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Customizing Linux Terminal

Customizing Linux Terminal

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TheEvilNinja
Member
109
06-07-2023, 01:36 AM
#1
I had the concept of turning my terminal into a semi-transparent overlay on the desktop. This means even with gaps between them, the desktop should remain visible through the terminal area. Is this feasible? If yes, someone could guide me on how to achieve it. Thanks for your help—I’m new to programming and Linux, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!
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TheEvilNinja
06-07-2023, 01:36 AM #1

I had the concept of turning my terminal into a semi-transparent overlay on the desktop. This means even with gaps between them, the desktop should remain visible through the terminal area. Is this feasible? If yes, someone could guide me on how to achieve it. Thanks for your help—I’m new to programming and Linux, so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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alerabbit
Posting Freak
840
06-07-2023, 05:33 AM
#2
Available emulators typically include a transparency setting. In the gnome console, adjust preferences, profiles, then modify transparency.
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alerabbit
06-07-2023, 05:33 AM #2

Available emulators typically include a transparency setting. In the gnome console, adjust preferences, profiles, then modify transparency.

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brandon_vo
Member
52
06-21-2023, 07:10 AM
#3
some slim desktops don't support transparency. Adjusting it in the terminal only displays the background image. This matches what we've observed regarding the closets issue.
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brandon_vo
06-21-2023, 07:10 AM #3

some slim desktops don't support transparency. Adjusting it in the terminal only displays the background image. This matches what we've observed regarding the closets issue.

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Sheikrik
Senior Member
441
06-21-2023, 07:56 AM
#4
A few terminal programs support transparency, letting you view the background behind the screen. My preferred option is Terminator.
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Sheikrik
06-21-2023, 07:56 AM #4

A few terminal programs support transparency, letting you view the background behind the screen. My preferred option is Terminator.

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DuqeuBR
Junior Member
10
06-21-2023, 09:10 PM
#5
To clarify I'm not talking about regular transparency. I'd like to have it act as an "X-Ray" of sorts, allowing me to see the background through all other windows in additional to that of the terminal.
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DuqeuBR
06-21-2023, 09:10 PM #5

To clarify I'm not talking about regular transparency. I'd like to have it act as an "X-Ray" of sorts, allowing me to see the background through all other windows in additional to that of the terminal.

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DJRiep
Member
151
06-22-2023, 12:32 AM
#6
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DJRiep
06-22-2023, 12:32 AM #6

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Cracxinette
Junior Member
37
06-22-2023, 09:44 AM
#7
I don't believe any solution is available, because it seems quite unusual. I also find it hard to imagine a practical application beyond simple automatic updates like conky. It might be possible, but you'll need to explore the code yourself. It's likely there isn't a built-in feature in current window managers or desktop environments for this. Some older ones use a "root window," which could work if you can set up a viewport that way, though modern DEs don't typically use it that way.
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Cracxinette
06-22-2023, 09:44 AM #7

I don't believe any solution is available, because it seems quite unusual. I also find it hard to imagine a practical application beyond simple automatic updates like conky. It might be possible, but you'll need to explore the code yourself. It's likely there isn't a built-in feature in current window managers or desktop environments for this. Some older ones use a "root window," which could work if you can set up a viewport that way, though modern DEs don't typically use it that way.

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MJDdraw997
Junior Member
31
06-24-2023, 04:02 AM
#8
It relies on your DE, especially your window manager. Xfce and Mate display the desktop using transparency rather than other windows.
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MJDdraw997
06-24-2023, 04:02 AM #8

It relies on your DE, especially your window manager. Xfce and Mate display the desktop using transparency rather than other windows.

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ImNico7
Junior Member
47
06-24-2023, 07:47 AM
#9
I've noticed this on some older desktop environments. However, it seems more recent versions like MATE don't rely on this outdated "transparency trick." Also, it would remove all other functionality except the root window—typically just showing the desktop background. Even advanced features such as conky elements are usually their own dedicated windows, locked above the root. This means you can achieve a similar look by setting a semi-transparent background for the terminal amulator.
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ImNico7
06-24-2023, 07:47 AM #9

I've noticed this on some older desktop environments. However, it seems more recent versions like MATE don't rely on this outdated "transparency trick." Also, it would remove all other functionality except the root window—typically just showing the desktop background. Even advanced features such as conky elements are usually their own dedicated windows, locked above the root. This means you can achieve a similar look by setting a semi-transparent background for the terminal amulator.