DEV Community: Sunil Pradhan

Xournal++ vs Rnote on Linux Mint: Two Note-Taking Apps, Two Very Different Workflows

Sunil Pradhan — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:42:14 +0000

If you are using Linux Mint and looking for a good handwriting or note-taking application, you will quickly come across two interesting open-source options:
Xournal++ and Rnote.

At first glance, they look quite similar.

Both let you write with a stylus, draw on a digital canvas, erase things, add text, and organize your notes. If you have a drawing tablet such as a Wacom, both can turn your Linux desktop into something that feels surprisingly close to writing on paper.

But after using both, I don't think the best way to look at them is:

"Which one is better?"

A more useful question is:

"What am I trying to do?"

For me, the answer is quite different depending on the situation.

Xournal++ feels like a digital notebook.

Rnote feels more like a digital whiteboard.

And that difference makes them useful for completely different workflows.

Why use handwriting apps on a computer in the first place?

Before getting into the applications, you might be wondering:

Why not just use a normal text editor?

As a software engineer, I spend a lot of time typing. For documentation, programming, emails, configuration files, and normal notes, a keyboard is obviously faster.

But there are some things that are simply easier to explain or understand by drawing.

Think about:

solving a math problem
working through an algebra equation
drawing a flowchart
sketching a software architecture
explaining an algorithm
drawing a network diagram
quickly annotating a PDF
making a rough UI idea
explaining something to another person

When you need to put these thoughts down quickly, handwriting can actually be more natural than typing.

And this is where a cheap drawing tablet becomes surprisingly useful.

Turning a Wacom tablet into a digital notebook

You don't necessarily need an expensive pen display.

A simple pen tablet such as:

Wacom Intuos Medium CTL-6100WL
Wacom One by Wacom CTL-472

can work as a digital pen.

You look at your monitor while moving the pen on the tablet, and your handwriting appears on the screen.

At first, this feels slightly strange.

You are writing on one surface while looking at another.

But once you get used to it, the combination of Linux Mint + Wacom + Xournal++/Rnote becomes a very interesting paper replacement.

And there is one major advantage:

You don't run out of pages.

Xournal++: My Digital Notebook

If I had to describe Xournal++ in one sentence, I would say:

Xournal++ is what I would reach for when I want to replace a physical notebook.

It is particularly interesting when your notes involve handwriting, PDFs, diagrams, equations, and annotations.

1. Practising mathematics without using paper

This is probably one of the most obvious use cases.

Imagine that you are preparing for an aptitude test or simply trying to improve your mathematics.

Normally, you might have:

Question → notebook → pen → solve → erase → solve again

With Xournal++, the workflow becomes:

Question → Xournal++ → Wacom tablet → solve

You can write equations naturally, cross things out, draw arrows, circle important numbers, and work through the problem exactly as you would on paper.

For example, you could practise:

Algebra
Linear equations
Quadratic equations
Percentages
Ratios
Probability
Number systems
Logical reasoning
Aptitude questions
Calculus
Geometry

The interesting part is that you are not trying to turn mathematics into a typed document.

You are simply recreating the scratch-paper experience digitally.

2. Solving programming problems by hand

This is where it becomes particularly useful for a software engineer.

Before writing code, sometimes I want to think about the problem away from the editor.

For example, suppose I am trying to understand a recursive algorithm.

Instead of immediately opening VS Code and writing code, I can sketch:

solve(5)
   |
   +---- solve(4)
   |       |
   |       +---- solve(3)
   |
   +---- ...

I can draw arrows, write intermediate values, cross out mistakes and experiment with different approaches.

This can be especially useful for:

recursion
dynamic programming
sorting algorithms
graph algorithms
tree traversal
memory layouts
state machines
algorithm complexity
debugging logic

Sometimes the fastest way to understand a programming problem isn't to type more code.

It's to draw the problem first.

3. Digital scratch paper while programming

Here's another simple use case.

Imagine you're debugging something complicated.

You have:

API
 ↓
Controller
 ↓
Service
 ↓
Repository
 ↓
Database

But somewhere in that chain something isn't behaving as expected.

Rather than opening another text file and writing a perfectly formatted document, you can simply draw the architecture and start making notes.

For example:

"Request reaches here."

"Why is this value null?"

"Check this function."

"Maybe race condition?"

That's exactly what a physical piece of paper is good at.

Xournal++ gives you that scratch space without the physical paper.

4. Annotating PDFs

This is another area where Xournal++ becomes extremely useful.

Suppose you're reading:

programming documentation
a textbook
research papers
lecture notes
technical documentation
exam material

Instead of just reading the PDF, you can write directly on it.

Circle something.

Underline something.

Add an explanation.

Draw an arrow.

Write a question in the margin.

It starts feeling much more like studying from a physical book.

5. Learning something difficult

I also think handwriting is particularly useful when learning.

For example, imagine learning a new computer science concept.

You could create a page containing:

Binary Search Tree
        50
       /  \
     30    70
    / \    / \
   20 40  60 80

Then annotate it:

insertion
deletion
traversal
complexity
edge cases

The page doesn't need to be beautiful.

It only needs to help your brain understand the concept.

That's one of the biggest advantages of handwriting.

6. Brainstorming software ideas

Not every idea starts as a polished architecture diagram.

Sometimes it starts as:

     App
      |
   ┌──┴──┐
   ?     ?
  API   DB
   |
   ???

You can scribble ideas, move around the page and connect things.

That makes Xournal++ useful as a software-engineering scratchpad.

You could have separate notebooks/pages for:

Project ideas
Architecture
Database design
Algorithms
Interview preparation
Learning notes
Debugging sessions
Meeting notes

Rnote: When the Notebook Becomes a Whiteboard

Now we get to Rnote.

My mental model for Rnote is quite different.

If Xournal++ feels like:

"My digital notebook"

Rnote feels more like:

"A whiteboard sitting on my desktop."

And that makes it particularly interesting for explaining things.

1. Explaining concepts visually

Imagine you're trying to explain how an HTTP request works.

You could simply type:

The client sends an HTTP request to the server, which processes the request and returns a response.

Or...

You could draw:

┌──────────┐       HTTP Request       ┌──────────┐
│  Client  │ ───────────────────────> │  Server  │
│          │ <─────────────────────── │          │
└──────────┘       HTTP Response      └──────────┘

And then talk through it.

The second approach can be much easier to understand.

This is where Rnote becomes interesting.

2. Use Rnote + OBS Studio for YouTube videos

This is probably my favourite Rnote use case.

You can combine:

Rnote + Wacom + OBS Studio + microphone

to create a very simple educational video setup.

For example, imagine you want to make a YouTube video:

"How recursion works"

Instead of preparing dozens of slides, you open Rnote and start drawing.

factorial(4)

    ↓

4 × factorial(3)

    ↓

4 × 3 × factorial(2)

    ↓

4 × 3 × 2 × factorial(1)

    ↓

24

While OBS records your screen, you explain the concept using your Wacom tablet.

You can pause.

Erase something.

Draw another arrow.

Go back.

Add another example.

It feels much more like a teacher standing at a whiteboard.

And you don't need a complicated video-production setup.

3. Explain programming concepts

This workflow can work extremely well for software-engineering content.

For example:

"How a HashMap works"

You could draw:

        key
         ↓
      hash()
         ↓
   ┌───────────┐
   │  Bucket 3 │
   └─────┬─────┘
         ↓
      value

Then gradually build the explanation.

Or:

"How Git works"

Draw:

Working Tree
     ↓
   git add
     ↓
Staging Area
     ↓
  git commit
     ↓
 Repository

Or:

"How Docker containers work"

Draw:

Application
     ↓
 Container
     ↓
 Docker Engine
     ↓
    Linux
     ↓
   Kernel

The visual explanation becomes the video.

4. System architecture sketches

As a software engineer, this is another area where I think Rnote can shine.

Suppose you're designing a system:

             ┌────────────┐
             │   Client   │
             └─────┬──────┘
                   ↓
             ┌────────────┐
             │ API Server │
             └─────┬──────┘
                   ↓
        ┌──────────┴──────────┐
        ↓                     ↓
   ┌─────────┐          ┌──────────┐
   │  Cache  │          │ Database │
   └─────────┘          └──────────┘

You can sketch the architecture while explaining your thinking.

