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Basalt Linux Wiki

Documentation and guides for Basalt Linux.

Desktop Customization

Basalt Linux ships with the Orchis GTK theme and Papirus icons. Here is how to personalize your desktop further.

Appearance Settings

Open Settings > Appearance to customize:

  • Style — Choose from installed GTK themes (Orchis, Adwaita, etc.)
  • Icons — Switch between Papirus, Adwaita, and other icon sets
  • Fonts — Change system font, size, and rendering
  • Settings > Window Manager — Change window decoration theme and title font

Installing New Themes

You can install additional themes and icons from Debian repositories:

$ sudo apt install arc-theme           # Arc GTK theme sudo apt install numix-icon-theme    # Numix icon set sudo apt install nordic-theme        # Nordic theme

After installation, themes appear in Settings > Appearance.

Panel Customization

The Xfce panel is highly customizable:

  • Right-click on the panel and select “Panel > Panel Preferences”
  • Add items (applets, launchers, system tray)
  • Add new panels for additional functionality
  • Change panel size, position, and appearance
  • Auto-hide the panel when not in use

Wallpapers

To change the wallpaper:

  • Right-click on the desktop and select “Desktop Settings”
  • Choose an image from the installed wallpapers
  • Select a solid color or gradient
  • Set a slideshow with multiple images

Workspaces

Xfce supports multiple workspaces for better organization:

  • Right-click the workspace switcher on the panel
  • Select “Properties” to change the number of workspaces
  • Use Ctrl+Alt+Arrow keys to switch between workspaces

Keyboard Shortcuts

Go to Settings > Keyboard > Shortcuts to view and customize keyboard shortcuts. Common shortcuts include:

  • Alt+F2 — Run command
  • Alt+F4 — Close window
  • Super — Open application menu
  • Alt+Tab — Switch between windows