How to Change Themes on Ubuntu with Gnome Tweak Tool

Press the Control+Alt+T keys together to open the terminal., Type sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool into the Terminal, then hit ↵ Enter., Type sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/gnome3 into the Terminal, then hit ↵ Enter., Type sudo apt-get...

20 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Press the Control+Alt+T keys together to open the terminal.

    Linux keyboard shortcuts are the same using a Mac or PC keyboard.
  2. Step 2: Type sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool into the Terminal

    This will contact the official repository to download the GNOME Tweak Tool package.

    When prompted, enter your account (current) password and the download and installation will proceed.

    The "sudo" command grants security privileges of the super user.

    The apt-get command handles the Advanced Packing Tool (APT) to install the package.

    Installing packages requires an active network connection.

    Do not disconnect from the network until installation is complete. , This will give you access to the PPA (Personal Package Archive) to access GNOME Shell Extensions and its themes since they cannot be downloaded through the official repository., This will make sure the PPA content is up-to-date. , This will install the GNOME Shell Extensions with user theme support enabling you to download and install custom themes to use with the Tweak Tool. , The GNOME Tweak Tool requires a restart for extensions installed to the tool. ,,, Sites like GNOME-Look will host user-created themes that can be used with the Tweak Tool.

    Make sure the theme is compatible with the version of GNOME installed on your computer.

    Theme creators will post compatibility information along with the theme details. , Note, not all theme downloads will be a zip file.

    Installation processes for themes will vary depending on how they are built.

    Theme download pages will list specific instructions on how to install the theme.

    Some themes will have dependencies that must be installed to use the theme properly.

    A dependency is a script or piece of software utilized by the theme, but not included in its own installation. , This directory is located in “home > > .themes”, where is the name of the account you are logged into.

    If this folder does not appear, create it by right-clicking and selecting New Folder.

    The ‘.themes’ name is important as that is where the Tweak Tool will search for available themes. ,, This button is on the left side of the window and will open a list of options for the GNOME Shell Extension. , This will enable the GNOME Shell Extension to use custom themes., This button is below the Shell Extensions button and displays a list of Theme option. , The menu will display the themes you have installed to your “.themes” folder.

    The theme will change with your selection.
  3. Step 3: then hit ↵ Enter.

  4. Step 4: Type sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/gnome3 into the Terminal

  5. Step 5: then hit ↵ Enter.

  6. Step 6: Type sudo apt-get update into the Terminal

  7. Step 7: then hit ↵ Enter.

  8. Step 8: Type sudo apt-get install gnome-shell-extensions-user-themes into the Terminal

  9. Step 9: then hit ↵ Enter.

  10. Step 10: Restart your computer.

  11. Step 11: Press the Control+Alt+T keys together to open the Terminal.

  12. Step 12: Type in gnome-shell --version and press ↵ Enter.This will display the version of GNOME Shell that is installed.

  13. Step 13: Search for and download compatible shell themes.

  14. Step 14: Double click the downloaded .zip to extract the folder containing the theme.

  15. Step 15: Copy or move the theme folder into your “.themes” directory.

  16. Step 16: Launch GNOME Tweak Tool from the Applications menu.

  17. Step 17: Click the “Shell Extensions” tab.

  18. Step 18: Set “User Themes Extension” to ON.

  19. Step 19: Click the “Themes” tab.

  20. Step 20: Select the dropdown menu next to “Shell Theme” and choose a theme from the list.

Detailed Guide

Linux keyboard shortcuts are the same using a Mac or PC keyboard.

This will contact the official repository to download the GNOME Tweak Tool package.

When prompted, enter your account (current) password and the download and installation will proceed.

The "sudo" command grants security privileges of the super user.

The apt-get command handles the Advanced Packing Tool (APT) to install the package.

Installing packages requires an active network connection.

Do not disconnect from the network until installation is complete. , This will give you access to the PPA (Personal Package Archive) to access GNOME Shell Extensions and its themes since they cannot be downloaded through the official repository., This will make sure the PPA content is up-to-date. , This will install the GNOME Shell Extensions with user theme support enabling you to download and install custom themes to use with the Tweak Tool. , The GNOME Tweak Tool requires a restart for extensions installed to the tool. ,,, Sites like GNOME-Look will host user-created themes that can be used with the Tweak Tool.

Make sure the theme is compatible with the version of GNOME installed on your computer.

Theme creators will post compatibility information along with the theme details. , Note, not all theme downloads will be a zip file.

Installation processes for themes will vary depending on how they are built.

Theme download pages will list specific instructions on how to install the theme.

Some themes will have dependencies that must be installed to use the theme properly.

A dependency is a script or piece of software utilized by the theme, but not included in its own installation. , This directory is located in “home > > .themes”, where is the name of the account you are logged into.

If this folder does not appear, create it by right-clicking and selecting New Folder.

The ‘.themes’ name is important as that is where the Tweak Tool will search for available themes. ,, This button is on the left side of the window and will open a list of options for the GNOME Shell Extension. , This will enable the GNOME Shell Extension to use custom themes., This button is below the Shell Extensions button and displays a list of Theme option. , The menu will display the themes you have installed to your “.themes” folder.

The theme will change with your selection.

About the Author

J

Jean Cruz

Experienced content creator specializing in practical skills guides and tutorials.

52 articles
View all articles

Rate This Guide

--
Loading...
5
0
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: