Combining Gnome and KDE: Explore the Possibilities in KDE Plasma

Combining Gnome and KDE: Explore the Possibilities in KDE Plasma

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Comparison: KDE Plasma vs Gnome
3. Replicating the Gnome Desktop Environment in KDE Plasma 3.1. Adjusting the Panel 3.2. Configuring the Calendar Widget 3.3. Customizing the Task Manager 3.4. Installing the Control Center 3.5. Setting up Workspaces and Workflow 3.6. Triggering the Overview 3.7. Managing Virtual Desktops 3.8. Using Plasma Drawer 3.9. Customizing Theme, Icons, and Fonts 3.10. Enhancing Task Switching 3.11. Incorporating Gnome Applications
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ

Replicating the Gnome Desktop Environment in KDE Plasma

KDE Plasma is widely regarded as one of the best desktop environments for customizing the Linux desktop. However, for those who appreciate the workflow and design philosophy of Gnome, it would be nice to recreate that experience in KDE Plasma. In this article, we will explore the power of KDE Plasma by replicating the Gnome desktop environment as closely as possible.

3.1 Adjusting the Panel

The first step in replicating the Gnome desktop environment is to adjust the panel. By entering edit mode, you can drag the panel to the top, adjust its height, and set the opacity to opaque. Adding spacers and configuring widgets, such as the calendar widget in the middle, will help recreate the Gnome panel layout.

3.2 Configuring the Calendar Widget

To replicate the Gnome date and time widget, you can right-click on the calendar widget and configure the digital clock. Adjusting the appearance and format of the date, including the day and month, will help achieve a similar look and feel.

3.3 Customizing the Task Manager

In Gnome, the task manager displays icons for open windows. To replicate this in KDE Plasma, you can right-click on the panel, open a program, and swap out the task manager from icons-only to window list. This will provide a similar visual representation of open windows.

3.4 Installing the Control Center

The Gnome desktop environment has a control center that allows users to manage various settings. In KDE Plasma, you can install the control center, which is heavily inspired by MacOS. This control center can be added to the panel, providing easy access to system settings.

3.5 Setting up Workspaces and Workflow

A key aspect of the Gnome workflow is the use of workspaces or virtual desktops. In KDE Plasma, you can configure workspace behavior and screen edges to set triggers for moving between workspaces. The overview functionality, which allows you to zoom out and see all open windows, can be set to activate instantly with a keyboard shortcut.

3.6 Triggering the Overview

To replicate the Gnome overview functionality, you can set the meta key (Windows key) to launch the overview. This can be done by reconfiguring the keybindings in KDE Plasma. Being able to quickly access the overview is essential for a seamless Gnome-like workflow.

3.7 Managing Virtual Desktops

KDE Plasma allows users to manage virtual desktops or workspaces. Adjusting the settings for virtual desktop sliding speed and using keyboard shortcuts to switch between desktops will enhance the Gnome-like experience.

3.8 Using Plasma Drawer

For those missing a classic Gnome menu or a different application launcher, the Plasma Drawer widget can be installed. This widget allows you to organize applications into categories and provides an alternative launcher option.

3.9 Customizing Theme, Icons, and Fonts

To replicate the visual style of Gnome, you can customize the theme, icons, and fonts in KDE Plasma. By selecting a Gnome-like theme and changing the mouse cursor, you can achieve a similar aesthetic.

3.10 Enhancing Task Switching

If you prefer a different task switching experience than the default vertical tabbing in KDE Plasma, you can install the thumbnail switcher from the window management task switcher options. This will provide a more familiar way of switching between open applications.

3.11 Incorporating Gnome Applications

Although it may not be possible to replicate all of Gnome's applications in KDE Plasma, you can download and install Gnome applications to get a more authentic Gnome-like experience. By incorporating these applications, you can further enhance the replication of the Gnome desktop environment.

In conclusion, while it may not be possible to 100% replicate the Gnome desktop environment in KDE Plasma, with the right configurations and customizations, you can get quite close. By adjusting the panel, configuring widgets, setting up workspaces, and incorporating Gnome applications, you can create a workflow and visual experience similar to Gnome. KDE Plasma offers additional advantages such as adaptive sync, fractional scaling, and a better gaming experience, making it a viable alternative for a niche group of users.