by Xfce themes are the most widely used desktop environments for Unix-like OS. It is renowned as lightweight and runs on a few resources while performing admirably. That’s why many Linux distros use the Xfce themes as the default desktop environment. On the other hand, some users prefer Xfce because of its ease of use and simplicity.
What are Xfce themes?
Xfce is one of the most popular open-source, consuming desktop environments in Unix and Linux distributions. However, it is lightweight but flexible enough to handle heavy loads easily. Many users argue that Xfce’s default interface looks old and outdated but is very powerful. It may be offputting to some new users who prefer an excellent-looking Linux distribution.
How to install Xfce themes?
There are several ways to install the Xfce themes desktop environment. The first way is to use the built-in theme manager. To do this, open the settings panel and go to the “Appearance” tab. You can click the “Install” button and browse for the theme you want to install.
Another way to install themes is to use a third-party application such as “Theme Manager” or “XFCE-Theme-Manager.” These apps will give you a wide selection of themes to choose from and make managing your themes easier. Once you’ve downloaded a theme, extracting it to the ~/.themes directory will make it available to the Theme Manager.
XFCE will now use the Ernst Renner theme. You can download and install new Linux themes from any source, whether you use a distribution or a desktop environment. Adolfo Silerio, given the name zayronXIO, developed the operating system Catalina GTK Knight, which can be found at www.gnome-look.org/. Please repeat the steps below if you are still looking for the Os-Catalina-Gtk-Night theme.
The extracted directory can be copied by right-clicking to paste it into the theme’s directory, and the extracted directory is still open. The Settings window will return to its original state when you tap the All Settings button at the top of the Appearance window. Drag the icons until they appear on the left side of the window. Go back to the Settings window and reopen Windows Manager to see if the problem persists. Once you have your OS X look, you can install icons.
How do I customize my Xfce theme?
To customize the style of your Xfce desktop, search for “Appearance” in your system applications and open it: In the Appearance tab, the first menu shows “Style.” Scroll down through the list and select a style you like best.
Is Xfce Very Customizable?
Yes, Xfce is different and customizable. There is a default orientation for arranging elements, but you can rotate them however you want. You can create multiple panels, swap the window list for a window menu or a dock, or ditch the app menu altogether. You can change themes, change icons, and play with fonts.
Xfce strikes a middle ground between GNOME and KDE. You’re free to change most aspects of your desktop, yet the system settings and context menus are relatively simple and manageable. If you find KDE overwhelming, Xfce offers the same kind of freedom while still looking basic.
How to apply Xfce themes in Linux?
To get started, you need to create one. Themes folder in the home directory. You can browse for XFCE themes on the Xfce-look portal. … Next, you need to extract the zip file, as shown in the screenshot below. Once you extract it, you will see a folder and you need to copy it.
Where can I find Xfce themes?
You can find Xfce on its official site https://www.xfce.org
You can download it from this page https://www.xfce.org/download
Why is Xfce so popular?
Many Linux distributions choose Xfce because it runs easily on a wide range of hardware. But not only can Xfce run on an underpowered machine, but it also doesn’t run while doing so.
Whereas GNOME’s animations can start to lag or be conspicuously absent if you choose to disable them, Xfce looks much the same on a weaker computer as it does on a more powerful one. Xfce may not necessarily make your experience feel modern, but it will make you feel like you have a fully functional machine in your hands.
It can make all the difference if you’re trying to revive a computer trying to load the Windows Start menu or buckle while opening multiple apps.
Is Xfce better than GNOME?
Yes, Xfce is better than Gnome. Below, I will give some reasons that you can understand why the Xfce is best.
Xfce
Xfce consumes less CPU than other desktops, and Xfce uses only 1% of the CPU. Low CPU is one of Xfce’s unique selling points (USP). It uses less memory space compared to other desktop software, and Xfce’s memory footprint is around 500MB RAM. Lower CPU and memory consumption reflects overall performance, and lightweight reduces loading time and improves user productivity.
