How to enable a Yaru Dark Theme on Ubuntu 19.10

Introduction to Yaru Dark Theme

As the default theme on Ubuntu 19.10, the Yaru theme offers a fresh visual experience, incorporating a blend of modern aesthetics with Ubuntu’s unique touch. One of the most appealing features of this theme is its dark variant, which not only enhances the visual appeal of the desktop but also provides several advantages such as reduced eye strain and better battery life on devices with OLED screens. In this guide, we will take a step-by-step approach to enable the Yaru Dark Theme on your Ubuntu 19.10 system, as well as explore some of its benefits, customization options, and troubleshooting tips.

Understanding the Yaru Theme

What is Yaru?

Yaru is Ubuntu’s official theme that represents a significant shift from previous default themes. It was designed to provide a modern, clean, and sophisticated look to the operating system. Yaru aims to integrate seamlessly with various applications while maintaining familiar visual cues that longtime Ubuntu users appreciate.

Features of the Yaru Dark Theme

The Yaru Dark Theme is specifically designed for those who prefer a darker interface. Its benefits include:

• Reduced Eye Strain: Dark themes can minimize glare and reduce eye fatigue, especially in low-light environments.
• Enhanced Visual Focus: The darker interface allows text and graphics to stand out more clearly, making it easier to focus on tasks.
• Battery Saving: On OLED displays, dark themes can help save battery life by using less energy compared to lighter themes.

Enabling the Yaru Dark Theme

Enabling the Yaru Dark Theme on Ubuntu 19.10 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to switch your theme:

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Click on the Activities menu at the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select the Settings icon, which looks like a wrench and screwdriver crossed. This will open the system settings window.

Step 2: Navigate to the Appearance Tab

1. In the Settings window, look for the Appearance tab on the left sidebar.
2. Click on it to access the appearance settings.

Step 3: Select the Dark Theme

1. Under the Themes section, you will see options for the application, cursor, and icons. Find the Applications dropdown menu.
2. Click on the dropdown, and you should see options for various themes, including the Yaru and Yaru Dark options.
3. Select Yaru Dark from the list.

Step 4: Apply the Changes

1. Once selected, you will notice your desktop environment change immediately to the Yaru Dark Theme. Backgrounds, menu items, and application windows will adopt the new theme style.
2. Close the Settings window to return to your desktop and enjoy your newly themed environment.

Customizing the Yaru Dark Theme

While the Yaru Dark Theme is beautiful out of the box, you may want to customize it further to suit your tastes. Here are some options to consider:

Icons and Fonts

Customizing icons and fonts can enhance the overall look of your desktop. To do this:

1. Return to the Settings > Appearance.
2. Under the Icons dropdown, you can choose from various icon packs available.
3. Text font changes can also be made in the Fonts settings, allowing you to choose styles that complement the dark theme.

Adding Custom GTK Themes

If you’re looking for unique aesthetics, you might want to explore third-party GTK themes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Install GNOME Tweaks if you haven’t done so already by entering the following command in your terminal:
   bash
   sudo apt install gnome-tweaks

2. Download your favorite GTK themes from trusted sources such as GNOME-Look or GitHub.

3. Extract and copy the theme folder to either ~/.themes for your user or /usr/share/themes for system-wide availability.

4. Open GNOME Tweaks and navigate to the Appearance section, where you can apply your new GTK theme.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Though the process to enable the Yaru Dark Theme is simple, users may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dark Theme Not Applying

If the dark theme isn’t applying correctly, try the following:

• Restart GNOME Shell: Press Alt + F2, type r, and hit Enter. This will refresh the GNOME shell without logging out.

• Check for Updates: Make sure your Ubuntu is updated. Run:
  bash
  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

• Reinstall Yaru Theme: If issues persist, you can reinstall the theme with:
  bash
  sudo apt install –reinstall yaru-theme-gtk yaru-theme-icon yaru-theme-sound

Poor Contrast in Applications

Some applications may not respect the dark theme or have readability issues. To address this, consider:

• Adjusting application settings: Many applications have their own theme settings. Check if they offer dark theme options.
• Use Different Applications: Look for alternatives that are better integrated with Yaru themes, such as Gedit or Terminal.

Conclusion: Embrace the New Look

Enabling and customizing the Yaru Dark Theme on Ubuntu 19.10 is not only an aesthetic upgrade but also enhances usability and comfort. The transition to a dark interface can breathe new life into your work environment, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. With the multitude of options for further customization, you can create a unique workspace that reflects your personal style.

FAQ

1. Can I switch back to the light theme easily?

Yes! You can easily switch back to the light Yaru theme by following the same steps outlined in the article. Just select “Yaru” from the Applications dropdown in the Appearance settings.

2. Will third-party applications support the Yaru Dark Theme?

Support for the Yaru Dark Theme depends on how the application is designed. Many GTK-based applications will adapt well to the theme, but some may require additional settings for optimal appearance.

3. How do I revert to the default theme after customizing?

If you’ve applied custom themes and want to revert to the default Yaru theme, open GNOME Tweaks, go to the Appearance section, and simply select Yaru from the dropdown menus.

4. Are there performance implications with dark themes?

Typically, using dark themes doesn’t have significant performance implications. However, users with OLED screens may notice battery savings since darker pixels consume less energy.

5. Can I switch themes without restarting my computer?

Yes! Changes to themes can be applied without a full system restart. Simply make your selections in the Settings or GNOME Tweaks, and changes will take effect immediately.

6. Where can I find additional themes for customization?

You can explore additional GTK themes on websites such as GNOME-Look or GitHub. Always ensure you download from reputable sources to avoid malware.