This is useful not only for YouTube videos but also for:

team discussions
technical interviews
design brainstorming
architecture planning
explaining bugs
teaching junior developers

5. Recording yourself solving a problem

Another interesting workflow is to turn Rnote into a digital problem-solving whiteboard.

For example:

"Let's solve this algorithm problem together."

Open Rnote.

Start OBS.

Read the problem.

Then think aloud while drawing.

You don't need perfectly prepared slides.

The imperfections can actually make the explanation feel more natural.

Xournal++ vs Rnote: How I Think About Them

Rather than comparing dozens of features, I would use a simple rule:

Situation	App I'd choose
Practising mathematics	Xournal++
Aptitude preparation	Xournal++
Annotating PDFs	Xournal++
Personal handwritten notes	Xournal++
Programming scratch work	Xournal++
Studying technical material	Xournal++
Brainstorming	Either
Explaining a concept visually	Rnote
Whiteboard-style teaching	Rnote
Recording tutorials	Rnote
YouTube educational videos	Rnote
Architecture sketches	Rnote
Drawing while explaining	Rnote

Of course, there is overlap.

You can use either application for many of these tasks.

The point isn't that one application cannot do something.

It's that each one encourages a slightly different workflow.

My Linux Workflow

If I were setting up a Linux Mint machine specifically for these kinds of activities, my setup would be something like:

Linux Mint
↓
Wacom tablet
↓
Xournal++ → studying, mathematics, notes, PDFs, problem solving
Rnote → whiteboarding, explaining, teaching, recording
↓
OBS Studio → recording the screen
↓
YouTube → publishing tutorials

And suddenly a Linux desktop becomes more than just a programming environment.

It becomes a small digital classroom.

The Paper Replacement Experiment

One of the most interesting things about this setup is that you don't have to completely abandon paper on day one.

Try a small experiment.

Take one activity that you normally do on paper.

For example:

Solving 20 aptitude questions.

Instead of taking a notebook, open Xournal++.

Connect your Wacom tablet.

Create a page.

Start solving.

After a week, ask yourself:

Was writing comfortable?
Was the tablet responsive enough?
Did I make fewer or more mistakes?
Was it easier to keep everything organized?
Did I actually enjoy the workflow?
Did I miss physical paper?

You might discover that some tasks are actually better digitally.

And for others, you may still prefer paper.

That's perfectly fine.

The goal isn't to replace paper because paper is bad.

The goal is to find situations where digital handwriting is simply more convenient.

You Don't Need to Be an Artist

This is probably the most important thing for beginners.

You don't need beautiful handwriting.

You don't need artistic skills.

You don't need an expensive Wacom display.

You don't need a huge monitor.

And you certainly don't need to create perfect diagrams.

A rough circle with an arrow pointing to a box can sometimes explain a software concept better than a perfectly formatted diagram.

The important thing is:

Don't think of Xournal++ and Rnote as drawing applications.

Think of them as thinking tools.

Your keyboard is great when you know exactly what you want to say.

Your pen is great when you're still figuring out what you think.

Final Thoughts

For me, Xournal++ and Rnote aren't really competitors.

They solve two different problems.

Xournal++ is the digital notebook I would use when I want to work something out.

Math problems.
Programming problems.
PDF annotations.
Study notes.
Algorithms.
Random ideas.
Debugging.
Scratch work.

Rnote is the digital whiteboard I would use when I want to explain something.

Draw it.
Talk about it.
Record it.
Share it.
Teach it.

And when you combine either one with a simple Wacom tablet, Linux Mint becomes surprisingly capable as a handwriting and teaching environment.

You may start by thinking:

"I just want to replace my notebook."

And eventually find yourself thinking:

"Wait... I can use this to teach on YouTube too."

That's where this setup gets really interesting.

How to Customize the Linux Mint Login Window

Sunil Pradhan — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:42:11 +0000

If you are new to Linux Mint, you may have noticed that the login screen has its own settings.

You can change the wallpaper, theme, icons, mouse pointer, user list, clock, and several other options.

Linux Mint provides a tool called Login Window for this.

In this guide, we will go through the available options in simple terms and see how to create your own wallpaper folder for the login screen.

Open Login Window Settings

Open the Linux Mint menu and search for:

Login Window

You may be asked for your password because some of these settings affect the system login screen.

You will see three tabs:

Appearance
Users
Settings

Let's look at each one.

1. Appearance

The Appearance tab controls how the login screen looks.

You will find options for:

Background
Background color
GTK theme
Icon theme
Mouse pointer
Mouse pointer size
Etc.

Change the Login Screen Wallpaper

The easiest and most noticeable customization is the wallpaper.

In:

Login Window → Appearance → Background

click the image or folder button and select your wallpaper.

You can use any normal image such as:

JPG
JPEG
PNG

A high-resolution image usually looks best.

For example, a 1920×1080 wallpaper is a good choice for a Full HD screen.

Create Your Own Wallpaper Folder

If you download wallpapers from the internet, it can be useful to keep them in one dedicated folder.

You can simply keep them in your home directory, for example:

This is the easiest option and does not require administrator permissions.

However, Linux Mint also has a system-wide backgrounds directory:

/usr/share/backgrounds

You will find the standard Linux Mint wallpapers there.

How to Open /usr/share/backgrounds

Open Files (Nemo).

Press:

Ctrl + L

This lets you enter a location manually.

Type:

/usr/share/backgrounds

and press Enter.

You should now be inside the system backgrounds folder.

Create a Custom System Wallpaper Folder

If you want your wallpapers to live alongside the system wallpapers, you can create your own folder.

For example:

/usr/share/backgrounds/my-wallpapers

Open a Terminal and run:

sudo mkdir /usr/share/backgrounds/my-wallpapers

Enter your password when asked.

The folder is now created then copy your wallpapers into it.

Background Color

The Background color option controls the color used behind the wallpaper.

For example:

Black
Dark gray
Blue
White

For a dark wallpaper, black usually looks good.

You can simply leave it at the default if you are happy with it.

Stretch Background Across Multiple Monitors

This option matters if you have more than one monitor.

For example:

With Stretch background across multiple monitors enabled, Linux Mint can treat the monitors as one large area:

If you only have one monitor, this option does nothing.

Draw User Backgrounds

This controls whether the login screen can use backgrounds associated with individual users.

If you only have one account and want a simple, consistent login screen, you can leave this at its default.

Draw a Grid

This adds a grid effect to the login background.

Without it:

Beautiful wallpaper

With it:

Wallpaper + grid pattern

It is purely a visual option.

For a clean modern login screen, I would leave it off.

GTK Theme

GTK controls the visual style of the login interface.

It affects things such as:

Login box
Buttons
Text fields
Colors
Borders
General interface appearance

For example, Linux Mint provides themes such as:

Mint-Y
Mint-Y-Dark
Mint-Y-Aqua
Mint-Y-Blue
Mint-Y-Teal

A dark login screen can look especially good with:

Mint-Y-Dark

Can You Install Custom GTK Themes?

This is where Linux Mint can be a little confusing.

You can install desktop themes such as:

Orchis
WhiteSur
Graphite
Nordic
Fluent

However, a theme being installed on your desktop does not automatically mean it will appear in the Login Window theme selector.

Your desktop and login screen are separate.

Linux Mint's login screen uses:

LightDM + Slick Greeter

Many custom GTK themes are designed primarily for desktop environments such as Cinnamon or GNOME. They may not work correctly with Slick Greeter.

Therefore, if you want a reliable login screen, Mint's own Mint-Y themes are the safest choice.

You can still experiment with custom themes, but always keep a working Mint theme available.

Icon Theme

The icon theme controls the icons used by the login screen.

For example:

Power icon
Login-related icons
Other small interface icons

Linux Mint provides its own icon themes.

You can also install popular icon themes such as Papirus.

For example:

sudo apt install papirus-icon-theme

After installation, you may see options such as:

Papirus
Papirus-Dark

Papirus-Dark can work nicely with:

Mint-Y-Dark

Mouse Pointer

This controls the appearance of your mouse cursor on the login screen.

There are many cursor themes available for Linux.

A popular choice is Bibata.

For example:

Bibata-Modern-Classic
Bibata-Original-Ice

If you already have Bibata installed, it is a very good choice.

