How to Download, Install and Change Themes in Ubuntu

by Sumit Sharma Digital Marketing Specialist

In the GNOME distribution of Linux, you can easily change the themes whenever you want. There is a tool named GNOME Tweak Tool in the OS that allows the users to install and change themes easily.

norton setup — Source : http://2norton.com/how-to-download-install-and-change-themes-in-ubuntu/

How to install themes in Ubuntu

These are the three ways you can use to install themes in Ubuntu:

• Installing themes using PPA

• Installing via .deb packages

• Installing via archive files

Installing themes using PPA

It is the easiest and straightforward way to get themes. Just enter the three command lines one by one and theme will install to your Linux device. Here is that three command lines that update the theme package automatically.

“sudo add-apt-repository ppa:system76/pop”

“Sudo apt-get update”

“sudo app-get install [THEME’S NAME]”

The theme name you entered will install.

Installing via .deb packages

Many theme developer offers “.deb” packages for the themes. You just have to download the .deb package of the theme you want to use and install it as you install the other programs.

Installing via archive files

You can visit GNOME looks website to search for the themes. The themes downloaded from the sites are in “zip” or tar form. Once the theme files are downloaded, you can extract the files to install the theme.

Steps to change themes

Step 1: Install the GNOME Tweak Tool & Shell Extensions

1. Use the ‘Ctrl + Alt +T’ key to open terminal.

2. Insert the command line, “sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool” into the terminal.

3. Press ‘Enter’.

4. Now, insert the next command, “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wbupd8team/gnome3” into the terminal.

5. Press ‘Enter’.

6. Type “sudo apt-get update” into the terminal to ensure that the PPA content is the latest.

7. Press ‘Enter’.

8. Next, insert “sudo apt-get install gnome-shell-extensions-user-themes”.

9. And press ‘Enter.’ This begins installing the GNOME Shell Extension.

Allow the packages to install, make sure that the internet connection is active and don’t disconnect until the process doesn’t complete. Once it installs, reboot your device. Now, you can download and install the themes.

Steps 2: Get the GNOME Shell Themes

1. Reopen the ‘Terminal.’

2. Insert the command, “gnome-shell –version” into it.

3. Press ‘Enter’. The GNOME Shell version that is installed will appear on the screen.

4. On the GNOME-Look website, find the theme compatible with the GNOME Shell version you’re using in your device.

5. When you find a theme you like and also compatible, download it.

6. After downloading, double click on the download theme file or folder. If the theme is downloaded in a .zip folder, the folder will begin extracting. The procedure of installing theme will vary from theme to theme. You can check the installation instructions on the download page if you’re getting any difficulty while installing.

7. Now, Add the theme folder to the ‘themes’ in your directory. To access the directory, go to ‘Home’ > then [Username] and select ‘themes.’ If the folder is not there, create a new folder with the name ‘Themes.’

Steps 3: Set Theme using the GNOME Tweak Tool

1. Locate the ‘Application’ menu.

2. Open ‘GNOME Tweak Tool.’

3. Open ‘Shell Extensions’ tab from the left menu.

4. Find the ‘User themes’ option in the options opens on the right menu.

5. Enable the ‘User Themes’ by clicking its button.

6. Now, open the ‘Themes’ tab.

7. Open the dropdown button next to the ‘Shell Theme.’

8. Select a theme you want to use.

The themes you choose will be applied.

Billy Mark is a self-professed security expert; he has been making the people aware of the security threats. His passion is to write about Cyber security, cryptography, malware, social engineering, internet and new media. He writes for Norton security products at norton.com/setup.