If you’re an Ubuntu Linux user and you’re still using that old GTK theme that came with your OS then you’re really missing out on a great visual experience: Emerald. To the right is a screen grab of my current desktop setup (click it for a full view). As you can see, gone are the choppy corners and the ho-hum colors. With Emerald you have hundreds, if not thousands, of choices for a really great looking desktop.
To install Emerald just open your Synaptic Package Manager, do a search for “emerald” and install it. You should see it appear under your system menu under System > Preferences > Emerald Theme Manager.
To use an Emerald theme on your desktop you first need to download one from Gnome Look and then install it via the Emerald Theme Manager. All that should be somewhat self-explanatory.
However, getting Emerald to work with Hardy is not self-explanatory. In Hardy the default window decorator is not Emerald, so getting it to work with 8.04 is as simple as changing the default window decorator. Here’s how you do it.
First, install Compiz Config Manager
You do this via Synaptic Package Manager. I simply did a search for “compiz config.” 
Second, go to your Compiz Settings
Third, edit your Windows Decoration setting
When looking at the Compiz Config Settings Manager you will need to scroll down a bit and find the “Window Decoration” setting. Click on the icon (as opposed to the check box) to edit its settings. In the “Command” field delete whatever is in there and put this in its place: emerald --replace
Restart your X session by holding down Ctrl + Alt and pressing Backspace. In certain instances you may have to reboot. Everything should be working now. Enjoy a delightfully pleasant desktop experience that, in my opinion, rivals the looks of OS X.
16 Comments
Thinking back to what my comment on your previous post, it seems that I had already installed the Compiz Config Manager, but just didn’t know I needed to change the “Window Decoration” setting to “emerald —replace”… That Compiz Icon doohicky (found on some forum) was just a shortcut (but not really) and is probably something I could do without. I’m such a *nix noob.
I agree that there are some beautiful themes out there—one of the cool features of this platform that I’m finally beginning to appreciate! Coming from the Windows environment it is a little intimidating, so I’ve just barely scratched the surface. I’m using Mac4Lin currently (I know, I know…there’s something wrong with that). What are a few of your favorite desktop themes and icon sets?
Mac4Lin is a very pretty theme. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with liking the way something looks. I, however, enjoy a very different desktop experience. I enjoy the fact that I can have a desktop that looks like neither Mac nor Win could ever hope to have.
You’re right, it does take a bit of tinkering. But that’s a large part of the allure for me.
My current favorite is Metrosuave. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s definitely my style.
Other themes that I really like are SlicknesS and Xairon-Compiz both of which are installed on my computer.
What’s the background… care to share?
The Other Side. Regardless of how many other wallpapers I find I keep going back to this one.
Ben, what plugin are you using to change the opacity settings on Pidgin? I didn’t see one on my default Ubuntu install (though my Windows version does have it).
@Scott: It’s not a plugin at all. I’m using the Trail Focus feature in Compiz. It fades out windows that haven’t been used in a while and makes the active window brightest. Helps a lot with focusing on the task at hand.
thanks man, this article was very useful for me.
it helped me alot =]
keep with the great job.
happy and styled with themes,
joe.
Hey there,
Nice howto, thanks alot.
I have one issue left I hope…can’t find the mentioned ” Window Decoration” option in the compiz manager.
Difference in versions?
Regards,
Melvin
Possible but unlikely. The option is definitely there, I just reinstalled the compiz manager and it’s there.
Hi,
do you know what I need to install to get the bottom menu-bar like OSX as shown on the Metrosuave shot?
thanks a lot!
It’s called Avant Window Navigator and it’s great.
thank you so much Ben!!
Thanks a lot. I looked all over for a way to change my theme manager to Emerald. I couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t work. Thanks to this blog. I have my desktop the way I want now.
Y’all are very welcome
OK, so I have the compiz deal done, and have the themes imported into Emerald, but nothing is updating, any ideas what I am doing wrong?
Hi people, i need a little help with this. i just did all of the above, but i still don’t know how to use a theme. when i open Emerald theme manager it does not have a button that says “apply theme” i just can import themes but i don’t know how to apply them. plz help. thx.