Enabling the Yaru Dark Theme in Ubuntu 18.10: A Comprehensive Guide
Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, is well-known for its user-friendly interface and flexible design options. With the introduction of the Yaru theme in Ubuntu 18.10, users have a more visually appealing and sophisticated interface tailored to modern aesthetics. The Yaru theme includes both light and dark variants, providing users with a choice that can enhance their experience, particularly in low-light environments. This guide will walk you through the steps required to enable the Yaru Dark Theme in Ubuntu 18.10, along with additional information to enrich your understanding and optimize your user experience.
Understanding the Yaru Theme
The Yaru theme, initially known as Communitheme, was created to reflect Ubuntu’s essence and branding while infusing modern design principles. It combines a clean, flat look with vibrant colors, making it versatile for various user preferences. The dark variant, in particular, is designed to reduce eye strain and provide a more comfortable viewing experience during nighttime or low-light usage.
This theme is not merely aesthetic; it also aims to improve usability by adjusting contrasts and ensuring that essential elements stand out effectively. Whether you’re a professional software developer, a casual user, or an avid gamer, switching to the Yaru Dark Theme can make your interaction with your system more pleasant and efficient.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the process of enabling the Yaru Dark Theme, it’s vital to ensure that your system satisfies a couple of prerequisites:
Operating System: Make sure you have Ubuntu 18.10 installed on your machine. If your system doesn’t have the Yaru theme pre-installed, consider upgrading to 18.10 or install the latest version of the Yaru package.
Updates: Ensure that your system is updated. Run the following command in your terminal to update your packages:
bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
This practice can prevent any complications arising from outdated files or conflicting packages.
Switching to the Yaru Dark Theme
Now that your system is prepared, let’s walk through enabling the Yaru Dark Theme:
Step 1: Accessing the GNOME Tweaks Tool
Install GNOME Tweaks:
The GNOME Tweaks tool allows users to manage themes and other desktop settings in a more descriptive manner. If you don’t already have GNOME Tweaks installed, you can easily add it by executing the following command:bash
sudo apt install gnome-tweaksLaunch GNOME Tweaks:
Once installed, you can find it in the application menu. Just type “Tweaks” in the search bar and launch the application.
Step 2: Changing the Theme
Navigate to Appearance:
In the GNOME Tweaks window, look for the “Appearance” section in the sidebar. Click on it to reveal different theming options.Select the Yaru Theme:
Under the “Applications” dropdown menu, select “Yaru-dark” from the list of available themes. This action will change the appearance of your apps and environment to the dark variant.Change Shell Theme:
For a fully consistent look, change the “Shell” theme settings to “Yaru-dark” as well. This makes your top bar and system notifications match the darker aesthetic.Adjust Icons (Optional):
If you wish, you can also select “Yaru” under the “Icons” section to ensure that your icon set complements the overall theme.
Enhancing Your User Experience
While the focus here is on the Yaru Dark Theme, consider customizing other aspects of your desktop environment to enhance usability further.
Icons and Fonts
For a complete transformation, experiment with various icon sets and fonts that blend well with dark themes, such as:
- Papirus Icon Theme: Known for its flat and modern look.
- Noto Sans: A legible font choice that pairs well with dark themes.
Use GNOME Tweaks to adjust these settings in the same manner as you would for the Yaru theme.
Backgrounds
When using darker themes, selecting the right wallpaper can create a harmonious experience. Wallpapers with subtle contrasts or abstract artwork can maintain focus without overwhelming your visual senses.
Conclusion
Switching to the Yaru Dark Theme in Ubuntu 18.10 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your visual experience. By following the steps outlined above, you can transform your desktop environment into a more appealing, comfortable, and productive workspace.
Ubuntu’s Yaru theme is not just about aesthetics; it embodies functionality and user-friendly design principles. Don’t hesitate to explore additional tweaks, themes, and customizations available in the GNOME environment to tailor your Linux experience to your preferences. Happy theming!
FAQ
Q1: Can I revert to the default light theme after switching to Yaru Dark?
A1: Yes, you can easily revert to the default light theme by following the same steps in the GNOME Tweaks tool and selecting “Yaru” or “Adwaita” from the Applications theme dropdown.
Q2: What are the advantages of using a dark theme?
A2: Dark themes can reduce eye strain in low-light conditions, save battery life on OLED screens, and enhance the overall focus by minimizing distractions.
Q3: Will enabling the dark theme affect my application performance?
A3: No, changing themes does not impact application performance. It solely alters the visual presentation without affecting functionality.
Q4: How can I install additional themes and icons for more customization?
A4: You can find various themes and icons on websites like GNOME-Look.org. After downloading, place them in the ~/.themes and ~/.icons directories, respectively, and refresh GNOME Tweaks to access them.
Q5: Is Yaru available on versions of Ubuntu earlier than 18.10?
A5: While Yaru is primarily designed for Ubuntu 18.10 and later, you might still be able to install it on earlier versions manually. However, compatibility issues could arise.
Q6: How do I uninstall GNOME Tweaks if I no longer need it?
A6: You can uninstall GNOME Tweaks by executing the command sudo apt remove gnome-tweaks in the terminal.