The operation of this DE is steady and stable. Therefore this is amply proven by the fact that there has been no significant update to this tool for the past three years. There are cases where this desktop always runs smoothly for some users.
uses a modular approach and installs only the modules required for your project; the rest are not loaded into memory or as needed. Xfce is a highly configurable DE. Settings Manager allows changes to all app settings from its screen and eases user efforts.
GNOME
GNOME uses more CPU. For some selection processes, CPU usage exceeds 10%. Gnome uses about 800 MB of RAM. Although older versions of GNOME had some stability issues, the latest versions have a built-in restore function to ensure no loss of users’ efforts.
GNOME uses the default method, and the entire software is loaded into its memory. GNOME has only the default configuration, and the action buttons on the top line provide a menu to access various functions.
Here are some themes that make Xfce look modern and beautiful:
1.BaZik
It’s one of my favorite themes, especially for the Xfce desktop, because it can completely revamp the experience of using it. Instead of offering dark and light variants of our theme, you get six color accents to match your desktop taste.
BaZik is one of those modern flat themes based on Material Design that allows users to change how their default Xfce desktop is visually displayed completely. So, if you are looking for something modern that is completely different, BaZik will surely please you.
2. Sweet
Its futuristic look and sweet combination of premium finish with on-point color gradients show that Numerous users have used sweets. They are often recommended for those looking for something different from the traditional look.
Sweet is available in 5 variants: Dark, Mars, Sweet, Amber Blue, and Amber. It blends well with GTK 3-based themes and the Xfce desktop. Sweets can be a good option for those tired of traditional options and want a completely different look.
3. Flat Remix GTK
This rare theme supports GTK 2, 3, or even 4! A Flat Remix is one of the most delightful flat themes available for the Xfce desktop. It comes in 4 variants: Normal, Dark, Darker, and The Darkest.
You also get 13 color variants to match your taste. So, if you are looking for one of the best fault themes available, Flat Remix GTK is what you need.
4. Pop Xfwm
As its name suggests, this theme will bring a similar look to what System 76 offers on their Pop!_OS. Pop!_OS is one of the most popular Linux distros. Many users love its visuals, and using Pop Xfwm, you can achieve this easily.
5. Windows 10 (no, seriously)
You can easily guess what this theme has to offer. The attention to detail is the reason why this theme makes it to the list of best Xfce themes, and it is significantly the best Windows 10 theme for Linux desktops, including Xfce.
Better integration requires GTK 3.6 and above and some dependencies like Murrine and Pixmap theme engines. Additionally, if you’ve completed the setup, you can enjoy the Windows 10 vibe on your Linux system.
6. Skeuos
It is another theme from the creator of Flat Remix GTK, which I have already discussed above. While the Flat Remix GT was leaning more towards the dark variant, the Skios is a complete package as you get the dark and white variants, which are equally good!
Skeuos also supports GTK 2,3 and 4 so you can have excellent synchronization with all other apps.
7. Pandora Arc
Pandora Arc is a completely different theme from the given list as it brings hacker-ish or cyberpunk wives. You’ll find dark colors with cyan and green fonts and a purple accent with green buttons.
So, if you’re looking for something that brings a hacker-ish vibe to your Xfce desktop, Pandora Arc is made just for you.
8. Orchis
It is another flat-style GTK theme for your Xfce desktop. I have included Orchis in this list because it is one of the most popular Linux themes, and users are getting mostly positive feedback.
Orchis won’t surprise you with its elegant looks but will bring simplicity and minimal vibes to your setup as it looks clean out of the box.
Conclusion
Xfce is a bland desktop environment. It’s been around for decades, but it mainly exists in the shadow of GNOME as a more lightweight alternative that also happens to be based on GTK. Fewer developers work on Xfce themes. Hence, fewer apps are built with Xfce in mind.
Yet, year after year, people continue to use Xfce. It receives updates, and numerous Linux-based operating systems ship with Xfce as the default interface.
I hope all of the information in this article will be helpful to its readers. We cover various themes, from dark to flat, light for minimalists. If you still need to add any Xfce theme not included here, let me know in the comments section; I will update myself.
We have an excellent article on Best Linux Desktop Environments with 12 Suggestions. If you are searching for a Linux Desktop environment, you can check this also.
