~ubuntu-manual/ubuntu-manual/xenial

Most customizations can be reached via the \application{Session Indicator} and then selecting \menu{System Settings} to open the \application{System Settings} application window. The Dash, desktop appearance, themes, wallpapers, accessibility, and other configuration settings are available here. For more information see \seclink{sec:session-options}.

\subsection{Appearance}

\index{desktop!customization!appearance}

\screenshot{02-appearance.png}{ss:02-appearance}{You can change the theme in the \tab{Look} tab of the \window{Appearance} window.}

\subsubsection{The \tab{Look} tab}

In the \tab{Look} tab you can change the background, window theme, and Launcher icon size to further modify the look and feel of your desktop. To begin, open \application{Appearance} by either right-clicking on your background and selecting \menu{Change Desktop Background} or selecting \menu{Session Indicator \then System Settings \then Appearance}. Select the \tab{Look} tab.

\paragraph{Theme}

\index{desktop!customization!theme}

The \window{Appearance} window will display the current selected background wallpaper and theme. Themes control the appearance of your windows, buttons, scroll bars, panels, icons, and other parts of the desktop. The \emph{Ambiance} theme is used by default, but there are other themes from which you can choose. Just click once on any of the listed themes to give a new theme a try. The theme will change your desktop appearance immediately.

\paragraph{Desktop background}

\index{desktop!customization!background}

To change the \menu{Background}, either select \button{Wallpapers}, \button{Pictures Folder}, or \button{Colors and Gradients} from the drop-down list. When \button{Wallpapers} is selected, you will see Ubuntu's default selection of backgrounds. To change the background, simply click the picture you would like to use. You're not limited to this selection. To use one of your own pictures, click the \button{+} button and navigate to the image you would like to use. Then click the \button{Open} button, and the change will take effect immediately. This image will then be added to your list of available backgrounds. Selecting \button{Pictures Folder} opens your Pictures folder where you can choose a picture for the background. The \button{Colors and Gradients} button allows you to set the background to a solid or gradient color. Click on the \button{Solid Color} button, then the \button{Pick a Color} to choose a solid color. The \button{Vertical Gradient} and \button{Horizontal Gradient} buttons bring up two \button{Pick a Color} buttons. Just choose any two colors you like and see if you have achieved the desired result.

\paragraph{Launcher icon size}

At the bottom of the \tab{Look} tab you find a slider to change the size of icons on the Launcher. You may choose from a range between 32 and 64 pixels.

\subsubsection{The \tab{Behavior} tab}

In the \tab{behavior} tab you find several options to change the behavior of your desktop.

\paragraph{Auto-hide the Launcher}

Switch the \button{Auto-hide the Launcher} to either show the Launcher or reveal it when moving the pointer to the defined hot spot. When turned on, you can choose the reveal location \dash Left side or Top left corner \dash and the reveal sensitivity.

\paragraph{Enable workspaces}

By default, workspaces are not enabled. You can enable workspaces by checking this option.

\paragraph{Add show desktop icon to the launcher}

Check this option if you want to show the desktop icon on the Launcher.

\paragraph{Show the menus for a window}

Here you can choose if you want menus to show in the menu bar or in the window's title bar.

You can restore the behavior settings by clicking the \button{Restore Behavior Settings} button.

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