Transforming XFCE To A Modern Unity Desktop

Transforming XFCE Into a Modern Unity Desktop

Introduction to XFCE and Unity

XFCE is a lightweight desktop environment for Unix-like operating systems, renowned for its speed and efficiency. It is ideal for users who prefer a minimalistic approach while still maintaining essential functionalities. On the other hand, Unity, developed by Canonical for Ubuntu, brings a polished and user-friendly interface with a contemporary design, including features like a unified menu and extensive customization options.

While XFCE and Unity serve different purposes, they can be integrated into an appealing and modern desktop experience. This guide will take you through transforming your XFCE environment to resemble Unity, providing you with a visually immersive desktop setup while capitalizing on the lightweight characteristics of XFCE.

Why Transform XFCE to Look Like Unity?

1. Performance: If you have limited system resources, XFCE runs smoothly even on older hardware. It provides the flexibility to create a modern look without demanding the resources that Unity might require.

2. Customization: XFCE is known for its modularity and customization capabilities, allowing users to tweak almost every element of their desktop environment. This makes it easier to replicate the Unity style with personal touches.

3. Familiarity: For users who are accustomed to Unity but wish to enjoy the speed of XFCE, this transformation offers a familiar interface while still taking advantage of the performance benefits.

Preparing Your System

Before diving into the customization process, it’s essential to prepare your system by ensuring that XFCE is installed and updated. Here are the steps to follow:

Updating Your System

1. Open a terminal window.

2. Run the following commands to update the package lists and upgrade any outdated packages:

   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

3. To install XFCE, if it’s not already installed, execute:

   bash
   sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies

Installing Necessary Tools

To achieve a Unity-like appearance in XFCE, you will need several tools and applications. These tools facilitate the customization of themes, icons, and other visual components. Here are the key components to install:

1. GTK Theme and Icons

Unity uses the GTK framework for its graphical elements. To mimic its appearance, you’ll need to install a Unity-like GTK theme and icon set.

• Arc Theme and Papirus Icons: These are popular choices for modern desktop setups.

  bash
  sudo apt install arc-theme
  sudo apt install papirus-icon-theme

2. Compton for Compositing

Shadows and transparency are significant features in Unity for a modern look. Compton is a compositor that brings these effects to XFCE.

• Installing Compton:

  bash
  sudo apt install compton

Customizing XFCE to Resemble Unity

Now that you have the required tools, it’s time to customize your XFCE desktop environment.

1. Applying the GTK Theme and Icons

• Open the Appearance settings in XFCE (you can find it in the Settings Manager).
• Under the Style tab, choose the Arc theme.
• Next, go to the Icons tab and select the Papirus icon set.

2. Resizing and Rearranging Panels

Unity’s top panel is iconic, and replicating it in XFCE requires some modifications to the XFCE panel.

• Right-click on the panel and select Panel > Panel Preferences.
• Set the Orientation to Top.
• Choose Size (customize it to approximately 40px for a more Unity-like look).
• Add launcher items similar to Unity by clicking on the Items tab and selecting Add. Opt for Application Launchers, Window Buttons, and Separator to arrange your favorite applications neatly.

3. Introducing the Unity Launcher

The Unity Launcher is crucial for a modern desktop aesthetic. You can mimic its appearance by adding a dock.

Installing Plank

1. Install Plank, a simple dock application that offers a sleek way to access your favorite applications.

   bash
   sudo apt install plank

2. After installation, launch Plank. You can customize it to appear on the screen’s left side and adjust its size according to your preferences.

4. Configuring Window Management with Compiz

Unity employs Compiz for its window effects. While using XFCE, integrating Compiz for additional window management features can elevate your customization.

1. Install Compiz:

   bash
   sudo apt install compiz compizconfig-settings-manager

2. Open CompizConfig Settings Manager and activate the appropriate plugins for 3D effects, animations, and window management that contribute to a polished look.

Final Touches

Once you’ve set up the foundational structure of your XFCE environment to mirror Unity, consider these additional modifications to refine the overall experience.

1. Customizing Wallpapers

Select wallpapers that resonate with the Unity aesthetic. You can find stunning high-resolution wallpapers online, or use tools like Wallch to cycle through them dynamically.

2. Using System Panel and Conky

For additional desktop information, you can install Conky, a lightweight system monitor that displays essential stats right on your desktop. It can be styled similarly to Unity’s system information widgets.

bash
sudo apt install conky

Configuration files for Conky can be found online, or you can create your own.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, some customizations might not work as intended. Here are some solutions to potential problems:

• Panel Icons Missing: If your application icons aren’t displaying correctly, make sure they are installed and the correct icon theme is selected.
• Compositor Issues: If you experience graphical glitches, try tweaking Compton’s settings or consider alternative compositors like xcompmgr.
• Performance Lag: Adjust your compositor settings to improve performance, and disable unnecessary plugins in CompizConfig.

Conclusion

Transforming XFCE into a modern Unity desktop not only elevates the visual appeal of your workspace but also allows you to enjoy the lightweight benefits of XFCE. By leveraging various themes, icons, and additional tools, you can create an efficient, stylish, and functional environment tailored to your preferences. This customization journey enables both new and experienced users to harness the full potential of their desktop experience.

FAQ Section

1. Can I revert back to the default XFCE setup after customizing it?
Yes, you can revert to the original XFCE settings by resetting the panel configuration or removing any installed themes and icons. Use the command xfce4-panel --restart to restart the panel if needed.

2. Will customizing XFCE affect system performance?
Generally, customizing XFCE should not affect performance negatively. In fact, using lightweight themes and reducing effect-heavy plugins improves resource efficiency.

3. Are there any other docks similar to Plank?
Yes, alternatives like Docky or Cairo-Dock provide similar functionality and aesthetics, yielding great results in improving your XFCE environment.

4. Is it safe to use Compiz with XFCE?
Yes, Compiz can be used with XFCE, but it might introduce some inconsistencies depending on your hardware and configuration. Always back up your current settings before experimenting.

5. Can I install Unity-like wallpapers directly from XFCE?
Absolutely. You can find and download Unity-themed wallpapers online and change your wallpaper settings through XFCE’s appearance settings.