Mouse Pointer Size

This controls how large the cursor appears.

For example:

If you have a normal Full HD laptop display, something around 24 is usually comfortable.

On a high-resolution display, you may prefer a larger cursor.

Other Monitors

Further down the Appearance tab, you may see:

Other monitors

This is only useful when you have multiple monitors. You can choose a separate image for another monitor.

For example:

Main monitor → Mountain.jpg
Other monitor → Space.jpg

If you have only one screen, you can ignore this option.

Bottom Left

The Bottom left option lets you select a small image to display in the bottom-left area of the login screen.

You could use:

A logo
A small icon
A custom image
A company logo

For a personal computer, you can simply leave it empty.

2. Users

The Users tab controls who can log in and how the login process works.

There are three main sections:

User list
Guest sessions
Automatic login

Allow Manual Login

When this is disabled, the login screen normally shows the available users.

For example:

Sunil
Password: __________

With manual login enabled, you can type the username manually.

For example:

Username: __________
Password: __________

For a normal personal laptop, leaving this disabled is usually simpler.

Hide the User List

If this is disabled, your account appears on the login screen.

For example:

Sunil

If you enable it, the list of users is hidden and you can enter the username manually.

This can provide a little more privacy because the login screen does not show the available usernames.

For a single-user personal laptop, you can leave it disabled for convenience.

Allow Guest Sessions

A guest session allows someone to use the computer without logging into your normal account.

For example:

Sunil
Guest Session

Guest sessions are useful if you occasionally want someone to use the computer without giving them access to your account.

If you don't need this feature, leave it off.

Automatic Login

Automatic login means Linux Mint logs into your account automatically after starting the computer.

Instead of:

Start computer
↓
Login screen
↓
Enter password
↓
Desktop

you get:

Start computer
↓
Desktop

You don't have to enter your password.

This is convenient, but anyone who can start the computer can access your account.

For a personal laptop, decide whether convenience or security is more important to you.

Delay Before Connection

This option is related to automatic login.

You can specify a delay before automatic login takes place.

For example:

10 seconds

The computer waits before logging in automatically.

This gives you a short opportunity to interrupt the automatic login.

If you don't use automatic login, you can ignore this setting.

3. Settings

The Settings tab controls additional login-screen features.

Activate NumLock

NumLock controls the numeric keypad.

If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, enabling NumLock makes the number keys work as numbers when the login screen appears.

Linux Mint may tell you:

Please install numlockx to use this option.

If you need it, install it with:

sudo apt install numlockx

If you don't use a numeric keypad, you can ignore this option.

HiDPI Support

HiDPI is useful for high-resolution displays such as:

2K
4K
Other high-density screens

Without proper scaling, text and buttons can appear too small.

The default:

Auto

is usually the best choice.

Linux Mint can decide how the login screen should be scaled.

Monitor

This controls which monitor is used for the login screen when multiple monitors are connected.

The default:

Auto

is normally the best choice.

If you have multiple monitors and want the login screen to appear on a specific one, you can experiment with this option.

Panel Indicators

These options control the small pieces of information shown around the login screen.

You can enable or disable them individually.

Hostname

The hostname is the computer's name.

For example:

sunil-Inspiron-14

You can display it on the login screen.

For a personal computer, it is usually unnecessary.

Recommendation: Off

Accessibility Options

This provides access to accessibility features before logging in.

If you need accessibility tools, keep it enabled.

Otherwise:

Recommendation: Off

On-Screen Keyboard Layout

This controls the layout of the on-screen keyboard.

An on-screen keyboard is useful when you don't want to or cannot use a physical keyboard.

Most laptop users can simply leave the default setting.

Battery Power

This shows the battery status on the login screen.

For a laptop, this is useful.

For example:

85%

Recommendation: On

Keyboard Layout

This shows the current keyboard layout.

For example:

EN

If you use multiple keyboard languages, this is particularly useful.

Recommendation: On

Quit Menu

The Quit Menu gives you options such as:

Restart
Shut down
Suspend

directly from the login screen.

Recommendation: On

It is useful to have these options available.

Clock

This displays the current time on the login screen.

For example:

22:45

It is both useful and visually nice.

Recommendation: On

Clock Format

You can change how the clock is displayed.

The default:

%H:%M

uses the 24-hour format.

For example:

22:45

If you prefer the 12-hour format, you can use:

%I:%M %p

which gives:

10:45 PM

One Important Thing to Remember

Linux Mint has two separate areas of customization:

Desktop
↓
Cinnamon Themes, Extensions, Applets, etc.

A theme you install for your Cinnamon desktop does not necessarily work on the login screen.

That is why a theme such as Orchis or WhiteSur can appear in your normal desktop theme settings but not appear in the Login Window GTK theme list.

For the login screen, the safest themes are the ones designed to work with Slick Greeter, including the built-in Mint-Y themes.

Linux Mint Keyboard Shortcuts Every Beginner Should Know

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:28:31 +0000

When I switched to Linux Mint, I quickly realized something.

I was using my mouse... a lot.

Coming from Windows, I didn't know which keyboard shortcuts worked, which were different, and which could actually make me faster.

So I started learning them one by one.

If you're also new to Linux Mint, this guide will save you time. You don't need to memorize all of them today—just learn a few, use them every day, and they'll soon become second nature.

Why Learn Keyboard Shortcuts?

Think of keyboard shortcuts like shortcuts in real life.

Imagine walking to the kitchen every time you need a glass of water. Now imagine someone installs a slide that gets you there in two seconds.

That's what keyboard shortcuts do.

Instead of clicking through menus, you press a few keys and get things done instantly.

1. Open the Menu

Shortcut

Super

Super is simply the Windows key on your keyboard.

Press it once and Linux Mint opens the application menu.

From there you can immediately start typing.

For example:

Super

Then type:

Firefox

Terminal

No hunting through menus.

2. Open the Terminal

One shortcut you'll use a lot while learning Linux is:

Ctrl + Alt + T

It opens the Terminal instantly.

If you're following Linux tutorials online, this shortcut alone will save hundreds of clicks.

3. Switch Between Open Applications

Have several applications open?

Use:

Alt + Tab

Keep holding Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through open applications.

Think of it as flipping through cards on your desk.

4. Show the Desktop

Need to quickly see your desktop?

Press:

Super + D

Press it again to restore all your windows.

Very handy when your screen gets crowded.

5. Snap Windows Side by Side

Working with documentation and code?

Or watching a tutorial while practicing?

Use:

Super + Left Arrow

Moves the current window to the left half.

Super + Right Arrow

Moves it to the right half.

This is one of my favorite productivity shortcuts.

6. Maximize or Restore a Window

Instead of clicking the maximize button:

Alt + F10

Maximizes the window.

To restore it:

Alt + F5

7. Close the Current Window

Instead of moving your mouse to the X button:

Alt + F4

Instantly closes the active window.

8. Rename Files Quickly

Select a file in the File Manager.

Press:

F2

Now you can rename it immediately.

Much faster than right-clicking.

9. Show Hidden Files

One thing that surprises every new Linux user is that many important configuration folders are hidden.

For example:

.config
.local
.cache

To show them:

Ctrl + H

Press it again to hide them.

You'll use this shortcut a lot when customizing Linux Mint or following tutorials.

10. Workspaces – Have Multiple Desktops

One feature I didn't know existed when I started using Linux Mint was Workspaces (also called Virtual Desktops).

Think of it like having multiple desks instead of trying to fit everything onto one.

Instead of minimizing and restoring windows all day, you can organize your work across different workspaces.

For example, you could keep:

🌐 Workspace 1 → Browser
💻 Workspace 2 → Terminal
🎵 Workspace 3 → Music or Chat applications

Now, instead of digging through dozens of open windows, you simply switch to another workspace.

Useful Workspace Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
`Ctrl` + `Alt` + `Up`	Show Workspace Overview
`Ctrl` + `Alt` + `Left`	Switch to the previous workspace
`Ctrl` + `Alt` + `Right`	Switch to the next workspace

Why is this useful?

Imagine you're following a Linux tutorial.

On Workspace 1, you have Firefox open with the tutorial.
On Workspace 2, you're practicing commands in the Terminal.
On Workspace 3, you have Spotify, Telegram, or Slack running.

