How to Turn On Desktop Effects on Linux
On GNOME and KDE, and when to turn them off on limited hardware.
Visual effects (minimising animations, transitions, shadows) depend on your system's graphics acceleration — almost always on by default, but adjustable if you want more or less.
On GNOME
Install GNOME Tweaks (sudo apt install gnome-tweaks) →
"Appearance" tab → adjust animations. For more advanced effects, the
"Compiz" extension (or its successor) adds extra options, though it
isn't essential for most users.
On KDE Plasma
System Settings → Desktop Effects — KDE includes an extensive library of individually toggleable effects, much more granular than GNOME out of the box.
Tip: if your machine has limited hardware, turning off animations can improve the overall sense of smoothness — they're purely aesthetic, with no function beyond the visual.
Frequently asked questions
Do desktop effects slow down my machine?
On modern hardware, the impact is minimal. On machines with limited graphics, turning off animations can improve the overall sense of smoothness.
Does KDE have more effects than GNOME?
Yes, KDE Plasma includes a more extensive and granular library of individually toggleable effects out of the box, compared to GNOME's default setup.