If you haven't followed a link from there to get here, please make sure to at least read the introduction of the original entry before using this guide.
So why another one?
The original how-to was written with the "standard" Ubuntu user in mind and therefore strictly focuses on GNOME. Since there are at least two more popular desktop environments around that are officially supported by Ubuntu, I felt that I owe those KDE and Xfce users a similar opportunity to get their desktop effects as well.
Although this guide will not be as detailed as the original one, I tried to give as much information as I felt was necessary.
And while I planned to provide a how-to for more experienced users, I felt that I couldn't ignore the Kubuntu and Xubuntu users, that are new to Ubuntu and Linux in general.
So this will focus mostly on terminal commands but gives additional infos you might need, instead of just telling you what to do (that's the problem with most how-tos in my opinion, as many users just copy & paste some commands and have no clue what they're actually doing).
Install Compiz Fusion on Feisty
Before we start, it's absolutely necessary to remove all the packages related to Compiz, Beryl and/or Emerald that you might have installed.
For Compiz this should do the job:
sudo apt-get remove compiz* && sudo apt-get autoremoveAnd to completely remove Beryl and Emerald, type:
sudo apt-get remove beryl* emerald* && sudo apt-get autoremoveIt's also of vital importance to remove any third-party repository for Compiz and/or Beryl you have added to your sources.list!
Adding the Repository
To add the repository to your sources.list via terminal you can simply type:
sudo su -c 'echo deb http://ppa.dogfood.launchpad.net/amaranth/ubuntu feisty main >> /etc/apt/sources.list'
Afterwards, we have to update the package informations:
sudo apt-get update
Choosing the packages
Now you have to choose which of the following packages you want to install:
- compiz (only recommended for GNOME users) - this is a metapackage that will install Compiz as well as Compiz Fusion - but also the "gtk-window-decorator" which depends on Metacity (GNOME's window decorator) and will therefore pull lots of GNOME-dependencies.
- compiz-core - that's just the Compiz window manager without any plugins at all
- compiz-kde (optional for KDE users) - this will install a window decorator that uses your KWin-themes on Compiz
- compiz-gnome (optional for GNOME users) - window decorator for Metacity themes on Compiz (this packages is already included in compiz)
- compiz-plugins - standard plugins for Compiz (like cube and wobbly windows)
- compiz-fusion-plugins-main - main plugins of the Compiz Fusion project (see here for details)
- compiz-fusion-plugins-extra - additional Compiz Fusion plugins (details)
- compizconfig-settings-manager (recommended) - powerful configuration tool for Compiz and it's plugins
- sexy-python (optional) - required for clear-buttons in certain input fields
- emerald (optional) - nice independent window decorator
- emerald-themes (optional) - a set of themes for Emerald
Tips for installing Compiz Fusion
Recommended install for Kubuntu users
This will install Compiz with all the plugins available as well as the "CompizConfig Settings Manager". It will also install the kde-window-decorator that makes sure you can continue using your current KWin window boarders:
sudo apt-get install compiz-kde compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compizconfig-settings-manager sexy-python
You might want to include the packages for Emerald as well - or install it later via:
sudo apt-get install emerald emerald-themesInstalling Compiz Fusion only with Emerald
(recommended for Xubuntu users)
If you're sure you only want to use Emerald themes witch Compiz and pass on KWin or Metacity window boarders, type:
sudo apt-get install compiz-plugins compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra compizconfig-settings-manager sexy-python emerald emerald-themesIn order to do so, open your sources.list in a text editor (you need to be root to modify it), e.g.
sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.listIt should look like this then:
# deb http://ppa.dogfood.launchpad.net/amaranth/ubuntu feisty mainThis is certainly easier with a graphical text editor like kate (KDE), mousepad (Xfce) or gedit (GNOME).
First steps
Before we launch Compiz for the first time, start the CompizConfig Settings Manager via System → Preferences
The command for the terminal or [Alt]+[F2] is simply:
ccsm
- There we click on Preferences and in the Backend section choose "Flat-file Configuration Backend" (this is the most reliable and it won't mess with any of your previous settings of Compiz).
