Compositor Settings

For the best experience with Noctalia, you’ll need to configure your compositor with some specific settings.

Niri configuration

Add the following settings to your Niri configuration file (usually located at ~/.config/niri/config.kdl).

These settings are for general window appearance and functionality.

window-rule {
  // Rounded corners for a modern look.
  geometry-corner-radius 20

  // Clips window contents to the rounded corner boundaries.
  clip-to-geometry true
}

debug {
  // Allows notification actions and window activation from Noctalia.
  honor-xdg-activation-with-invalid-serial
}

Niri wallpaper and overview setup

Next choose one of the following options for your wallpaper and overview setup.

Option 1: Blurred Overview Wallpaper

This minimal configuration allows you to have a blurred and dimmed copy of your wallpaper that appears only in Niri’s overview.

Blurred Overview Wallpaper

// Set the overview wallpaper on the backdrop.
layer-rule {
  match namespace="^noctalia-overview*"
  place-within-backdrop true
}

Option 2: Stationary Wallpaper

If you prefer a stationary wallpaper that is visible at all times and that does not scroll when switching workspaces, use the following configuration.

Stationary Wallpaper

// Set the regular wallpaper on the backdrop.
layer-rule {
  match namespace="^noctalia-wallpaper*"
  place-within-backdrop true
}

// Set transparent workspace background color so you see the backdrop at all time.
layout {
  background-color "transparent"
}

// Optionally, disable the workspace shadows in the overview.
overview {
  workspace-shadow {
    off
  }
}

Option 3: Flat colored overview

If you prefer a more productivity oriented look, you can use this minimal configuration.

Flat colored overview

overview {
  // Choose your favorite color.
  backdrop-color "#26233a"
}