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Xfce4 is a GTK-based [[User-Interfaces|desktop environment]] aiming to be fast and lightweight.<br>
Xfce4 is a GTK-based [[User-Interfaces|desktop environment]] aiming to be fast and lightweight. It works on most devices with a working display, and runs fine without hardware acceleration. Uses latest Xfce version packages from Alpine repository.
 
== Status ==
 
It works on most devices with a working display, and runs fine without hardware acceleration. Uses latest Xfce version packages from Alpine repo.


== Installation ==
== Installation ==
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Note: As the on-screen keyboard is not displayed on demand automatically, it's best to add it to autostart.
Note: As the on-screen keyboard is not displayed on demand automatically, it's best to add it to autostart.


== Fixes ==
== Better (touch) usability ==


# Follow the [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Display Display] guide to change and fix display related issues.
[[File:Corekeyboard.jpg|thumb|200px|Example configuration with CoreKeyboard running on [[Google Nexus 5X(lg-bullhead)|Nexus 5x]] ]]
# Add <code>gvfs</code> and <code>thunar-volman</code> for mounting drives and drive management.
# Change the scaling settings to 2x in <code>Applications/Settings/Appearance/Settings/Window Scaling</code> setting.
# Install <code>lxdm</code> to get restart options in power manager.
# Disable <code>Compositor</code> from <code>Window Manager Tweaks</code> in settings to get faster experience.


[[File:Scrot4.png|thumb|200px|Example configuration with matchbox-keyboard running on [[Samsung_Galaxy_SII_(samsung-i9100)|Galaxy SII]]]]


== Better usability ==
[[File:Corekeyboard.jpg|thumb|200px|Example configuration with CoreKeyboard running on [[Google Nexus 5X(lg-bullhead)|Nexus 5x]] ]]
The best way to use the Xfce will be in Horizontally. So do this step to get better usability from Xfce.
* Rotate the display and touch to horizontal using [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Display Display] guide.
* Rotate the display and touch to horizontal using [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/Display Display] guide.
* In panel setting, change the mode to <code>Deskbar</code>, add <code>wisker-menu</code> and remove other plugins.
* To hide the cursor, edit <code>/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf</code>: uncomment <code>xserver-command=X</code> and add <code> -nocursor</code>.
* Change the scaling settings to 2x in <code>Applications/Settings/Appearance/Settings/Window Scaling</code> setting.
* In <code>Window Manager</code> settings, choose font size of about 16.
* In <code>Panel</code> settings, increasing panel height, and setting panels to hide <code>Intelligently</code>, will make them easier to interact with, without losing effective screen real estate.
* Install <code>lxdm</code> to get restart options in power manager.
* Disable <code>Compositor</code> from <code>Window Manager Tweaks</code> in settings to get faster experience.
* In panel setting, change the mode to <code>Deskbar</code> and remove other plugins.
* In <code>FileManager</code> settings, shortcut pane icon size to 48 px and enable <code>Single Click</code> in Behavior section.
* In <code>FileManager</code> settings, shortcut pane icon size to 48 px and enable <code>Single Click</code> in Behavior section.
* Use [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/CoreApps CoreApps] as they work best in Horizontal screens.
* To hide the cursor, edit <code>/etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf</code>: uncomment <code>xserver-command=X</code> and add <code> -nocursor</code>
== Improving Touchscreen-Friendliness ==
[[File:Scrot4.png|thumb|200px|Example configuration with matchbox-keyboard running on [[Samsung_Galaxy_SII_(samsung-i9100)|Galaxy SII]]]]
In <code>Window Manager</code> settings, changing the theme to <code>Default-hdpi</code> or <code>Default-xhdpi</code> will make window buttons and title bars larger. A font size of about 16 can work well with these themes.
In <code>Panel</code> settings, increasing panel height, and setting panels to hide <code>Intelligently</code>, will make them easier to interact with, without losing effective screen real estate.


This results in something like the right. The only obvious problem is the large, permanent, title bars.
== Additional software ==
* Use [https://wiki.postmarketos.org/wiki/CoreApps CoreApps] as they work best on horizontal screens.
* <code>gvfs</code> and <code>thunar-volman</code> for mounting drives and drive management


[[Category:Interface]]
[[Category:Interface]]

Revision as of 11:42, 30 January 2021

Nexus 5x running Xfce4
Nexus 5x running Xfce4
In postmarketOS
Package postmarketos-ui-xfce4
Status Available

Xfce4 is a GTK-based desktop environment aiming to be fast and lightweight. It works on most devices with a working display, and runs fine without hardware acceleration. Uses latest Xfce version packages from Alpine repository.

Installation

  • pmbootstrap init
  • User interface: xfce4
  • Extra packages: xf86-video-vesa mesa-egl
    • Add matchbox-keyboard[1] or corekeyboard [2] to get an on-screen keyboard

Note: As the on-screen keyboard is not displayed on demand automatically, it's best to add it to autostart.

Better (touch) usability

Example configuration with CoreKeyboard running on Nexus 5x
Example configuration with matchbox-keyboard running on Galaxy SII
  • Rotate the display and touch to horizontal using Display guide.
  • To hide the cursor, edit /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf: uncomment xserver-command=X and add -nocursor.
  • Change the scaling settings to 2x in Applications/Settings/Appearance/Settings/Window Scaling setting.
  • In Window Manager settings, choose font size of about 16.
  • In Panel settings, increasing panel height, and setting panels to hide Intelligently, will make them easier to interact with, without losing effective screen real estate.
  • Install lxdm to get restart options in power manager.
  • Disable Compositor from Window Manager Tweaks in settings to get faster experience.
  • In panel setting, change the mode to Deskbar and remove other plugins.
  • In FileManager settings, shortcut pane icon size to 48 px and enable Single Click in Behavior section.

Additional software

  • Use CoreApps as they work best on horizontal screens.
  • gvfs and thunar-volman for mounting drives and drive management