- Then create a new profile, so that you can easily switch back to default and back. To do so, click on the [+] in the Profile section.
- Last but not least, click Back and look for the Window Decoration button. Right next to Command, type kde-window-decorator, gtk-window-decorator or emerald (depending on what you want to use - this will prevent the window borders to disappear in certain situations).
If you want to use Emerald as your default window decorator but have another one installed too, see below.
Run Compiz
Press [Alt]+[F2] and type:
compiz --replaceThis should start Compiz with the window decorator you chose above.
If you want to use Emerald instead of your standard window boarder, press [Alt]+[F2] again and type:
emerald --replace
Run Compiz with Emerald by default (optional)
When you didn't choose to install Compiz Fusion only with Emerald but you still want to start Compiz with Emerald right away, there are two ways to achieve this:
- Remove the package compiz-kde or compiz-gnome
This will leave you without your window boarders, that you are used to from your desktop environment (only on Compiz, of course), so you should only do that when you are certain you solely want to use Emerald from now on! - Create a startscript via
and type:nano start-compiz
Then save the file by pressing [Ctrl]+[o] and then [Enter] (it will get created in your home folder).#!/bin/bash
compiz --replace &
sleep 5
emerald --replace
Additionally we have to make the file executable:
chmod +x start-compiz
After this, you can use that file to start Compiz - it's even possible to use that file with a launcher in the panel (or on the desktop) and of course use it for the command in the startup programs
Either way, insert emerald at CompizConfig Settings Manager → Window Decoration → Command
Configure Compiz and it's plugins
This section of the guide has been moved to a separate blog entry
Troubleshooting
Compiz doesn't work at all
Please make sure you have the right driver for your graphics card installed as well as configured it correctly.
Here are some rules of the thumb depending on your graphics card brand:
Nvidia user
Install the appropriate package depending on your card's type:
- nvidia-glx-new - GeForce5/FX and above
- nvidia-glx - from GeForce2 MX to GeForce4
- nvidia-glx-legacy - older cards like TNT, TNT2, TNT Ultra, GeForce, and GeForce2 without MX
Afterwards, run this command in a terminal to make sure your xorg.conf is configured correctly:
sudo nvidia-xconfig --add-argb-glx-visuals -d 24
ATI user
If your graphics card is supported by the open radeon driver, it should work out-of-the-box with Compiz.
Check your xorg.conf, if ati is listed as the driver:
sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
this is how it should look like:
Section "Device"
Identifier "ATI Technologies, Inc. RV350 AR [Radeon 9600 XT]"
Driver "ati"
BusID "PCI:2:0:0"
EndSectionIf you want to make sure or it's set to "vesa" (then your graphics card didn't get recognized by default) change it to "radeon" (but nothing else!)
If you want (or have) to use the fglrx driver, you have to install and set up Xgl (I strongly recommend Method A)
Intel user
Normally there are no troubles with intel chips whatsoever, since there is an open driver available, that comes with Ubuntu by default.
If you have issues nevertheless, have a look at this.
Compiz Fusion needs too much resources on Xgl
Try starting Compiz this way:
LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib/fglrx/libGL.so.1.2.xlibmesa compiz --replaceCompiz freezes randomly and/or permanently on logout
If you are using a Nvidia driver, try this:
Open the startscript for Compiz:
sudo nano /usr/bin/compiz
look for the line about "No indirect by default" and change it to
INDIRECT=0
No cube and wobbly windows
It's not a bug, it's a feature. 
Just check out the following guide how to set up Compiz Fusion
Additionally, you might want to check out this thread on the ubuntuforums, where I already answered many other questions.
Regards,
Nick
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Comments 
Well, I thought if you added it, I didn't need to tell you this.
