How To Change Settings of Compiz in Ubuntu (Add Effects Like the Rotating Cube)

Posted by Pubudu Kodikara on Nov 17, 2009 in Linux, Tips and Tricks (Hacks) | 2 comments

By default Ubuntu comes with Compiz already installed, but some think (novice users) its not, because when we say compiz, the first thing that comes to our mind is the 3D Rotating Cube! But where is it? This is because, some features are not activated by default…. So lets see how to activate them…

For this we are going to use a small tool called the CompizConfig Settings Manager. Lets see how to use it :

• First we need to install the CompizConfig Settings Manager. To do this open the terminal and enter the following command :

sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

• Next, in the main menu, go to System > Preferences > CompizConfig Settings Manager

CompizConfig Settings Manager

You can use this to activate various settings of Compiz. Lets see how to activate the desktop cube :

• In the settings manager scroll down to the area called “Desktop”. In there, enable “Desktop Cube” by ticking the small box in front of it. After that you will get a warning as follows :

Disable Desktop Wall

• Click on “Disable Desktop Wall”. Next, you have to enable “Rotate Cube”.
• One more thing before using the cube… right click on the Workspace Switcher located at the right corner of the bottom panel and select preferences.

Workspace Switcher

• In here set the number of columns to a number more than 3 (if its 3 you’ll get a triangle)
• Now your ready to rotate… hold down ctrl+alt, click anywhere on the screen and drag! To enjoy more.. try to enable other settings one by one, and see whats happening…..!