Instead of minimizing and maximizing windows all the time, you simply press a keyboard shortcut to move between workspaces. Once you get used to this workflow, it feels much cleaner and less distracting.

Tip: If you've never used virtual desktops before, try spending just one day with two workspaces—one for browsing and one for your work. It might feel unusual at first, but many Linux users end up wondering how they ever worked without them.

11. Take Screenshots

Linux Mint makes screenshots easy.

Shortcut	Action
`PrtSc`	Capture the whole screen
`Alt` + `PrtSc`	Capture only the current window
`Shift` + `PrtSc`	Select a specific area

Perfect if you're writing tutorials or asking for help online.

12. Lock Your Computer

This is where I got confused when I first started using Linux Mint.

Coming from Windows, I naturally pressed:

Super + L

But instead of locking my computer, this happened:

Linux Mint opened a strange window called Looking Glass.

At first, I thought something had gone wrong!

It turns out Looking Glass is actually Cinnamon's built-in debugging tool for developers. On some Linux Mint installations, Super + L is assigned to open it instead of locking the screen.

To lock your computer, try:

Ctrl + Alt + L

or check your keyboard shortcuts because this can vary depending on your Linux Mint version.

You can see or change shortcuts here:

Menu
    → Preferences
        → Keyboard
            → Shortcuts

If you prefer the Windows behavior, you can even reassign:

Super + L

to Lock Screen.

That was one of the first customizations I made.

13. Copy, Cut and Paste

These work exactly like Windows.

Shortcut	Action
`Ctrl` + `C`	Copy
`Ctrl` + `X`	Cut
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste
`Ctrl` + `Z`	Undo
`Ctrl` + `A`	Select All

No learning curve here.

14. Terminal Shortcuts You'll Love

Inside the Terminal, some shortcuts are different from regular applications.

Shortcut	Action
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `C`	Copy
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `V`	Paste
`Ctrl` + `L`	Clear the terminal
`Ctrl` + `D`	Exit the terminal
`Tab`	Auto-complete commands
↑ Arrow	Previous command
`Ctrl` + `R`	Search command history

Example

Instead of typing:

sudo apt install firefox

Type:

sudo apt ins

Then press:

Tab

Linux often completes the rest for you.

It's a small feature that saves a surprising amount of typing.

My Advice to New Linux Mint Users

Don't try to memorize 50 shortcuts in one day.

Instead, pick five and use them every day:

Super
Ctrl + Alt + T
Alt + Tab
Super + Left/Right
Ctrl + H

After a week, they'll feel natural.

Then add a couple more.

You'll gradually notice that you're reaching for the mouse less often—and getting things done faster.

Final Thoughts

Learning keyboard shortcuts isn't about showing off. It's about making your daily workflow smoother.

When I first moved to Linux Mint, I kept wondering, "There has to be a quicker way to do this." Most of the time, there was—it was just a keyboard shortcut away.

If you're just starting your Linux Mint journey, learn one new shortcut today. By the end of the month, you'll be navigating your system with much more confidence, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.

Happy learning! 🐧

Rufus vs Ventoy: Why I Started Using Ventoy for Bootable USBs

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 06:33:02 +0000

If you use Windows or Linux, you may have created a bootable USB at some point.

For example, if you want to install Windows 11 or Linux Mint, you can download the ISO file and use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB.

Rufus works very well. But recently, while using Linux Mint, I discovered another tool called Ventoy.

At first, I wondered:

If Rufus already creates bootable USBs, why would I need Ventoy?

After understanding how Ventoy works, I realized that the two tools solve slightly different problems.

Let's look at it in a beginner-friendly way.

What is Rufus?

Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives.

For example, suppose you download the Linux Mint ISO:

linuxmint.iso

You open Rufus, select your USB drive and the ISO file, and Rufus prepares the USB so that you can boot your computer from it.

The process looks like this:

Linux Mint ISO
↓
Rufus
↓
Bootable USB
↓
Install Linux Mint

The same idea works for Windows 11 and many other operating systems.

Rufus is especially useful when you simply want to create one bootable USB for one ISO.

Then what is Ventoy?

Ventoy takes a slightly different approach.

Instead of writing one ISO directly to the USB, you install Ventoy on the USB drive first.

After that, you can simply copy ISO files to the USB like normal files.

For example:

Ventoy USB
│
├── Windows11.iso
├── LinuxMint.iso
├── Ubuntu.iso
├── Fedora.iso
└── Clonezilla.iso

When you boot your computer from this USB, Ventoy shows you a menu.

You can then choose which ISO you want to boot.

Something like:

That's the main idea behind Ventoy.

The biggest difference

This is probably the easiest way to understand the difference:

Rufus:

ISO → Rufus → Bootable USB

You normally repeat the process when you want to replace the ISO.

Ventoy:

Install Ventoy once
↓
Copy ISO files
↓
Boot from USB
↓
Choose an ISO

You don't have to recreate the USB every time you want to use a different ISO.

A simple real-world example

Imagine you have a 64 GB USB drive.

With Rufus, you might create a Linux Mint USB:

USB
└── Linux Mint

Later, you want Windows 11.

You would normally use Rufus again and write the Windows 11 ISO to the USB.

Now the USB becomes:

USB
└── Windows 11

The previous Linux Mint setup is replaced.

With Ventoy, you could have:

USB
├── LinuxMint.iso
└── Windows11.iso

You can boot either one.

And you can add more:

USB
├── LinuxMint.iso
├── Windows11.iso
├── Ubuntu.iso
├── Fedora.iso
└── Clonezilla.iso

Now one USB becomes a small bootable toolkit.

You can add and remove ISOs like normal files

This is one of the things I like most about Ventoy.

Once Ventoy is installed, you don't need a special application every time you want to add an ISO.

You can simply copy the ISO file to the USB.

For example:

Copy:
Ubuntu.iso

Paste into:
Ventoy USB

Finished.

If you don't need it anymore, delete the ISO.

Want to use a newer Linux Mint ISO?

Delete the old ISO and copy the new one.

That's much easier than recreating the entire bootable USB every time.

One USB can contain many operating systems

This is where Ventoy becomes really useful.

You could create a USB containing:

Operating systems

Windows 11
Linux Mint
Ubuntu
Fedora
Debian

Recovery tools

Clonezilla
GParted
Other rescue tools

So instead of having five different USB drives, you can keep everything on one larger USB drive.

For someone who experiments with Linux, this can be very handy.

What about normal files?

Another nice thing is that you can continue using the Ventoy USB as storage.

For example:

Ventoy USB
│
├── ISO
│ ├── Windows11.iso
│ ├── LinuxMint.iso
│ └── Ubuntu.iso
│
├── Documents
├── Drivers
└── Software

So it doesn't have to be a USB drive that you use only for booting.

Ventoy can also support Linux persistence

There is another interesting feature called persistence.

Normally, when you boot a Linux distribution from a Live USB, you can try Linux without installing it.

However, changes you make may disappear after restarting.

With Ventoy's persistence support, certain Linux distributions can keep changes between reboots.

For example:

Boot Linux Mint
↓
Install an application
↓
Change some settings
↓
Create files
↓
Restart
↓
Continue using your changes

This is useful if you want to carry a portable Linux environment with you.

Persistence support depends on the Linux distribution and configuration, so it is worth checking Ventoy's documentation before relying on it.

Does Ventoy replace Rufus?

Not really.

I think of them as two different tools for different situations.

Use Rufus when:

You have one ISO and simply want to create a bootable USB.

For example:

"I downloaded Windows 11 and need to install it on a computer."

Rufus is an excellent choice.

Use Ventoy when:

You want one USB containing multiple bootable ISO files.

For example:

"I want Windows 11, Linux Mint, Ubuntu and some recovery tools on the same USB."

Ventoy is a great choice.

Which one should a beginner use?

If you only occasionally need a bootable USB, Rufus is perfectly fine.

For example:

Download Windows ISO
↓
Open Rufus
↓
Create USB
↓
Install Windows

There is no reason to change your workflow just because Ventoy exists.

But if you regularly experiment with Linux, reinstall operating systems, help friends and family with computers, or want a USB containing several recovery tools, Ventoy becomes much more interesting.

My simple way of remembering it

I remember the difference like this:

Rufus is a bootable USB creator.
Ventoy is a bootable USB library.

