How to Install Linux Themes (Gnome Shell and Extensions)

Hello, I hadn't written anything to the blog for a long time. I had recorded a video while using Unity before, but time passed quickly with my hard disk breaking down and the hot weather. 😃 Installing themes on Linux is quite easy. Regardless of which distribution or desktop environment you use, the process is usually similar. For example, while unity-tweak-tool is used for Unity, gnome-tweak-tool is preferred for Gnome. During my XFCE period, we could make customizations directly (I may be wrong 🤔).

🌄 Sites I Use for Background (Wallpaper)#

1. Alpha
2. InterfaceLIFT
3. DeviantArt (Rarely Used)

🎨 Sources for Theme, Icons, Cursor and Shell#

1. DeviantArt
2. Gnome-Look
3. For XFCE Desktop

Especially on DeviantArt, you can easily reach the content you want by making correct searches or using menus. The sites I mentioned above are generally up-to-date and organized sources.

I started using Gnome 3.x from Ubuntu 17.10 beta version. Therefore, my explanation will be for Gnome 3.x, but you can apply with the same logic on other desktop environments. 💡

🔌 Gnome Extensions#

Gnome has an extension system. From Gnome Extensions site, you can learn how to add and manage extensions.

📌 Notes About Installation#

• Instead of Dash to Dock, you can use Plank, but I don't recommend it.
• Not every theme is installed with install.sh script. The theme developer specifies the installation method in the comment lines.
• Fine-tuning tools become unnecessary after learning Linux file structure. In the video, I intentionally open the files to show where they are installed.
• File Locations:
• Fonts: ~/.fonts
• Icons & Cursor: ~/.icons
• Themes: ~/.themes
• Check where the files you downloaded before installation go! 😏

cat /etc/*release  # To get version information
gnome-shell --version  # To learn Gnome version

• If a window doesn't open when you click after minimizing, run the following command in terminal:

gsettings set org.gnome.shell.extensions.dash-to-dock click-action 'minimize'

😞 I miss my old Unity theme...

🚀 With this guide, you can easily complete the theme installation process on Linux!