Changing Desktop Wallpaper in Linux

Article by Tolga BALCI (23,398 pts ) , published Sep 11, 2009

Do you think it is very hard to change your desktop wallpapers in Linux? Think twice before deciding since it is much more easier than the other common commercial operating system. Jump right in to see how.

Changing desktop wallpaper in Linux

When Linux users say it is an easier and more intuitive operating systems compared to the other one, they are not mistaken. The problem comes with the superstitions and we are here to break them all. Let's see how you can change your desktop background with fewer clicks for the popular desktop environments.

Gnome: You can't get better than that: Switch to your desktop, find an empty place, right-click and there you go: "change desktop background". Select this and now you are in a dialog where you can select your wallpaper.

gnome right click change wallpaper

Couldn't see it on the list? Why don't you click "Add", which takes you to a file browser where you can select your favorite image?

gnome right click change wallpaper whole

KDE: KDE is also simple. Right-clicking your desktop brings the following menu, where you choose "Desktop Settings.." to proceed.

kde right click change desktop settings 01

Don't fear this option because you will be taken to a compact dialog, which you can adjust virtually all settings for your desktop.

kde right click change desktop settings 02

On the "Wallpaper" section there is a small floppy disk icon which will take you to a file browser, where you will be able to select your desktop background. Or, you can proceed with the "New Wallpaper" option if you want to experiment a little bit with the dialogs.

XFCE: We are moving to another popular window manager, XFCE. Desktop background change is very similar to KDE and Gnome, thanks to the graphical user interface. Right-click on the desktop and follow the path Settings -> Settings Manager. Once the window opens, select Desktop. Within the newly opened window, you will see Backdrop and Menu tabs. Background is opened by default and this is the place we want to be in. In the lower half of the window, you will see Image with a check box Show Image. Tick the box if it's not ticked and immediately below you will see a textbox with File at the beginning. At the left of the textbox, there is the magic icon that will open a file selection window to select your wallpaper. Choose your wallpaper and style (centered, stretched, etc) and click Close. Finished!

Next: Changing wallpaper in Fluxbox.

Showing page 1 of 2