With Rufus, you generally think:

"What ISO do I want to put on this USB?"

With Ventoy, you think:

"What ISO files do I want to keep on this USB?"

And that's what makes Ventoy interesting.

Final thoughts

I still think Rufus is an excellent tool, especially when I need to quickly create a bootable Windows or Linux USB.

But Ventoy solves a different problem.

If you have a larger USB drive, installing Ventoy once and keeping several ISO files on it can turn a simple USB stick into a portable operating-system and recovery toolkit.

For a beginner who is starting to explore Linux, it's definitely a tool worth knowing about.

Customize the Date and Time on the Linux Mint Cinnamon Taskbar

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 06:13:15 +0000

When I started using Linux Mint, I spent quite a bit of time exploring small desktop customizations.

One of the simple things I discovered was that Linux Mint Cinnamon lets you customize how the date and time are displayed on the taskbar.

Instead of showing only something like:

Sat Aug 22 07:10 PM

you can change it to something that works better for you.

For example:

Sat, Aug 22 • 07:10 PM

or:

22 Aug 2026 | 07:10 PM

or even:

Saturday, 22 August • 19:10

It is a small change, but it is a nice way to personalize your desktop.

Where can I change it?

On Linux Mint Cinnamon, right-click the clock/date area on the taskbar and open the calendar settings.

You should find a Display section with an option called:

Use a custom date format

Enable it and you will see a field where you can enter your own date and time format.

For example:

%a %b %e | %I:%M %p

The Cinnamon documentation provides a complete reference for these formatting codes.

But what do these strange symbols mean?

At first, the format looks a little confusing:

%a %b %e | %I:%M %p

Don't worry. Each % code simply represents a different part of the date or time.

For example:

Code	Meaning	Example
%a	Short weekday	Sat
%A	Full weekday	Saturday
%b	Short month	Aug
%B	Full month	August
%d	Day with leading zero	02
%e	Day without leading zero	22
%m	Month number	08
%Y	Four-digit year	2026
%y	Two-digit year	26
%H	Hour, 24-hour format	19
%I	Hour, 12-hour format	07
%M	Minutes	10
%S	Seconds	35
%p	AM/PM	PM
%P	am/pm	pm
%Z	Timezone	IST

The complete Cinnamon reference also includes things such as week numbers, day of the year and fractional seconds.

You don't need to remember all of them. Once you understand a few common codes, creating your own format becomes quite easy.

My favorite date and time combinations

Here are some combinations you can try directly in the Date format field.

1. Simple and clean

%a %b %e  %I:%M %p

Result:

Sat Aug 22  07:10 PM

2. More readable

%a, %b %e • %I:%M %p

Result:

Sat, Aug 22 • 07:10 PM

I like this one because the • separates the date and time nicely.

3. Full weekday

%A, %B %e • %I:%M %p

Result:

Saturday, August 22 • 07:10 PM

This takes a little more space, but it looks nice if your panel has enough room.

4. Day first

If you prefer the common Indian/European style of putting the day before the month:

%e %b %Y • %I:%M %p

Result:

22 Aug 2026 • 07:10 PM

This is probably one of my favorite formats for everyday use.

5. Full date with 24-hour time

If you prefer the 24-hour clock:

%e %B %Y • %H:%M

Result:

22 August 2026 • 19:10

This is clean and easy to read.

6. Developer-style format

If you are a developer and like ISO-style dates, you can try:

%Y-%m-%d %H:%M

Result:

2026-08-22 19:10

Very simple and useful if you already work with dates in programming.

7. Developer-style with seconds

Want to see seconds as well?

%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S

Result:

2026-08-22 19:10:35

Personally, I wouldn't use seconds permanently because the clock keeps changing every second, but it can be useful if you like having that information visible.

8. A compact format

If you don't have much space on your taskbar:

%e %b | %H:%M

Result:

22 Aug | 19:10

This gives you the important information without taking too much space.

9. Full date, but still reasonably compact

%a %e %b %Y | %H:%M

Result:

Sat 22 Aug 2026 | 19:10

This is another good everyday option.

You can also use your own separators

One thing I found interesting is that you are not limited to the formatting codes.

You can add normal characters around them.

For example:

%a • %e %b %Y • %I:%M %p

can produce:

Sat • 22 Aug 2026 • 07:10 PM

You can use characters such as:

|
-
/
•
·

So you can experiment with the spacing and separators until you find something you like.

What about the timezone?

There is also a %Z option for the timezone name.

For example:

%e %b %Y • %H:%M %Z

could show:

22 Aug 2026 • 19:10 IST

This can be useful if you regularly work with people in different time zones.

A small tip: don't make it too complicated

It is tempting to add everything:

%A, %e %B %Y • %H:%M:%S %Z

But remember that the taskbar has limited space.

A format like this can become:

Saturday, 22 August 2026 • 19:10:35 IST

That's a lot of information for a small clock.

For everyday use, I prefer something shorter, such as:

%a, %e %b %Y • %H:%M

which gives:

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 • 19:10

Simple, readable and not too wide.

Final thoughts

This is one of those small Linux Mint customizations that I really enjoy.

It doesn't change anything important about the operating system. It simply lets you decide how information should look on your own desktop.

And that's one of the things I like about Linux Mint: you can start with small customizations like the taskbar clock and gradually discover many more ways to make your desktop feel like your own.

If you're new to Linux Mint, don't worry about learning all the strftime codes at once.

Just remember a few:

%a  → Sat
%A  → Saturday
%b  → Aug
%B  → August
%e  → 22
%Y  → 2026
%H  → 19
%I  → 07
%M  → 10
%p  → PM

From there, you can mix and match them and create your own taskbar clock.

My current choice:

%a, %e %b %Y • %H:%M

Which gives me:

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 • 19:10

Small customization, but a nice touch for a Linux desktop.

How I Use the Pomodoro Technique on Linux Mint to Stay Focused

Sunil Pradhan — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 11:23:49 +0000

When I switched to Linux Mint, I started looking for simple apps that could improve my daily workflow. One of the apps I found is Samaya, a clean Pomodoro timer built for Linux.

Instead of trying to work for hours without a break, I started using the Pomodoro Technique, and it has made a noticeable difference in how I stay focused.

If you've never heard of it before, don't worry. It's very simple.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.

The idea is simple:

Work with full focus for 25 minutes.
Take a 5-minute break.
Repeat this cycle four times.
After four sessions, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.

That's it.

Instead of thinking, "I have to work for the next 5 hours," you only need to focus on the next 25 minutes.

Why Does It Work?

Many of us lose focus because of things like:

Checking social media
Reading random websites
Looking at notifications
Watching YouTube "for just 5 minutes"
Constantly switching between tasks

A 25-minute timer creates a small challenge:

"Can I stay focused until the timer rings?"

Because the work session is short, your brain is more willing to stay on one task.

How I Use It While Working on My Laptop

Here's the routine I follow.

Step 1: Choose only one task

Before starting the timer, I decide exactly what I want to finish.

For example:

Write a blog post
Learn React hooks
Record a YouTube tutorial
Fix one bug
Reply to emails

I avoid starting multiple tasks at once.

Step 2: Start the timer

I open the Samaya app and start a 25-minute session.

During these 25 minutes, I don't:

Open YouTube
Check WhatsApp
Read the news
Browse Reddit
Switch to another project

If another idea comes to mind, I quickly write it down and continue working.

Step 3: Take a real break

When the timer ends, I stop working.

For five minutes I might:

Stand up
Stretch
Drink water
Walk around the room
Look away from the screen

I avoid replacing work with more screen time.

Step 4: Start again

After the break, I begin the next 25-minute session.

After completing four sessions, I take a longer break before continuing.

Tips to Get the Most Out of the Pomodoro Technique

1. Turn off notifications

Notifications are one of the biggest reasons we lose focus.

If possible, enable Do Not Disturb while you're working.

2. Keep your phone away

Even seeing your phone on the desk can reduce your concentration.

Keeping it out of reach helps more than most people expect.

3. Work on one thing only

Don't try to write code, reply to emails, and watch tutorials at the same time.

Single-tasking usually gives better results.

4. Plan your day using Pomodoros

Instead of writing a huge to-do list, estimate how many Pomodoro sessions each task needs.

