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

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:

1. Extract it.
2. 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

or

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.