Window transparency with blur is a popular aesthetic among Linux users but often comes with performance drawbacks. A new approach offers a clever workaround to achieve a similar look without the associated resource costs by using the 2 Wallpapers GNOME extension.
Instead of making application windows translucent and relying on dynamic blurring—both of which can be resource-intensive—the 2 Wallpapers extension toggles between two predefined wallpapers based on desktop activity. When no applications are open, the user sees the first wallpaper. As soon as an app is launched, it switches to a second wallpaper. For terminals and similar applications that allow background opacity adjustments, a blurred wallpaper can subtly appear behind the window, giving the impression of blurred transparency.
The developer of this extension noted their admiration for the aesthetics of blurred and transparent windows but sought to create a more resource-efficient means to achieve this effect. The extension is relatively straightforward to use, requiring users to provide their own blurred wallpaper or create one using image editing software like GIMP.
Users aren’t restricted to blurred images; they can employ any two different wallpapers to switch between, based on whether they’re working or simply viewing their desktop. The functionality doesn’t include extensive settings—just two buttons for selecting the respective wallpapers for when application windows are active or inactive.
However, it’s worth noting that the visual effect may be disrupted if semi-transparent windows overlap each other. Nonetheless, users employing window tiling tools could benefit from a blurred wallpaper, making non-transparent windows stand out while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of transparent ones.
To try this extension, you’ll need GNOME 45-49, making it compatible with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and later versions.
Get the 2 Wallpapers extension here.