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

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.

1. Open Files.
2. Go to your Home folder.
3. Press Ctrl + H to show hidden files.
4. Right-click on an empty area.
5. Select Create Folder.
6. 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.

1. Open the Application Menu.
2. Search for Themes.
3. Open the Themes application.
4. 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:

1. Click Icons.
2. 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!