For example:

Write a blog → 2 Pomodoros
Edit YouTube video → 3 Pomodoros
Learn Linux commands → 1 Pomodoro
Read documentation → 2 Pomodoros

This makes your workload feel much more manageable.

5. Don't worry about being perfect

Some days you'll complete ten Pomodoros.

Other days you'll only finish three.

That's completely normal.

The goal is consistency, not perfection.

Is 25 Minutes Always the Best?

Not necessarily.

The classic Pomodoro is:

25 minutes work
5 minutes break

But everyone works differently.

You might prefer:

30/5
40/10
50/10
60/15

Experiment and choose what keeps you productive without feeling exhausted.

Why I Like Samaya on Linux Mint

I like Samaya because it focuses on doing one job well.

It provides a clean timer without unnecessary distractions, making it easy to stay focused on the current task.

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the most useful.

Final Thoughts

The Pomodoro Technique isn't about working harder.

It's about working with better focus.

Even if you only complete four or five focused sessions in a day, you'll often accomplish more than spending hours switching between tasks and getting distracted.

If you're a Linux Mint user looking for a simple way to improve your productivity, give the Pomodoro Technique a try. Pair it with a lightweight timer like Samaya, stay focused during each session, take proper breaks, and let small, consistent efforts add up over time.

Linux Commands for Beginners: mkdir Explained

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:01:06 +0000

When I started using Linux Mint, I often copied terminal commands from tutorials without really understanding what they meant.

One of the first commands I came across was:

mkdir -p ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes

At first, it looked confusing.

What does -p mean? What is ~? Why is there a dot (.) before config?

In this post, I'll explain each part in the simplest way possible.

What is mkdir?

mkdir stands for Make Directory.

It is used to create a new folder.

Example:

mkdir Documents

This creates a folder named Documents.

What does -p mean?

The -p option tells Linux:

"Create parent folders if they don't already exist."

Imagine you want to create this folder structure:

Projects/
└── Python/
└── MyApp/

If none of these folders exist and you run:

mkdir Projects/Python/MyApp

Linux will return an error because the Projects folder doesn't exist.

Instead, use:

mkdir -p Projects/Python/MyApp

Now Linux creates all the missing folders automatically.

Another benefit is that if the folders already exist, mkdir -p won't show an error.

What does ~ mean?

The ~ (tilde) is a shortcut for your Home directory.

For example, if your username is sunil, then:

is the same as:

/home/sunil

You can check this yourself by running:

echo ~

Example output:

/home/sunil

What is .config?

Folders that begin with a dot (.) are hidden folders in Linux.

The .config folder stores configuration files for many applications.

For example:

~/.config
├── brave
├── code
├── gtk-4.0
├── ulauncher
└── ...

Many Linux applications save their settings here.

Putting It All Together

Let's look at the original command again:

mkdir -p ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes

Here's what each part means:

Part	Meaning
`mkdir`	Create a folder
`-p`	Create parent folders if needed
`~`	Your Home directory
`.config`	Hidden configuration folder
`ulauncher/user-themes`	The folders to create

So the command simply means:

Create the user-themes folder inside ~/.config/ulauncher. If any of the parent folders don't exist, create them too.

The final folder structure will look like this:

/home/your-username
└── .config
└── ulauncher
└── user-themes

Beginner Tip

Whenever you see a Linux command, don't just copy and paste it.

Try breaking it into smaller parts:

What is the command?
What do the options (-p, -r, -f, etc.) mean?
Where is the command working?
What will change after running it?

Understanding commands instead of memorizing them makes learning Linux much easier.

Final Thoughts

When I first saw mkdir -p ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes, it looked intimidating.

After breaking it down, I realized it's simply telling Linux to create a folder inside my Home directory and automatically create any missing parent folders.

As a Linux beginner, I've found that understanding one command at a time builds confidence much faster than memorizing dozens of commands.

How to Install Custom Themes in Ulauncher on Linux Mint (Beginner's Guide)

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:41:59 +0000

One of the reasons I switched to Linux Mint was the ability to customize almost everything. After installing Ulauncher, I was impressed by how fast and useful it is for launching applications, searching files, and running commands.

While exploring Ulauncher, I discovered that it also supports custom themes. That's when I realized something—installing a theme isn't as obvious as installing an application. There isn't a simple "Download Theme" button, and as a beginner, I wasn't sure where the files should go.

If you're in the same situation, don't worry. This guide will walk you through the entire process step by step.

What is Ulauncher?

Ulauncher is a lightweight aA PPA is simply application launcher for Linux. Think of it as a quick search bar that lets you:

Launch applications
Search files and folders
Perform calculations
Use extensions for additional features
Save time by using keyboard shortcuts

Instead of searching through the application menu, you can simply press your shortcut key (usually Ctrl + Space) and start typing.

Can You Change Its Appearance?

Yes!

Ulauncher supports custom themes, allowing you to change its colors, fonts, borders, and overall appearance.

This means you can match Ulauncher with your Linux Mint desktop theme or simply choose a design that you like.

Where Are Themes Stored?

One thing that confused me as a beginner was this question:

"Where do I install the theme?"

Unlike Windows, Linux applications often store user-specific configuration files inside your Home directory.

For Ulauncher, custom themes are stored in:

~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes/

Let's understand this path:

Folder	Meaning
`~`	Your Home directory
`.config`	Stores configuration files for applications
`.config/ulauncher`	Ulauncher settings
`.config/user-themes`	Folder for your custom themes

If the folder doesn't exist, we'll create it.

Step 1: Create the Themes Folder

Open Terminal and run:

mkdir -p ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes

What does this command do?

mkdir creates a directory.
-p creates any missing parent directories automatically.
If the folder already exists, nothing bad happens.

Step 2: Download a Theme

Most Ulauncher themes are available on GitHub.

For example, a theme repository might look like this:

https://github.com/username/theme-name

You have two common ways to install a theme.

Option 1: Clone Using Git

Go to the themes folder:

cd ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/username/theme-name.git

Git downloads the theme directly into the correct location.

Option 2: Download a ZIP File

Some theme repositories provide a ZIP download.

If you download a ZIP file:

Extract it.
Move the extracted folder into:

~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes/

Step 3: Verify the Folder Structure

This is probably the most common mistake beginners make.

Your folder should look like this:

user-themes/
└── Dracula/
├── manifest.json
├── theme.css
└── other files...

Notice that manifest.json is directly inside the theme folder.

Incorrect Structure

user-themes/
└── Dracula-master/
└── Dracula/
├── manifest.json

Here, the theme is inside an extra folder, so Ulauncher won't detect it.

Step 4: Select the Theme

Open:

Ulauncher Preferences

Go to:

Color Theme

If everything is installed correctly, your new theme will appear in the list.

Select it, and the new appearance will be applied immediately.

Step 5: Restart Ulauncher (If Necessary)

If the theme doesn't appear, restart Ulauncher.

Run:

pkill ulauncher
ulauncher &

Or simply log out and log back into your Linux session.

How to Check Whether the Theme Is Installed Correctly

List all installed themes:

ls ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes

Example:
Dracula
Nord
Catppuccin
TokyoNight

Now check one theme:

ls ~/.config/ulauncher/user-themes/Dracula

You should see something like:

manifest.json
theme.css
theme-gtk-3.20.css

If manifest.json is missing, Ulauncher won't recognize the theme.

Bonus: You Can Customize Themes Yourself

One thing I really like about Linux is that many applications are highly customizable.

Ulauncher themes are built using CSS, the same language used to style websites.

If you're a web developer (or just curious), you can open files like:

theme.css

theme-gtk-3.20.css

using a text editor such as VS Code and experiment with colors, spacing, fonts, and borders.

Restart Ulauncher to see your changes.

It's a fun way to learn how Linux applications can be customized.

Things I Learned

While installing my first Ulauncher theme, I learned a few useful Linux concepts:

Linux applications often keep user settings inside the ~/.config directory.
The ~ symbol represents your Home directory.
GitHub isn't just for developers—it also hosts themes and other customization files.
Many Linux applications allow customization simply by editing configuration files.
Understanding the folder structure is often more important than running installation commands.

Final Thoughts

As a beginner, I initially expected installing a theme to be as simple as clicking an "Install" button. Instead, I discovered how Linux applications organize their files and how straightforward customization becomes once you understand the directory structure.