But please just have a look at the section where I describe how to disable the repository of this guide (it starts with "Due to a bug..."). I hope this helps.
please tell me if by remove ALL repositories from third party that were for compiz, you mean these as well..........
tuxfamily.org/3vldebfeisty. eyecandy and same but is source
i have tried your hot to twice with horrible affects no doubt due to my not removing all the repositories correctly
i cant copy and paste from third parties list or i would.
[quote]please tell me if by remove ALL repositories from third party that were for compiz, you mean these as well..........
tuxfamily.org/3vldebfeisty. eyecandy and same but is source[/quote]
Yes, particularly this one.
Ok so I think I followed the instructions very carefully and thoroughly, but when I try to initialize compiz with the 'compiz --replace' command it gives me this:
Checking for Xgl: not present.
Checking for texture_from_pixmap: present.
Checking for non power of two support: present.
Checking for Composite extension: not present.
aborting and using fallback: /usr/bin/metacity
no /usr/bin/metacity found, exiting
and 'emerald --replace' gives me this:
(emerald:4976): GLib-GObject-CRITICAL **: g_object_ref: assertion `G_IS_OBJECT (object)' failed
I tried them using 'alt-F4' first, then in terminal to get these readouts. I know the Composite extension is disabled because it causes all of my games to freeze, so I hope it doesn't need this...
anyways, I'm running Xubuntu 7.04 using the Xfce desktop, the 2.6.20-16-generic kernel, and a FX5200 128mb Nvidia using the proprietary nvidia-glx-new (NVIDIA UNIX x86 Kernel Module 1.0-9755)
I'm a newbie to linux so i hope I provided ample info, and thanks for any help!
[quote]the Composite extension is disabled[/quote]
But that's exactly what those effects are about. I suggest you get your games working with composite enabled before you try Compiz. I'm afraid, I can't help you much with Nvidia cards, so just start a thread in the ubuntuforums. I'm confident that this can be worked out. Good luck.
Yeah I had a feeling that was the problem, it seems the Nvidia drivers don't play nice with composite (maybe they'll fix this soon), but nevertheless thank you for an excellent walk-trhough and if I can get everything to cooperate I'll definitely refer back to this blog.
Nice tutorial but didnt even come close to working for me. Using newly installed Feisty with Intel graphics card. In the xorg.conf file it states i810 but when doing lsmod it lists i915 -- so Im assuming the i915 driver is loaded. Did all the steps above, when installing I removed all the repositories execept yours (had to go back and restore the old list to get sexy-python and emerald-themes). After trying to launch compiz at the command prompt with compiz --replace -c emerald &, I lost all the tops, could not Alt-Tab, could not minimize window -- had to basically reboot. The link for the Intel cards was even worse -- after making the changes, I couldnt even boot, and had to go into recovery mode to revert. I tried the big long command line also, but this seemed to have the same effect as the above -- no tops, no minimization, no alt-tabs, etc.
I really dont know what to do at this point. Seems like it might not work for me! Funny thing with the original fesity installation was that under System->Preferences there was a Desktop Effects option (now gone), that gave some beryl-like effect with some minor wobbliness and window trailing and menu effects. No globe or cube or anything. Im not sure what this option really was, but its gone now!!
Hi Kevin,
if you want to get that option back, just remove Compiz Fusion completely as well as the repository of this guide and install the package desktop-effects.
P.S. please enable all of the Ubuntu repositories again in your sources.list - I was only referring to third-party repos there!
Any other suggestions. I was so hoping the guide would work for me.
If the pre-installed desktop effects worked for you, there's actually no reason, why the Compiz Fusion packages shouldn't work for you. But I don't know what you might have changed by now. So I'd recommend switching back and see if they still work for you. If so, follow the guide again and run
compiz --replaceThanks for the tutorial! I'm now running Compiz with KDE 3.5.7 and nVidia GeForce 6600 GT.
I ran into only two problems trying to get things working:
1. my desktop was initially in 32bit mode, so I had to change it to 24bit as per your instructions.
2. Window decoration command for KDE 3.5.7 is kde-window-decorator
Once I corrected these problems I now have a running Compiz with suprisingly good performance!
