Noctalia 5.3 updates the customizable Wayland desktop shell with a redesigned app launcher, per-monitor dock configurations, and refined workspace window controls.
The release also includes media player background artwork support, a terminal palette inspector, and critical bug fixes addressing excessive CPU usage after compositor disconnections and wallpaper loading delays.
The most obvious change is the redesigned way to search and navigate through apps. Those who prefer the old, plain look can choose it through the settings. There's also an option to only show icons in app categories, while the frequency of use tracking now works regardless of how the results are sorted.
New features in appearance and taskbars
Changes have also been made to where tools and open applications appear. Users can now set up different bars for each monitor, choose to only use pinned programs, and set how long the bar stays visible. There is also an option to hide windows belonging to inactive workspaces.
On the desktop, version 5.3 adds backgrounds with the covers of the songs playing, visual music effects, and adjustable background noise. The music widget can now automatically disappear when no song is playing, while the analog clock gets an option to hide the seconds.
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More customization options
The customization options have been significantly expanded. A new color guide shows terminal colors, floating windows support adjustable colors and border thickness, and users can hide the full-screen close buttons. Other customizations include separate system sounds, screenshot options, and color theme synchronization.
The lock screen now features a password reveal button and an optional grace period for password-free unlocking. Improvements include automatic merging of duplicate calendar events, notifications when a wireless network connection fails, and more understandable service names in Bluetooth connection requests. The add-on store now supports voting.
Bug fixes and security issues
The new version fixes issues that affected system performance, such as high CPU usage after disconnections, delays in loading wallpapers, incorrect screenshots on rotating displays, and problems reconnecting fingerprint readers.
Security fixes are also included. Calculations in the calculator can no longer run programs or access files, while codes revealed on the screen are prevented from being saved to clipboard history or input methods.
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