After installing my first Ulauncher theme, the process felt much less intimidating. It also gave me a better understanding of how Linux applications store user-specific settings.

If you're just starting your Linux Mint journey, don't be afraid to explore. Customizing your desktop is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn how Linux works behind the scenes, and every small step teaches you something new.

I Finally Understood Linux Repositories (Main, Universe, Restricted & Multiverse) as a Linux Mint Beginner

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:15:43 +0000

Introduction

When I switched from Windows to Linux Mint, I noticed something interesting.

Almost every installation guide started with commands like:

sudo apt install package-name

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:...

The commands worked, but one question kept bothering me:

"Where is Linux downloading these applications from?"

In Windows, we usually visit a website, download an installer, and install it ourselves.

Linux works differently.

Instead of downloading software from random websites, Linux installs most software from repositories.

Once I understood what a repository is, many other Linux concepts suddenly made sense.

Before We Learn About Repositories...

Let's first understand how installing software works in Windows.

Imagine you want VLC Media Player.

What do you usually do?

Open Browser
↓
Search "Download VLC"
↓
Visit Website
↓
Download Installer (.exe)
↓
Double-click
↓
Install

We're so used to this process that we don't even think about it.

Linux takes a different approach.

Linux Works More Like a Phone

Think about your Android phone.

When you want WhatsApp, you don't search Google for an installer.

You simply open the Play Store (Google Play Store).

WhatsApp
Instagram
Spotify
Telegram
Thousands of Apps

Linux has a very similar idea.

Instead of an App Store, it has something called a Repository.

So... What is a Repository?

A repository is simply a trusted online store of software.

It contains thousands of applications that your computer can download safely.

Linux Repository

Firefox
LibreOffice
GIMP
VLC
Thunderbird
VS Code
Thousands more...

When you run:

sudo apt install vlc

your computer doesn't search the internet.

It already knows where the trusted repositories are and downloads VLC from there.

Why Does Linux Have Multiple Repositories?

This confused me at first.

I wondered,

"Why not keep everything in one big repository?"

The answer is simple.

Not all software is the same.

Some software is officially maintained.

Some is maintained by the open-source community.

Some contains proprietary drivers.

Some has legal or licensing restrictions.

To keep things organized, Ubuntu (and Linux Mint) separates software into different repositories.

The Four Main Repository Sections

Repository	Purpose	Think of it as...
Main	Officially supported software	The core, trusted software for Ubuntu/Linux Mint
Universe	Community-maintained software	A huge library of extra applications
Restricted	Proprietary drivers and firmware	Hardware drivers that aren't open source
Multiverse	Software with licensing restrictions	Software that may have legal or licensing limitations

1. Main Repository

This is the repository Ubuntu officially maintains.

Think of it as the core software collection.

Software here is carefully tested and supported.

As a beginner, this is the software you can trust the most.

2. Universe Repository

This is where things get exciting.

The Universe repository contains thousands of additional applications maintained by the open-source community.

Many popular developer tools, utilities, and desktop applications live here.

As a Linux Mint user, you'll probably install software from Universe without even realizing it.

3. Restricted Repository

Some hardware manufacturers don't make their drivers open source.

For example:

NVIDIA graphics drivers
Some Wi-Fi drivers
Hardware firmware

Linux still provides these drivers because they help your hardware work correctly.

They're called Restricted because their licenses don't allow them to be fully open source.

4. Multiverse Repository

Some software has legal or licensing restrictions.

For example, it may be covered by patents or have redistribution rules in certain countries.

Instead of mixing it with the main software repositories, Ubuntu keeps it separate in Multiverse.

Most beginners don't need to worry much about this, but it's useful to know why it exists.

Where Does Linux Mint Get These Repositories?

Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu LTS.

That means it inherits Ubuntu's repository system.

So when you're using Linux Mint, you're also using Ubuntu's trusted software repositories.

What About PPAs?

Sometimes the software you want isn't available in the official repositories.

Or maybe the version there is old.

That's where a PPA (Personal Package Archive) comes in.

A PPA is simply an additional software repository created by a developer or organization.

Think of it like adding another trusted app store.

For example, Ulauncher provides an official PPA.

After adding it, Linux Mint's Update Manager can automatically update Ulauncher just like it updates Firefox or LibreOffice.

Why This Was an "Aha!" Moment for Me

Before learning this, I thought Linux worked like Windows.

Website
↓
Download
↓
Install
↓
Repeat for every update

Now I understand Linux works more like this:

Repository
↓
APT downloads software
↓
Software gets installed
↓
Update Manager keeps it updated

No more searching for installers every time a new version is released.

Key Takeaways

If you only remember five things from this article, remember these:

A repository is a trusted online collection of software.
Linux Mint installs most applications from repositories instead of random websites.
Main contains officially supported software.
Universe contains thousands of community-maintained applications.
PPAs are additional repositories that let you install or receive updates for software that isn't in the official repositories.

Ulauncher on Linux Mint: A Beginner's Guide to Installing, Auto-Start, and Customization

Sunil Pradhan — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:09:34 +0000

When I switched from Windows to Linux Mint, one thing I missed was having a quick launcher to open applications, search files, or perform simple tasks without navigating menus.

While exploring Linux applications, I came across Ulauncher, a lightweight and fast application launcher. After using it for a while, I can say it's one of those small tools that makes using Linux much more enjoyable.

If you're also new to Linux Mint, this guide will help you install Ulauncher, enable it to start automatically, and customize it for your daily workflow.

What is Ulauncher?

Ulauncher is an application launcher for Linux. Think of it as:

Spotlight on macOS
PowerToys Run on Windows

Instead of opening the menu and searching for an application, you simply press a keyboard shortcut, type a few letters, and launch the app instantly.

For example:

Ctrl + Space

Type

fire

and Firefox appears immediately.

It's simple, fast, and becomes part of your daily workflow very quickly.

Installing Ulauncher

Since Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, installing Ulauncher is straightforward.

Method 1 (Recommended): Install from the official PPA

Open Terminal and run:

sudo add-apt-repository universe -y
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:agornostal/ulauncher -y
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ulauncher

This installs Ulauncher and adds its repository so future updates arrive with your normal system updates.

Method 2: Install using the .deb package

You can also download the latest package from the official website.

Go to:

Ulauncher Downloads

Download:

ulauncher_x.x.x_all.deb

Then either:

Option A

Double-click the file.

Linux Mint opens the Software Installer.

Click Install.

Option B

Install from Terminal:

sudo apt install ./ulauncher_x.x.x_all.deb

The downside is that you'll need to manually install future versions unless you later add the PPA.

After installation, search for Ulauncher from the Linux Mint menu and launch it.

Start Ulauncher Automatically

The first thing I wanted was for Ulauncher to start automatically whenever I logged into Linux Mint.

Fortunately, this is already built in.

Open Ulauncher → Preferences and simply enable: Launch at Login

Now every time you log in, Ulauncher runs quietly in the background and is ready whenever you press its shortcut.

Understanding the Preferences

One thing I noticed is that Ulauncher doesn't have hundreds of settings. The interface is intentionally simple, which makes it easy for beginners.

Let's look at each option.

Hotkey

By default, Ulauncher uses:

Ctrl + Space

This shortcut opens Ulauncher.

You can change it to any keyboard shortcut you prefer.

Some popular choices are:

Ctrl + Space
Alt + Space
Super + Space

I personally like **Ctrl + Space** because it's easy to reach.

Color Theme
This changes the appearance of Ulauncher.

The default dark theme already looks nice, but there are many community-created themes available if you want to personalize it.

If you like dark desktops, you'll probably enjoy themes like:

Number of Frequent Apps to Show

This setting controls what happens when you open Ulauncher without typing anything.

If the value is:

nothing is shown.

If you change it to:

Ulauncher may display your most frequently used applications, such as:

Firefox
VS Code
Terminal
Files
Thunderbird

I found this quite useful because the apps I use every day are only one key press away.

Clear Input on Hide

Suppose you search for:

fire

and then close Ulauncher.

With this option enabled, the next time you open it, the search box is empty.

Most users will want to keep this enabled.

Render On

This option is mainly useful if you use multiple monitors.

When enabled, Ulauncher appears on whichever monitor currently has your mouse pointer.

