The Unity desktop now offers another customization tool for users to test out. This exciting new tool is known as MyUnity. This tool provides many convenient options for your Unity launcher, dash, panel, and desktop.
Note: The MyUnity will be undergoing major changes for the release of Ubuntu 13.04-13-10. This is due to Ubuntu's decision to switch to the Mir display server and Unity switching to QT/QML.
If you want to install the MyUnity customization tool for the Unity desktop just follow the simple steps below.
First you will need to add the PPA to your sources list with the command below.
$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:myunity/ppa
Next be sure to update your sources so you can find the new package.
$ sudo apt-get update
Now you can begin installing the MyUnity desktop customization tool with the commands seen below.
$ sudo apt-get install myunity
Several settings are available to help users customize their Unity desktop launcher. Below you can see some of the most popular options.
The MyUnity settings tool will let users control the launcher color, size, and transparency. Backlights for icons are available which is a very stylish feature. Preferences for launcher auto-hide behavious are also available. Users can choose to have the launcher slide, fade, or both simultaniously.
There is another drop down menu available where you can change how the launcher reacts to windows. You can leave the launcher in a fixed position, you can leave it hidden, you can make it avoid windows, or you can choose the smart hiding option.
You can also choose if you want to display icons for connected devices inside the launcher. You can display devices always or never, you can also choose to display only mounted devices.
The MyUnity settings tool will let users control many aspects of the Unity desktop dash as well. Here are some of the available settings.
Users are able to toggle the display of available and recent applications inside the Unity desktop dash. This gives you more control over which items you would like to have displayed.
You can toggle the blurry background for the Unity dash on or off, you can even choose the smart option which will probably leave the blur off when windows are present on the desktop.
Use the drop down menu to change the size of the Unity dash. You can choose desktop mode, netbook mode, or automatic mode.
Panel settings for the Unity desktop are also offered by the MyUnity settings tool. The panel is found at the top of the screen, not to be confused with the Unity launcher located on the left.
There is a slider bar that is available to change the transparency of the main Unity panel in percentage.
If you want the panel to appear completely transparent you can with this option, I would assume that font and icons will remain.
Desktop settings for icons, workspaces and window animations are available as well.
Users may choose to display different icons inside the launcher. You can toggle the many icons including, home, networking, devices, trash, and more. A show desktop icon is also available.
Change the number of available workspaces with this option. You can use the two sliders to add more vertical or horizontal workspaces.
You will even find several font settings when using the MyUnity settings tool for the Unity desktop.
Change the fonts for your window titles, documents, desktop and more. Even system fonts and monospace fonts can be changes.
Use the drop down menu to enable slight, medium, or full font hinting.
With this drop down menu to enable antialiasing for fonts using RGBA or greyscale.
Now for the best part, you can also use the MyUnity desktop settings tool to change your themes.
If you want to change the theme used for your window decorations simply select a new one from the list.
You can even change your active Unity desktop icon theme, just select a new one from the icon theme list.
Tags: customization, desktop, myunity, settings | Posted in Desktop
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