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Asked: 2024-09-26T20:37:14+05:30 In:

How can I eliminate window decorations for specific applications in my Ubuntu environment? I’m looking for a method to customize the appearance of certain apps by removing their window borders and title bars. What steps should I follow to achieve this?

I’ve been diving into customizing my Ubuntu setup lately, and one of the things I’ve wanted to do is eliminate window decorations for specific applications. You know those moments when you’re using an app and you just wish it looked sleeker and more immersive? I’ve seen screenshots of other users running apps without borders or title bars, and it looks fantastic!

So, I’m curious—how do I achieve that in my Ubuntu environment? I want to create a more focused and minimalistic workspace, especially for apps like code editors or media players. I’ve been playing around with my desktop environment (currently using GNOME), but I can’t seem to find a straightforward way to do this.

I’ve heard about tools like “devilspie” or “devilspie2” that can help manage window behaviors, but I’m not entirely sure how to set things up. Do I need to write some scripts for each application? If so, how complicated is it? And what about compatibility? I want to avoid breaking anything, like losing window functionality or making it impossible to close the app without the title bar.

Also, is there a quicker way if I don’t want to dive into scripting? I’ve seen some posts suggesting using certain extensions or tweaking settings directly in GNOME, but I’m a bit hesitant since I don’t want to mess up my setup. If you’ve customized your applications in the past, I’d love to know what methods or tools worked for you, especially if there are any potential pitfalls to watch out for.

Lastly, how do I revert these changes if I decide I don’t like it? I can imagine accidentally removing borders and then having a tough time figuring out how to bring them back. Any step-by-step guides or tips would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your insights!

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    1. Removing Window Decorations in Ubuntu

      Getting Rid of Window Decorations in Ubuntu

      So, you’re looking to make your apps look cleaner and more immersive in your GNOME desktop? Awesome idea! Here’s a rundown of what you can do.

      Using Devilspie or Devilspie2

      Yes, Devilspie and Devilspie2 are great tools to manage window decorations! They allow you to set rules for how windows behave and can help remove borders for specific applications.

      Setting It Up

      You’ll need to write some simple scripts, but don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!

      1. First, install Devilspie2 using:
        2. sudo apt install devilspie2
      2. Next, create a configuration folder:
        3. mkdir -p ~/.config/devilspie2
      3. Now, let’s create a script for the app you want. For example, for a code editor:
        4. nano ~/.config/devilspie2/no_borders.lua
      4. Inside this file, you could add:
        5. if (get_application_name() == "YourAppName") then
    undecorate_window();
end
      5. Replace “YourAppName” with the actual name of the application. Save and exit!

      Finally, run Devilspie2 in the background:

      devilspie2 &

      Quick Alternative Options

      If scripting feels like too much work, you could try some GNOME extensions. Extensions like Gnome Shell extension no-title-bar could help you achieve similar results without needing to code.

      Reverting Changes

      In case you don’t like your changes, you can simply:

      1. Close Devilspie2 (you might need to kill it via the terminal with pkill devilspie2).
      2. Remove or comment out the script in your configuration directory.
      3. If you used an extension, just disable or remove it through the GNOME Extensions website or your browser.

      Watch Out For…

      When messing with these settings, just ensure you don’t remove window functions, or how to close windows. Always test one change at a time to make sure you don’t run into issues. If a window goes totally weird on you, remember, you can always switch back!

      Good luck customizing your setup! You’ll have a sleek workspace in no time!



    2. To eliminate window decorations for specific applications in your GNOME desktop environment, you can indeed use tools like Devilspie or Devilspie2. These tools allow you to write scripts that will modify the behavior of the windows for the applications you specify. For instance, to remove the title bar and borders from your code editor, you’ll need to create a configuration file that defines the parameters for that window. The basic syntax involves checking for window properties like the title or class name of the application, and then setting the desired properties, such as undecorate. While scripting can seem daunting at first, the community provides numerous examples that can help you customize your setup without reinventing the wheel. Just make sure you have the correct package installed and start with a simple configuration to ensure compatibility.

      If you’re looking for a less technical solution, consider using GNOME extensions such as Shell Extensions that allow you to tweak the appearance of your applications without scripting. Extensions like Hide Top Bar or No Title Bar can provide functionality that meets your needs with minimal effort. Simply browse the GNOME Extensions website, install the extensions directly via your browser, and manage them through the GNOME Tweaks application. If you ever want to revert changes, you can easily disable or uninstall these extensions from GNOME Tweaks. For scripts created with Devilspie or Devilspie2, simply modify or remove the relevant configuration files in your home directory to regain window decorations.


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