August 2011: This thread badly needs to be updated/pruned. If you (yes, you!) would like to take over maintenance of this thread, please send me a PM. Members with active, helpful posting history preferred. Otherwise this thread will be unstickied at the end of the month.
This is not a topic for asking questions. (Unless you can of course provide an answer along with it.)
The FAQ
Compiz
What is Compiz Fusion?
Compiz is what is known as a "compositing manager." It enables your desktop to run faster than with traditional window managers, and allows you to be more productive. Compiz controls the effects you see on your desktop: Shadows, animations, "the cube," and a whole bundle of other fun effects.
How do I know if Compiz is enabled (How can I disable Compiz?)
On Ubuntu 7.10 and up:
Open System > Preferences > Appearance. Click on the Visual Effects tab. If Compiz and desktop effects are enabled, Normal, Extra, or Custom will be selected. If Compiz is disabled, None will be selected. To switch modes, simply click on another selection. Changes take effect immediately.
Why is my card "Blacklisted?")
What is a quicker way to enable/disable Compiz? - Gourgi
Install the package
fusion-icon and reload your session for a notification icon to switch between Compiz and the standard window manager.
How can I install Beryl? - FuturePilot
Beryl was merged back into the Compiz project to create what is now know as Compiz Fusion. Beryl is no longer supported or developed meaning that if there is a bug, no one will fix it. Therefore it is recommended that you use Compiz Fusion which comes installed by default in Ubuntu.
How can I get Custom to appear in the Visual Effects dialog?
Custom only appears if the package
simple-ccsm is installed. When you install simple-ccsm, a new selection will be available in Visual Effects, which allows you to customize what effects are active on your desktop. You can also customize the effects from
System > Preferences > Simple CompizConfig Settings Manager.
Simple CompizConfig Settings Manager doesn't provide enough options or effects. Are there more?
Simple CompizConfig is just that, simple. If you are looking for more options, install the package
compizconfig-settings-manager. Be sure to keep simple-ccsm installed so that the Custom option remains available in Visual Effects.
You can also access it from
System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings or by opening a terminal (or Alt+F2) and typing
ccsm.
I can't find some of the plugins mentioned in this FAQ. Where are they?
Desktop Effects could not be enabled?
Is compiz for Ubuntu and Kubuntu only? - aimpau
Nope! Xubuntu has it too!
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=934934
Just to add,
if you want to use emerald for window decorations, don't forget to type in alt+f2:
The gtk-window-decorator cannot be controlled by Applications > Settings > Settings Manager > Window Manager since it only control xfwm4. However, you can load .cgwdtheme files through the terminal. I recommended emerald since it is really cool.
Where did my window borders go? - cc7gir
This is a common mistake caused by disabling some plugins in CompizConfig Settings Manager. To fix, open the manager (System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager) and find the "Window Decorations" plugin. Check the box and you're all set.
How can I get the "cube" effect? - overdrank
(Image) First, install compizconfig-settings-manager. Then, in
System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings, go to General Options, Desktop Size tab, and make sure
Horizontal Virtual Size is set to 4. Go back to the main window, and enable the Desktop Cube and Rotate Cube plugins.
You can "spin" the cube by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Left and Ctrl+Alt+Right, or hold Ctrl+Alt and click and drag.
What is the "dodge" effect?
How do I beam up my windows to space? - aimpau
Capt. Picard: Prepare to beam up.
Data: Beaming up in 6 nanoseconds.
Press alt+f2 and type in
(Alternatively, go to System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects Settings in GNOME)
Go to Animations and on the close animation tab, click on the top animation (by default, that would be Glide 2) and press edit. Look for Beam, click ok and close. That's it! Enjoy
What are some other keyboard shortcuts? - wolfen69
How do I install a Compiz plugin from git? - AstalaVista
What is Emerald? - _DD_
Emerald is a replacement window decorator which supports many more effects than gtk-window-decorator, GNOME's built-in window decorator.
How do I install and enable Emerald?
Install the
emerald package from Synaptic.
The package
emerald-themes provides some themes to use in 8.04, but it is currently missing from the repositories. Themes must be installed manually for the time being.
To enable Emerald on login, go to System > Preferences > Sessions. Click the Add button, and type in
Emerald for Name and
emerald --replace for Command. Click OK and close the Sessions window. The next time you sign in, Emerald will be running.
Themes
Where can I download additional themes for my desktop?
Themes for Ubuntu (GNOME) can be found at:
Themes for Kubuntu can be found at:
How can I install a custom cursor theme? - Armed Nuke
Other
What is the Mac-like dock I see in some screenshots?
How do I get desktop widgets? - smartboyathome
There are several programs which allow you to put widgets on the desktop. The most popular is a program called Screenlets. To install it, open up
System > Preferences > Synaptic Package Manager, and search for "screenlets". Install the "
screenlets" package that comes up by double clicking on it and clicking apply on the top bar. Once it is installed, go to
Applications > Accessories > Screenlets (or
System > Preferences > Screenlets) and enable the screenlets that you want.
I really love these Screenlets, are there more? - Gourgi
My Screenlets package is outdated, how can I get an up to date package? - Gourgi
Add these to your sources in System > Administration > Software Sources; Third Party Software; Add.
Gutsy:
Code:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu gutsy main universe
Hardy
Code:
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/gilir/ubuntu hardy main universe
See
http://screenlets.org/index.php/Download for additional sources.
How can I set up different wallpapers for each virtual desktop, with Conky, and get rid of GNOME panels?
Useful Links
Contributing
Attention forum members:
Want to have a chance to contribute to "The Great FAQ of Desktop Effects?" Then join me in the planning of one of the biggest events to hit this forum (well, stickies anyway). We're going to build a nice big topic to put right at the top of the forum page to hang out with the "Blacklisted?" topic. Anyone and everyone is welcome to contribute.
Interested? Great! Here's what you need to do:
Find a question about Compiz, Desktop Effects, Theming, or anything related that is fairly frequently asked, even if it may seem obvious. It can even be one of the questions above that is marked "to be written." Post your question as a reply to this thread in a format similar to:
Why doesn't Compiz start?
Compiz usually won't start for the following reasons...
blah blah blah blah
or
Be sure to either include a link to the topic with the answer or provide the answer directly. The questions and answers will be edited into the main post (this one). I'll probably edit your questions and answers to fit them in with the rest of the questions, but the idea will remain the same.
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