you're more artistically inclined, you may wish to create your own themes from scratch. Since themes can be image-based, you are limited only by your creativity. A good way for beginners to learn how to create themes is to download a few and then analyze them to see how other artists made theirs. By using pre-existing themes as a guide, you can then create one of your own.
Plasma Themes
Unlike GTK themes, Plasma themes used in KDE4 are predominately made up of scalable vector graphics. (SVG) These are made in vector graphics editing software like Inkscape, Karbon, or anything else that can export SVG. (even Adobe Illustrator)
KDE4's appearance management system is much less straightforward than GNOME. While GNOME has one interface module to control its appearance, KDE4 has several. The modules which allow you to switch between themes is located on the desktop right-click menu instead of the control center, so newbies may be confused at first about how to switch between different themes.
Most Plasma themes are quite simple, (mostly glass-like with a few minimalistic and metallic variants) and only affect desktop widgets, the taskbar, etc. Windows are not affected by the Plasma theme you use, since they are not part of the Plasma system. Rather, window appearance is governed through choosing a color scheme and a widget/window decoration style just like in classic KDE. This is done through the Appearance module in the KDE4 control center and is rather straightforward. KDE has a built-in tool to acquire new wallpapers, Plasma themes, etc. so adding additional Plasma themes is simple.
Next, how to troubleshoot some common theme-related problems.
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ShirleyMacLean
June 01, 2011 at 7:34pm
As a linux user I disagree. CF is annihilation abutting to "don't-get-on-my-away" unless you demand it to be. For instance, I can accept 3 basic desktops, and see all of them at the aforementioned time application Expo, or see all my windows through the Scale plugin. I can accumulation apps, move them and resize them at the aforementioned time, or aloof abode them all in on aforementioned abode and use tabs to aeon through them. If you like messing around, you accept an astronomic bulk of bits you can abuse to accomplish it assignment like you demand it to work. This is what linux has, abandon to accomplish it assignment about the fuck you want. This is what Windows or OS X doesn't have.And I don't use Linux to be a hurr abandon gpl Microsoft sucks sealot. I use it because I like it.
JohnCena83
December 31, 2010 at 7:04pm
This was a abundant commodity and I'm abiding it will be accessible for the bodies who don't apperceive it already, but I was aghast that I didn't see the AWN berth. afresh though, abundant article. [ mobile tracker ]
businessstart
September 09, 2010 at 1:14am
This was a abundant commodity and I'm abiding it will be accessible for the bodies who don't apperceive it already, but I was aghast that I didn't see the AWN berth. Afresh though, abundant article.
triathlonbike
August 13, 2010 at 9:27pm
It should apparently be acclaimed that Compiz Fusion Icon is a abundant accession to compiz & emerald. A simple cull bottomward card lets you change amid gtk and compiz and it lets you change amid meta-city and emerald all on the fly. I apperceive that for example, Blender doesn't assignment able-bodied with emerald, so switching aback and alternating bound is important to some people. [ triathlon bike ] [ triathlon wetsuit ] Thanks.
MaricelaLeach33
July 02, 2010 at 11:48pm
Every body knows that our life is expensive, but people require money for various stuff and not every man earns big sums cash. Thus to get some mortgage loans or just consolidation loans would be good solution.
tonyso
February 16, 2010 at 8:01am
Very nice post you've made here, very usuful information. thank you.
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AsanDanny
June 26, 2009 at 1:04pm
Wow, right when you thought it just couldnt get any better! Amzing!
RT
http://www.anon-tools.tk
DrMD
June 26, 2009 at 11:15am
I've used CF back when it was Beryl and continue to enjoy the eye-candy, As stated the appearence menu allows you to manipulate an almost endless list of custom packages.Very solid on my Debian system.
Toady00
June 26, 2009 at 5:27am
It should probably be noted that Compiz Fusion Icon is a great addition to compiz & emerald. A simple pull down menu lets you change between gtk and compiz and it lets you change between metacity and emerald all on the fly. I know that for example, Blender doesn't work well with emerald, so switching back and forth quickly is important to some people.
Devo85x
June 26, 2009 at 5:17am
This was a great article and im sure it will be helpful for the people who dont know it already, but I was disapointed that I didnt see the AWN dock :( again though, great article
Vadi
June 26, 2009 at 4:15am
Great stuff. Use AptUrl (https://wiki.ubuntu.com/AptUrl) links though so we can install via a link ;)
domih2009
June 25, 2009 at 11:07pm
Meanwhile, if you wanna play with a cubic desktop on Windows, you can try: http://www.otakusoftware.com/deskspace/ (found it after googling for compiz fusion). It seems to me pretty much basic compared to compiz fusion though. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w for a compiz fusion demo.
I wonder what Hollywood is waiting to have this used in a movie with geek characters (e.g. 24).
I guess there are other tools on Windows, did not try to look for more.
Well, even though my Linux are mainly inittab 3, I find that compiz fusion is pretty good R&D for future desktop GUIs. I'm just wondering about the ergonomy of it.
anonuser
June 25, 2009 at 9:55pm
"Unlike Windows, Linux has several different widget toolkits."
Misinformed Linux user detected. Do you want to launch OS war 2.0? Y/N
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