System76 has introduced an update for the COSMIC Desktop, which now includes window shadows and improved corner consistency for all applications. This update is available in Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS and will soon be accessible to users of other Linux distributions.
Previously, only GTK windows utilized drop shadows, leaving native COSMIC and Qt applications looking flat. This inconsistency made it difficult to identify which applications were active when overlapping. With the new update, users can now enjoy a uniform appearance across different application toolkits, improving overall usability.
The update also enhances the ability to adjust corner styles. By changing the ‘Style’ setting to ‘Square’, ‘Round’, or ‘Slight round’, all applications automatically adapt their window corners, providing a harmonious visual experience throughout the desktop environment.
Users are encouraged to check for software updates if they are running Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS or have installed COSMIC on Ubuntu. The new settings can be found under Settings > Appearance > Experimental Settings > Window shadow and corners, allowing users to:
- Utilize corner radius for floating and tiled windows
- Enable or disable window shadows
This update is part of System76’s commitment to enhancing the visual appeal of COSMIC Desktop, with more aesthetic features expected in the future, including blur effects for panels and windows currently in development.
For further details on the COSMIC DE, check out the following links: