How to Give Ubuntu 20.04 a macOS Big Sur Look

ByJim Miller

If you're an Ubuntu user, you might be tired of the default look and want to give your desktop a fresh and stylish makeover. One popular choice is to make Ubuntu 20.04 resemble the sleek and elegant macOS Big Sur. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of transforming your Ubuntu desktop into a macOS Big Sur look-alike.

Step 1: Install the WhiteSur GTK Theme

To achieve the exact same look as macOS Big Sur, you'll need to install the WhiteSur GTK theme. This third-party theme, developed by Vince, provides the macOS Big Sur-like application windows, window buttons, top panel, and dock. Start by resolving some dependencies with the following command:

sudo apt install gtk2-engines-murrine gtk2-engines-pixbuf

Next, install a few dependent utilities with the following commands:

sudo apt install sassc optipng inkscape libglib2.0-dev-bin

Once the dependencies are installed, clone the WhiteSur GTK theme repository and run the installation script:

git clone https://github.com/vinceliuice/WhiteSur-gtk-theme
cd WhiteSur-gtk-theme
./install.sh

Now, open “GNOME Tweaks” and navigate to the “Appearance” tab. Change the Applications and Shell values to “WhiteSur-dark” or any other WhiteSur theme of your choice. With these changes, your application windows, window buttons, top panel, and dock will look like macOS Big Sur.

Step 2: Install the WhiteSur Icon Theme

To complete the macOS Big Sur look, you'll also need to install the WhiteSur Icon theme. Clone the WhiteSur Icon theme repository and run the installation script:

git clone https://github.com/vinceliuice/WhiteSur-icon-theme.git
cd WhiteSur-icon-theme/
./install.sh

Once again, open “GNOME Tweaks” and go to the “Appearance” tab. Change the value of Icons to “BigSur-dark” or any other WhiteSur icon theme. The BigSur Icon theme supports a wide range of icons, including popular applications like Brave, App Store, Settings, Calculator, and Text Editor.

Step 3: Get macOS 11 Wallpapers

To complete the macOS Big Sur look, you'll need to get the macOS 11 wallpapers. You can download the wallpapers showcased at the WWDC launch event from this 9To5Mac article. Once downloaded, set your favorite wallpaper as the desktop background.

Step 4: Customize the Ubuntu Dock with Dash to Dock

To give your Ubuntu Dock the finishing touches, use the “Dash to Dock” extension. This popular third-party extension allows you to move the dock to the bottom of the screen and adjust its width and icon size. Download and install the “Dash to Dock” extension from the GNOME Extensions website.

Step 5: Add the Magic Lamp Effect

To add the Genie or Magic Lamp effect, which is triggered while minimizing a window in macOS, install the “Compix alike magic lamp effect” GNOME extension. Once installed, your macOS Big Sur transformation will be complete.

Now you can enjoy the sleek and modern look of macOS Big Sur on your Ubuntu 20.04 desktop. Give it a try and let us know in the comments how you customized your home screen setup.

Also Read: 10+ Best Themes For Ubuntu 20.04 in 2020