If you only have one monitor, you don't need to worry about this setting.

Don't Hide After Losing Mouse Focus

Normally, clicking anywhere outside Ulauncher closes it automatically.

Enabling this option keeps it open even after clicking another window.

For most people, leaving this disabled is the better experience.

Creating Custom Search Shortcuts

This became one of my favorite features.

Instead of opening websites and searching manually, Ulauncher can search them directly.

For example, the default shortcuts include:

Google

g linux mint

Wikipedia

wiki linux

Stack Overflow

so react hooks

You can create your own shortcuts as well.

Here are a few useful ones.

GitHub

Keyword:

gh

URL:

https://github.com/search?q=%s

Usage:

gh react

YouTube

Keyword:

yt

URL:

https://youtube.com/results?search_query=%s

Usage:

yt linux mint

MDN Documentation

Keyword:

mdn

URL:

https://developer.mozilla.org/search?q=%s

Usage:

mdn fetch

This is especially useful if you're a web developer.

Extensions

While the settings are intentionally simple, Ulauncher becomes much more powerful through extensions.

Extensions add extra functionality without making the interface complicated.

Some popular extensions include:

Calculator
Emoji Picker
Clipboard Manager
Currency Converter
Unit Converter
Weather
Password Manager integration

You can browse and install extensions directly from the Extensions section.

As a beginner, I suggest starting with just one or two extensions instead of installing everything at once.

My Beginner-Friendly Configuration

After experimenting with Ulauncher, this is the setup I currently like:

Setting	Recommendation
Hotkey	Ctrl + Space
Launch at Login	Enabled
Frequent Apps	5
Clear Input on Hide	Enabled
Render On	Monitor with mouse pointer
Don't Hide After Losing Focus	Disabled

This keeps Ulauncher clean, simple, and fast.

Final Thoughts

One thing I appreciate about Ulauncher is that it doesn't try to do everything. It focuses on being a fast launcher and does that really well.

As someone who is still new to Linux Mint, I found it very easy to install, configure, and start using within a few minutes. Even if you only use it to launch applications, you'll probably find yourself reaching for it dozens of times a day.

If you're just starting your Linux journey, I definitely recommend giving Ulauncher a try. It's a small application, but it can make navigating your desktop much faster and more enjoyable.

How to Install Custom Themes and Icons in Linux Mint (Beginner's Guide)

Sunil Pradhan — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:23:37 +0000

One of the best things about Linux Mint is how easy it is to customize. Unlike many operating systems, Linux lets you change the entire look and feel of your desktop with just a few simple steps.

In this guide, I'll show you how to install a beautiful desktop theme and icon pack in Linux Mint. We'll use:

Space Theme – A clean and modern theme inspired by macOS.
MacTahoe Icon Theme – A polished icon pack that gives your desktop a fresh, premium look.

By the end of this tutorial, you'll know how to install and apply any theme or icon pack in Linux Mint.

Step 1: Download the Theme

First, download the Space Theme from GNOME Look.

On the download page, download all of these versions:

Space Light
Space Dark
Space Transparency

Having all versions gives you the flexibility to switch between light and dark desktop styles whenever you want.

Step 2: Download the Icon Pack

Next, download the MacTahoe Icon Theme.

After downloading, you'll have a compressed archive (usually a ZIP or TAR file).

Step 3: Extract the Downloaded Files

Open your Downloads folder.

Extract both the theme archive and the icon archive.

Once extracted, you can delete the original compressed files if you no longer need them.

Step 4: Create the Theme Folder

Now we need to tell Linux Mint where to find custom themes.

Open Files.
Go to your Home folder.
Press Ctrl + H to show hidden files.
Right-click on an empty area.
Select Create Folder.
Name the folder:.themes

Important: The folder name must start with a dot (.). This makes it a hidden folder in Linux.

If you already have a .themes folder, you can skip this step.

Step 5: Copy the Theme

Open the newly created .themes folder.

Now copy the extracted folders:

Space Light
Space Dark
Space Transparency

into the .themes folder.

That's it! Linux Mint can now detect these themes.

Step 6: Create the Icons Folder

Go back to your Home folder.

If you don't already have one, create another hidden folder named:

.icons

Again, remember to include the dot (.) at the beginning.

If the folder already exists, simply open it.

Step 7: Install the Icon Pack

Open the extracted MacTahoe Icon Theme folder.

Depending on the archive, you may see one or more icon theme folders inside.

Copy the icon theme folder(s) into your .icons folder.

Once copied, Linux Mint will be able to use the new icon pack.

Step 8: Apply the Theme

Now it's time to use the new theme.

Open the Application Menu.
Search for Themes.
Open the Themes application.
If you see the simple view, switch to Advanced Settings.

Under Applications, choose either:

Space Light
Space Dark
Space Transparency

You'll immediately notice the new appearance across your applications.

Step 9: Apply the Desktop Theme

In the same Themes window, change the Desktop theme.

You can choose:

Space Light
Space Dark
Space Transparency

The desktop panel, menus, sliders, and other interface elements will update instantly.

Feel free to try all versions and keep the one you like the most.

Step 10: Apply the Icons

Still inside the Themes application:

Click Icons.
Select MacTahoe from the list.

Your folders, system settings, applications, and many other icons will immediately change to the new design.

That's It!

Your Linux Mint desktop now has a fresh new look.

The great thing is that once you learn this process, you can install almost any theme or icon pack from websites like GNOME Look using the same method.

Simply remember:

Themes go inside ~/.themes
Icons go inside ~/.icons

After that, just open the Themes application and apply them.

Happy customizing!

How to Install Yarn on Linux Mint (Using NVM) for React and Vite Projects

Sunil Pradhan — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:06:19 +0000

If you're learning React on Linux Mint, one of the first things you'll need is a JavaScript package manager. While npm comes bundled with Node.js, many React projects also use Yarn.

In this guide, I'll show you how I installed Yarn on Linux Mint after installing Node.js using NVM (Node Version Manager). This is the recommended approach because it keeps your Node.js and package manager versions organized and easy to update.

Prerequisites

Before installing Yarn, make sure you already have:

Node.js installed using NVM
npm (installed automatically with Node.js)

You can verify your installation by running:

node -v
npm -v
which node
which npm

My output looked like this:

If your node and npm paths point to your .nvm directory, then you're ready to install Yarn.

Why I Didn't Install Yarn with npm

Earlier, it was common to install Yarn globally using:

npm install -g yarn

However, if you're using a modern version of Node.js (like Node.js 18, 20, 22, or newer), there's a better way.

Node.js now includes Corepack, a tool that manages package managers like Yarn and pnpm. This means you don't need to install Yarn globally with npm.

Step 1: Check if Corepack is Available

Run:

corepack --version

If you see a version number, Corepack is already installed.

Step 2: Enable Corepack

Enable it by running:

corepack enable

You only need to do this once.

Step 3: Install the Latest Stable Version of Yarn

Run:

corepack prepare yarn@stable --activate

Depending on your Corepack version, you can also use:

corepack use yarn@stable

Both commands activate the latest stable version of Yarn.

Step 4: Verify the Installation

Finally, check the installed version:

yarn --version

If a version number is displayed, Yarn has been installed successfully.

Verify Everything

You can also confirm your complete setup with:

node -v
npm -v
corepack --version
yarn --version

Everything should return version numbers without any errors.

Creating Your First React Project

Once Yarn is installed, creating a new React project with Vite is simple:

yarn create vite my-app

Move into the project folder:

cd my-app

Install the project dependencies:

yarn

Start the development server:

yarn dev

Open the URL shown in the terminal (usually http://localhost:5173) to see your React application running.

Why This Method Is Better

Using NVM together with Corepack offers several benefits:

Keeps Node.js versions easy to manage.
Uses the officially recommended way to install Yarn.
Avoids installing Yarn globally with npm.
Makes switching between different JavaScript projects much easier.
Works well with modern React and Vite applications.

Final Thoughts

If you're using Linux Mint and have installed Node.js through NVM, installing Yarn with Corepack is the cleanest and most future-proof approach.

The setup only takes a few minutes, and once it's done, you're ready to build modern React applications with Vite.

In my next post, I'll show you how to create your first React project using Vite and explain the folder structure so you can understand what each file does.