How to configure desktop animations in Ubuntu (GNOME)

Ubuntu provides a flexible environment through GNOME Shell, which supports visual effects and transitions designed to enhance the user experience. These effects, often referred to as desktop animations, rely on compositing and hardware acceleration to run smoothly. They are most visible when launching applications, switching workspaces, or interacting with the overview menu.

In some cases, adjusting these animations can improve performance on lower-end hardware. Reducing or disabling animations can minimize graphics load and boost responsiveness, particularly on devices that struggle with rendering overhead. Advanced users or system administrators sometimes tweak these settings to match performance needs or personal preferences.

Modifying desktop animations in Ubuntu is straightforward through various tools, each offering a simple way to enable, disable, or fine-tune effects. Multiple approaches exist, from using built-in accessibility features to employing third-party utilities or command-line configurations. Understanding these options ensures a smoother, more customized workflow in GNOME.

1. Install GNOME Tweaks if it is not already present.

   GNOME Tweaks is available in the official Ubuntu repositories.

   $ sudo apt update
   Hit:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal InRelease
   Get:2 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal-updates InRelease [114 kB]
   $ sudo apt install gnome-tweaks --verbose
   Reading package lists... Done
   Building dependency tree       
   Reading state information... Done
   The following NEW packages will be installed:
     gnome-tweaks
   0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
   Need to get 57.4 kB of archives.
   After this operation, 237 kB of additional disk space will be used.

2. Launch GNOME Tweaks from the application menu.
3. Select the “General” category and locate the “Animations” toggle.
4. Enable or disable animations according to your preference.
5. Close GNOME Tweaks to apply the changes immediately.

1. Open “Settings” from the application launcher.
2. Navigate to the “Accessibility” (or “Universal Access”) panel.
3. Locate the “Disable Animations” option and switch it on or off as desired.
4. Exit the Settings application to save changes.

   When Animations are disabled, certain visual transitions may no longer appear. Re-enable them if the desktop feels abrupt.

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the Terminal.
2. Disable animations.

   $ gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-animations false

3. Re-enable animations.

   $ gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface enable-animations true

   Ensure gsettings changes are made carefully, as unintended modifications may affect system behavior.