Gnome Tweak Tool is a Gnome shell extension that can be used to modify the appearance of the Gnome interface. Ubuntu now uses the Unity desktop environment. Thus, to use the Gnome Tweak Tool, you need to use the Ubuntu Gnome distribution. You will need to install the Gnome Tweak Tool and Shell extension pack, download and install the theme into the “.themes” directory, and finally activate the theme using the Tweak Tool. Don't forget to check the compatibility of the equipment version with the downloaded theme!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Installing the Gnome Tweak Tool and Shell Extension
Step 1. Press Control+Alt+T keys to open the Terminal program
Linux keyboard shortcuts are the same as keyboard shortcuts on a Mac or PC
Step 2. Type sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool into Terminal, then press Enter
The official repository will be linked so you can download the Gnome Tweak Tool package. When prompted, enter the account password (currently used). After that, the download and installation process will begin.
- The "sudo" command grants superuser security privileges. Meanwhile, the “apt-get” command serves to instruct the Advanced Packing Tool (APT) to install the package.
- Installation of the package requires an active internet connection. Do not disconnect the internet connection until the installation is complete.
Step 3. Type sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/gnome3 into the Terminal window, then press Enter
With this command, you can get access to the PPA (Personal Package Archive) to get the Gnome Shell extension and all its themes as these extensions cannot be downloaded through the official repository.
Step 4. Type sudo apt-get update into the Terminal window, then press Enter
This command ensures that the available PPA content has the latest version.
Step 5. Type sudo apt-get install gnome-shell-extensions-user-themes into the Terminal window, then press Enter
A Gnome Shell extension with user theme support will be installed. After that, you can download and install your own theme using the Tweak Tool.
Step 6. Restart the computer
In order for the extension to be installed in Gnome Tweak Tool, you will need to restart the computer.
Part 2 of 3: Getting the Gnome Shell Theme
Step 1. Press Control+Alt+T simultaneously to open the Terminal program
Step 2. Type gnome-shell --version and press Enter
The installed Gnome Shell version will be displayed.
Step 3. Find and download a suitable shell theme
Sites like GNOME-Look offer user-generated themes that you can use through the Tweak Tool.
Make sure the selected theme matches the version of Gnome installed on your computer. The theme creator will upload the match information on the theme details
Step 4. Double-click the downloaded “.zip” file to extract the folder containing the theme
Keep in mind that not all themes are downloaded in “.zip” format. The process of installing a theme is different, depending on the manufacturing process. The theme download page will show you specific instructions on how to install the theme.
Some themes have certain files that must be downloaded in order for the theme to display properly. These files can be commands (scripts) or software required by the theme, but not included in the installation
Step 5. Copy or move the themes folder to the “.themes” directory
This directory is located at “home > [USER NAME] >.themes”, where [USER NAME] is the account name you are currently using.
If the folder is not available, create a folder by right-clicking an empty space and selecting “New Folder”. The name “.themes” is an important label because with this name, the Tweak Tool can search for available themes in the appropriate directory
Part 3 of 3: Setting the Theme with the Gnome Tweak Tool
Step 1. Run the Gnome Tweak Tool from the “Applications” menu
Step 2. Click the “Shell Extensions” tab
This button is on the left side of the window and will display a list of Gnome Shell extension options.
Step 3. Set “User Themes Extension” to the on or “ON” position
Gnome Shell extensions can use built-in themes after that.
Step 4. Click the “Themes” tab
This button is below the “Shell Extensions” button and displays a list of theme options.
Step 5. Click the drop-down menu next to the “Shell Theme” option and select a theme from the list
This menu will display the themes that have been installed into the “.themes” folder. The interface theme will be changed to the theme you selected.
Tips
- If you see an exclamation mark icon next to the shell theme drop-down menu in the Tweak Tool window, reinstall the “gnome-shell-extensions” package.
- Keep in mind that you will only see extensions and shell menus in the Tweak Tool program if you enter “Gnome” mode, and not “Unity” mode. By default, Ubuntu uses “Unity” mode. Switch to “Gnome” login mode if you can't find shell extensions and themes in the Tweak Tool.