Next I think I'll try Emerald for even more eyecandy ;)
kde-window-decorator
great how-to still screw up. i am running xubuntu and after i start compiz i lose my borders in my windows(you know job of xfwm4) i thought that emerald was for that but after emerald --replace i get nothing. please help thanks
If you are running a Nvidia card, try the command in the troubleshooting section "to make sure your xorg.conf is configured correctly".
Hey buddy, i run kubuntu 7.10 on my MacBook Pro. I was going to get disappointed from running Compiz Fusion on my machine until i found your tutorial. Now everything works perfectly fine. You´ve done a great job ! Thanks !
Nice guide and dugg.
I found the viewport/desktop challenge/debate has been quite time consuming and there's hope KDE4 will make the way this is managed much better / logical.
Meanwhile, you might find you need to give kicker a restart once compiz has started as the applets such as Desktop Pager may not correctly reproduce the desired result.
To do so you can use command line to execute:
$ dcop kicker kicker restart
My workaround was to add an autostart script i.e. create the following file:
~e/.kde/Autostart/kicker_restart
Put the content below in the file and save it, then on restart kicker is refreshed along with the corresponding applets:
[Desktop Entry]
Comment=
Encoding=UTF-8
Exec=dcop kicker kicker restart
StartupNotify=false
Terminal=false
Type=Application
X-DCOP-ServiceType=
X-KDE-SubstituteUID=false
X-KDE-autostart-after=compiz
HTH
Ed.
Just realized that perhaps it'd be nice to notify you that I've created a blog post myself for which your instructions were very helpful.
Whats that means???
thanks =8)
compiz --replace
Checking for Xgl: not present.
Detected PCI ID for VGA: 01:00.0 0300: 10de:0141 (rev a2) (prog-if 00 [VGA])
Checking for texture_from_pixmap: present.
Checking for non power of two support: present.
Checking for Composite extension: present.
Comparing resolution (1400x1050) to maximum 3D texture size (4096): Passed.
Checking for nVidia: present.
Checking for FBConfig: present.
Checking for Xgl: not present.
Starting emerald
/usr/bin/compiz.real (video) - Warn: No 8 bit GLX pixmap format, disabling YV12 image format....
help plz
Looks good to me. To get rid of the warning regarding the video plugin, just disable that option in ccsm.
Is Compiz not running?
Now I can't enter ccsm for some reason.
All the effecs I selected when ccsm worked are running correctly. But now I can't desable video pugin... or make any change.
Do I have to reinstall ccsm or what?
Plz help =8)
Did you make sure, you don't have any third-party repository (apart from the one of the how-to) enabled?
That's most certainly the reason. Go through the whole how-to again and follow the instructions carefully.
Works like a buick. T2400-2G of ram and gt8500. Thanks
I installed... BUT its not woking correctly... if i go to system > preferences > themes and then to the las tab "effects" and if i choose tthe normal or the extra the effects will work but my window borders wont... I stopped in the part Due to a bug because if i continue and if i write compiz --replace its gonna break my borders for good and im gonna have to re-install ubuntu again....
any solution ? :<
I am running Ubuntu 8.10 and Compiz works fine, though I lost my boarders too but soon realized by going into System>Preferences>Appearance and looking in "Visual Effect" that none of the package options were selected. So it must have been disabled, i put this on Normal (I assume it would work for any), and the borders popped back up. Also if youre having the problem of not being able to open 'Add/Remove Applications' because you entered a bad or issued repository, simply go to System>Administration>Synaptic Package Manager, then under 'Settings' select 'Repositories' and go to tab 'Third-Party Software'
An Added hint for anywho who gets confused, your Visual Effects must be on for your compiz to work
Compiz-Switch
Compiz-Check
Ubuntu
Ubuntu forums
Compiz
Compiz Fusion forum
"It's also of vital importance to remove any third-party repository for Compiz and/or Beryl you have added to your sources.list!"
how do i do this please?