The Debian Project has unveiled the default theme for its upcoming release, Debian GNU/Linux 13 “Trixie,” which will be available in summer 2025. Designed by Elise Couper, the theme is named "Ceratopsian." Couper created the artwork using traditional methods with paper and pencil before transitioning to digital design using Inkscape.
The selection process for the theme commenced with an artwork contest held from September to mid-November 2024. The winning design draws inspiration from Trixie, a character from the "Toy Story" franchise, and resembles a previous theme called "futurePrototype" from Debian GNU/Linux 10 “Buster.”
Couper’s "Ceratopsian" will feature prominently throughout the operating system, including the wallpaper, login screen, installer, and boot splash screens. It will also be utilized as a banner on Debian’s website, blog, and wiki.
Jonathan Carter, former Debian Project Leader, expressed gratitude to all participants in the contest, congratulating Couper on her winning entry. Users can view and download the "Ceratopsian" theme for personal use across various Debian distributions here.
Debian GNU/Linux 13 “Trixie” is anticipated to use the Linux kernel 6.11, which is nearing the end of its life cycle. It is expected to transition to the upcoming Linux 6.12 kernel series, which will be supported as a long-term support (LTS) branch. Additionally, the new version aims to enhance user experience through a refined APT command-line interface with the APT 3.0 package manager, promising improved clarity in command output during package management operations.