Desktop Customization

Configure GNOME desktop settings for Ubuntu and Debian desktop images.

Enabling Desktop

Include the desktop feature in your build:


Create an Ubuntu desktop workstation with GNOME

This installs:

GNOME Shell
GDM display manager
Core GNOME applications
NetworkManager

Customization Options

Theme

Set the overall appearance:


"desktop": {
  "theme": "dark"
}

Value	Description
`light`	Light mode (default)
`dark`	Dark mode
`system`	Follow system preference

Accent Color

Customize the accent color (GNOME 46+):


"desktop": {
  "accentColor": "blue"
}

Available colors: blue, teal, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple

Wallpaper

Set a custom desktop background:


"desktop": {
  "wallpaper": "/usr/share/backgrounds/custom.png"
}

You can include custom wallpapers via startup scripts or packages.

Favorites

Configure dock/dash favorites:


"desktop": {
  "favorites": [
    "firefox.desktop",
    "org.gnome.Terminal.desktop",
    "org.gnome.Nautilus.desktop",
    "code.desktop"
  ]
}

Fonts

Configure system fonts:


"desktop": {
  "fonts": {
    "interface": "Inter 11",
    "document": "Inter 11",
    "monospace": "JetBrains Mono 10"
  }
}

Power Management

Configure power settings:


"desktop": {
  "power": {
    "screenBlankTimeout": 300,
    "suspendOnIdle": false,
    "lidCloseAction": "nothing"
  }
}

Shell Extensions

Enable GNOME Shell extensions:


"desktop": {
  "extensions": [
    "dash-to-dock@micxgx.gmail.com",
    "appindicatorsupport@rgcjonas.gmail.com"
  ]
}

Complete Example


"desktop": {
  "theme": "dark",
  "accentColor": "purple",
  "wallpaper": "/usr/share/backgrounds/company-logo.png",
  "favorites": [
    "firefox.desktop",
    "org.gnome.Terminal.desktop",
    "code.desktop",
    "slack.desktop"
  ],
  "fonts": {
    "interface": "Ubuntu 11",
    "monospace": "Ubuntu Mono 12"
  },
  "power": {
    "screenBlankTimeout": 600,
    "suspendOnIdle": false
  },
  "extensions": [
    "dash-to-dock@micxgx.gmail.com"
  ]
}

Natural Language Examples

Development Workstation


Create an Ubuntu desktop for development with:
- Dark theme
- VS Code, Firefox, and Terminal in dock
- JetBrains Mono font
- No screen lock timeout

Corporate Desktop


Ubuntu desktop with:
- Light theme
- Company wallpaper at /opt/branding/wallpaper.png
- Chrome, Slack, and LibreOffice in favorites
- 10 minute screen timeout

Minimal Desktop


Debian with minimal GNOME desktop
- No extra applications
- Dark theme
- Just terminal and file manager

Application Installation

Desktop builds can include additional applications:


Install these desktop applications:
- VS Code
- Slack
- Zoom
- LibreOffice

OpenFactory adds these to the image via packages or Flatpak.

Headless Alternative

For servers, use the headless feature instead:


Create a headless Debian server (no GUI)

This provides a minimal installation without any desktop components.

Verification

Desktop settings are applied via dconf during build. You can verify:

File Browser - Check /etc/dconf/db/local.d/
Test Results - GDM and GNOME session start correctly

Limitations

Desktop customization is only available for GNOME
Some settings require GNOME 40+ or 46+
Extension availability varies by distribution
Custom themes require additional packages