System76 COSMIC Desktop Gets a Visual Makeover with Shadows and Consistent Window Corners

Linux desktop enthusiasts, rejoice! System76 has just rolled out a significant visual upgrade to its COSMIC Desktop environment, bringing long-awaited window shadows and consistent corner sizing across all applications. This update, available now on Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS, is set to enhance the user experience across various Linux distributions in the near future.

A Long-Awaited Enhancement

For years, COSMIC Desktop users have been requesting window shadows to improve visual clarity and aesthetics. Prior to this update, only GTK windows running on COSMIC had drop shadows, leaving native COSMIC apps and Qt-based applications appearing flat. This inconsistency often made it challenging to distinguish which application was in focus, especially when multiple windows overlapped.

With this update, System76 has addressed this issue, ensuring that all applications, regardless of their toolkit (GTK, Qt, Iced, etc.), now feature consistent drop shadows. This change not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves usability by making it easier to identify active windows.

Consistent Corner Sizing Across All Apps

In addition to window shadows, COSMIC now offers consistent corner sizing across all applications. Users can choose from three styles: Square, Round, and Slight Round. Regardless of the chosen style, all apps update their window radii on the fly to maintain a harmonious look. This level of consistency was previously lacking, with different applications often having mismatched corner styles.

User-Adjustable Controls

The new features come with user-adjustable controls, allowing you to fine-tune the appearance of your desktop. You can enable or disable window shadows and adjust the corner radius for both floating and tiled windows. These settings are accessible from Settings > Appearance > Experimental Settings > Window shadow and corners.

A Step Towards Visual Excellence

While these updates might seem minor, they represent a significant step towards enhancing the visual appeal and usability of the COSMIC Desktop. As System76 continues to refine its desktop environment, users can expect more “small” tweaks and UI refinements that collectively contribute to a more polished and user-friendly experience.

What’s Next?

The COSMIC development team has hinted at more visual enhancements on the horizon. In a recent Reddit thread, they mentioned that blur effects for windows and panels are in active development. This suggests that System76 is committed to pushing the boundaries of what a Linux desktop can look like, challenging the notion that visual finesse is merely “pointless fluff.”

How to Get the Update

If you’re running Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS or have installed COSMIC on Ubuntu using a PPA, simply check for new software updates and install the available ones. The update will include packages that add shadows and harmonized window radii.

Conclusion

System76’s latest update to the COSMIC Desktop is a testament to the company’s dedication to improving the Linux desktop experience. By addressing long-standing user requests and introducing consistent visual elements, System76 is ensuring that COSMIC remains a competitive and visually appealing option in the Linux ecosystem.

As the COSMIC Desktop continues to evolve, users can look forward to more refinements and features that enhance both aesthetics and usability. Whether you’re a long-time COSMIC user or considering making the switch, these updates are sure to impress.

Tags: #System76 #COSMICDesktop #Linux #Pop_OS #DesktopEnvironment #UIUpdates #WindowShadows #CornerRadius #LinuxDesktop #OpenSource #TechNews #System76Update #DesktopCustomization #LinuxUsers #VisualEnhancements

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