Multiple Desktop Backgrounds on LinuxFor all you Linux fans out there… heres an easy and fun tweak to use! All you need for this tweak is to be running Linux and Compiz-Fusion (not sure about Beryl or Compiz). For the record, I am running Ubuntu Hardy Heron (8.04) with Compiz-Fusion (0.7.4).

Ever get bored of the same desktop wallpaper? Maybe you don’t want to look at the same wallpaper on every desktop you run. With this awesome and simple tweak, go from one wallpaper to many (a different one on each desktop)!

The How:

  1. Open up CCSM (CompizConfig Settings Manager)
    Alt+F2 and type ‘ccsm’ without quotes. Then click ‘Run.’
  2. On the left side, click the ‘Desktop’ button. Then on the right, choose ‘Desktop Cube’.
    (I am assuming your using the Desktop Cube.)
  3. Go to the ‘Appearance’ tab.
  4. In the second field down ‘Background Images’, click the ‘New’ button and then browse to the location of an image you would like to use for a desktop background.
  5. Add at least 4 different images (if you have 4 desktop sides enabled).
  6. Once added, exit CCSM.
  7. Finally, open up gconf-editor.
    To open gconf-editor, type ‘gconf-editor’ (without ’s) or Alt+F2 and type ‘gconf-editor’ without quotes. Then click ‘Run.’
  8. In the configuration editor, navigate to: / > apps > nautilus > preferences.
  9. Once you select preferences, scroll down on the right side and uncheck ’show_desktop’.

Your done! Your desktop should show the four (or more) images that you selected! If you have any troubles, post in the comments, or if you have success, post in the comments! Note: This tutorial will only work for gnome (though a google search or future tutorial might provide information on doing this with KDE).

8 Responses to “Multiple Desktop Backgrounds”
  1. Alroger Filho says:

    Thanks for the tip!
    Any tips on how to bring back the desktop icons?

  2. WelcomedRain says:

    Very helpful. Thanks! I had read a number of sites with instructions on how to do this but none were so simple and straightforward. I also noticed that those other sites had mentioned a problem with icons not appearing on the desktop once you uncheck “show_desktop” in nautilus preferences. That is true but if you use Avant Window Navigator and/or use screenlets and the panel(s), it really shouldn’t be a problem. Personally, I prefer to use AWN and screenlets. I did want to mention one problem I was having and that is my external USB drive automounts when I start Ubuntu but when I uncheck “show_desktop”, the USB drive no longer automounts when Ubuntu boots up. Do you know a fix for this? It seems odd. Thanks again for a well written post.

  3. Ragui says:

    This only makes my desktops white and without icons. The backgrounds aren’t shown.

  4. Ragui says:

    Never mind, turns out you have to use the correct wallpaper size. It doesn’t auto-adjust it.

  5. Mohammad says:

    My desktop icons also disappear doing this, no good, is there some other way?

  6. TonyTest says:

    Thanks for this little tutorial. If you want to have different wallpapers on KDE 3.5.x you just have to kill the process kdesktop. Unfortunately, the icons also disappeare on KDE… it’s really a pity.

    Regards Tony

  7. fedora says:
  8. toantoet says:

    Thanks for your tips. But quality of wallpaper is very low after follow this tips. How do I increase it?

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