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Make Menus Transparent in Compiz Fusion
Posted by Kevin Purdy at 1:30 AM on November 15, 2007
Ars Technica's Open Ended blog posts a helpful guide for Linux users running Compiz Fusion who want to make drop-down menus, tooltips, and other items transparent without digging through a massive configuration menu. The instructions requires having the compizconfig-settings-manager package installed, and those who want to tweak specific program windows (like Pidgin or Firefox) might have to spend some time with Compiz's window-matching documentation. But for those who just want a cool-looking 10 percent shade on their menus, this guide should suffice.
Tags: compiz fusion | desktop | desktops | how to | how-to | linux | linux tip
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Fifthwind
Posted 3:18 PM 14/11/07
If you were like me, you were wondering what are the common window types that you can use. The Link on the article gave a list of the most common:
unknown, combo, desktop, dialog, dnd, dock, dropdownmenu, fullscreen, modaldialog, menu, normal, notification, popupmenu, splash, toolbar, tooltip, utility
I was really appreciative of this article, since you can no longer turn off tool tips in Gutsy. So I just made them 100% transparent... that's the next best thing. Now I don't have to look at them. Thanx LH.
Fifthwind
BrandonJ
Posted 2:03 PM 14/11/07
Of course, if you upgraded to Gutsy, transparent drop-down menus are enabled by default. (Under the "Extra" visual settings option, at least.)
If you wanted to edit these settings under Gutsy, just download the aforementioned compizconfig-settings-manager, and an option will appear under the visual effects tab for custom settings.
Quick tip: running Compiz under ATI cards is now much easier in Gutsy, at least for many of the cards. After enabling the restricted ATI driver, simply install the xserver-xgl package and restart. There are pros and cons to this, but it is often a good way to quickly test out Compiz and see if you like it. Google the process for more information.
BrandonJ
erisdiscord
Posted 1:58 PM 14/11/07
It's funny because recently there was a post about doing just the opposite in Leopard. :)
erisdiscord
ronocdh
Posted 10:46 AM 14/11/07
The by-application tip is gold. I'm gonna have fun with this!
ronocdh
DannoHung
Posted 10:26 AM 14/11/07
Heh, I guess the next tip is rounding off the menu corners?
DannoHung
GeorgiaBoot
Posted 3:15 PM 15/11/07
When I upgraded to Gutsy Gibbon this was not enabled by default. But I just fixed it and it looks superb. This is why I come to LH, to Pimp my Workspace!
GeorgiaBoot